Four-Goal Frenzy
Four goals, two each to attack — constant scanning, constant decisions, and no hiding in a corner of the grid.
Step 1 of 3·Break through the middle third
Set-up
40 x 30 grid with a cone goal on each side. Two teams of four; each team attacks two goals (the opposite pair).
By age group
- U7-U8
- Smaller grid, bigger goals, and coaches coach from between the goals.
Run it in order
- 1
Score in either of your two goals — one point each.
- 2
After a goal, the scoring team restarts from their own end line.
- 3
Ball out of play = dribble-in restart, no throws.
- 4
Rotate which pair of goals each team attacks every four minutes.
Coaching points
Two goals means two decisions — scan before you receive, not after.
If one goal is plugged, the other is open: move the ball, not the mob.
Celebrate the pass that opened the goal as loudly as the goal.
Progressions
- Two-ball version for round three.
- Left-foot goals count double.
Make it easier
- Three goals (remove the north goal) to simplify decisions.
More small-sided games
All drills- 30 x 20
3v3 + 2 Neutrals
Three-a-side in a grid with two neutral servers on the sidelines — always a man over, so the team in possession learns to use it.
8+ players 15 minDevelopmentSmall-sided gamesU11-U12U13-U14 - 30 x 20
Bounce Player Game
3v3 with a bounce player on each sideline who plays for the team in possession — a wall pass on tap, teaching players to use the extra man instead of forcing it.
8+ players 15 minDevelopmentSmall-sided gamesU9-U10U11-U12 - Numbers game
The Numbers Game
Two teams line up either side; the coach calls numbers and those players race in to play — the classic that sneaks 1v1s, 2v2s and loads of decisions into one game.
8+ players 15 minFoundationSmall-sided gamesU7-U8U9-U10U11-U12