Small-sided game · 18 seconds
4v4 Dribble to Score
A 4 v 4 small-sided game, from SoccerDrive, with no keepers and no big goals. There is a small goal in each of the four corners, and each team attacks the two at the opponent's end. You score by dribbling the ball over the line and into one of those corner goals, in control, so it is not a shooting game: it rewards keeping the ball, spotting the moment to dribble into space, and sharp 1 v 1s both ways. Each team sets up in a diamond. Move the ball to pull the defenders out of their compact shape, switch it to whoever is free on the opposite side, and when the moment comes, take the first touch forward and drive at a corner. The instant you lose it, react and win it back; the instant you win it, go the other way with a quick first pass. Restarts are dribbled in with the nearest defender five yards off. 8 players, 4 v 4 in diamonds, on a 30 by 20 yard grid with a small goal in each corner.
Instructions
- 4v4 on a 30 by 20 grid, each team in a diamond. Score by dribbling over the far line, in control, into one of the two small corner goals
- Build up and keep possession, move the ball to pull the defenders out of their compact shape
- Recognise the moment to dribble into space, then commit and drive at a corner gate
- Lose it and react instantly: press, cover, stay compact. Win it and explode out with a quick first pass. Restarts are dribbled in, defender 5 yards off
- Keep possession as a four, then pick the moment to dribble into space and attack a corner gate
- Defend with pressure, cover and balance: nearest presses, the others cover and stay compact
- The instant you lose it, react and win it back; the instant you win it, explode out with a quick first pass
- 1v1s matter both ways: sharp moves to beat your player, strong and patient 1v1 defending
Variation
- Two touch in midfield to force quicker passing, unlimited touches near a gate to free the dribble. A gate counts double if you beat a defender 1v1 on the way in. You can only dribble to score from inside the attacking half.
Building lineups in seconds
Set your team sheet, plan your substitutions, and share it with the parents before you leave the car park.
