4v4 with Four Mini Goals
4v4 small-sided game in 35x25 m in which each team defends two mini goals. Forces players to switch play, read the free goal and defend as a compact unit.
Step 1Fijar a la defensa
1 / 3
El equipo rojo mueve el balón hacia un lado y la defensa azul bascula.
Objective
Improve reading of free space and switching play in attack, as well as defensive shifting and cover when protecting two targets.
Organisation
35x25 m rectangle with two mini goals on each end line, 10 m apart. Two teams of four in bibs and spare balls at each goal for immediate restarts. No goalkeepers.
Development
- 1Each team attacks the two opposite mini goals and defends its own; a goal can be scored in either.
- 2After a goal, the conceding team restarts from its own end line.
- 3When the defence shifts towards one goal, the attacking team must quickly switch play with a long pass or a dribble towards the free side.
- 4Goals scored after a switch of play (pass from one side to the other and a finish in fewer than three touches) count double.
- 54-minute games; the waiting team passes on the outside and comes in against the winner.
Coaching points4
- Look before receiving to know which goal is less protected.
- Pin the defence towards one goal and switch play the moment they shift.
- In defence, all four players move together and the furthest one covers the far goal.
- Finish low and placed: the mini goal rewards accuracy, not power.
Common mistakes3
- Always attacking the nearest goal without reading the defenders' position.
- Defenders chasing the ball and leaving the second goal uncovered.
- Slow switches of play with many touches that allow the defence to reorganise.
Variations3
- Restrict players in the opponent's half to two touches.
- Add an attacking joker to play 5v4 and make circulation easier.
- A goal only counts if every player of the attacking team is in the opponent's half.
Progressions1
- Reduce the area to 30x20 m to demand faster decisions.
Regressions2
- Enlarge to 40x30 m and play 5v5 to give more time on the ball.
- Allow scoring in only one goal per possession to simplify the reading.
Tips
- Angle the mini goals slightly towards the pitch so both are visible from the middle.
- Use breaks to ask players where the free goal was.