Dutch 4v4 line game: dribble and stop the ball on the line
Classic form of the Dutch (KNVB) 4v4 method: in 25x20 m you score by dribbling the ball under control and stopping it anywhere on the opposition end line, which forces the defence to protect the full width of the pitch.
Step 1Amplitud
1 / 3
El 1 juega al 4 por dentro mientras el 3 se abre a la banda; el defensor 1 presiona el balón.
Objective
Develop bravery in possession and attacking 1v1 (first touch into space, feints, changes of pace) and, in defence, organisation across the width to close the whole line, with fast transitions.
Organisation
25x20 m rectangle with both end lines marked with cones across their full width. Two teams of four in bibs, no keepers. Teams start from their own end line; spare balls on the touchlines. No offside; indirect free kicks.
Development
- 1The defending team starts with a pass to the attacking team, who set off from their end line.
- 2Score by dribbling the ball under control and stopping it with the sole on the opposition end line, at any point across its width.
- 3The defending team must cover the whole line: the nearest player presses the ball carrier, the others shift to close the wide spaces.
- 4If a defender wins the ball, his team attacks the opposite line without stopping play.
- 5Ball out over the touchline: restart with a first-time pass from the line; after a goal, the team that conceded restarts from its own line.
- 6Three attacks per team or 4-minute games; an extra point rewards a nutmeg or a feint that beats an opponent.
Coaching points4
- First touch away from the feet to attack the space ahead.
- Feints and changes of pace to beat the opponent 1v1; then drive at speed.
- Off the ball: spread out so the ball carrier has space and options.
- In defence, act as a unit: pressure on the ball and cover across the full width.
Common mistakes3
- Dribbling with short, slow touches that let the defender close in.
- All four defenders in the middle, leaving the flanks free.
- Crossing the line at full speed without stopping the ball: it does not count.
Variations3
- Score in two small goals at the ends of the line instead of the whole line (four line goals).
- Double points if the scoring team gets back to its own line with the ball without losing it.
- Long, narrow pitch (40x15 m) to demand more direct, penetrating play.
Progressions2
- Add an attacking floater to create 5v4 and more wide 1v1s.
- Play with a full goal and keeper at one end and a line goal at the other (combination game).
Regressions2
- Reduce to 3v3 in 20x15 m.
- Restrict defending to their own half for the first minutes.
Tips
- Reward creativity: dribbles, nutmegs and feints count as extra points.
- Rotate the teams every three attacks so the tempo never drops.