4v4 Small-Sided Game on Four Mini-Goals: Switching Play
Small-sided game with two mini-goals per team. Develops width, quick ball circulation, and scanning to exploit open space.
In Possession · Switching play to the open side4v430 x 25 mU8 to U154 x 4 mins
Organisation
- • Pitch measuring 30 x 25 m with two mini-goals set wide on each endline.
- • Teams of four, no goalkeepers.
- • Footballs positioned around the perimeter for quick restarts.
Rules
- • Score in either of the opponent's two mini-goals.
- • A goal scored directly after switching play (moving the ball from one side to the other) counts for 2 points.
- • Pass-in or dribble-in when the ball goes out of play.
Coaching points
- • Provide maximum width in possession to stretch the opposition.
- • If the opponent overloads one goal, switch the play quickly to attack the other.
- • Defensive transition/pressing: shift across as a compact unit rather than everyone diving towards the ball.
- • Make quick decisions: dribble into open space, pass when pressured.
Variations
- • Easier: 5v3 or add a neutral floater (4v4+1).
- • Harder: Maximum 3 touches per player.
- • Position the mini-goals wider apart to further incentivise switching play.