Possession Small-sided games

End Zone Game for Soccer

The end zone game for soccer works like a touchdown: a team scores when a player runs into the zone they are attacking and receives a pass there. There are no goals, so the focus moves from shooting to the pass and run that break a defensive line.

AgesU8 to adult
Players6 to 16
Space40 × 30 m
Time20 min
IntensityHigh

Animate it in DrawTactics

It develops the timing of forward runs, the weight of a through pass and the patience to keep the ball until the run is on. Defenders learn to track runners rather than watch the ball. It is a good bridge between a possession game and a game to goals.

Setup

Mark a 40 × 30 m area with a 5 m end zone at each end. Play 5 Reds against 5 Blues, 10 players in all, in the space between the zones. A team scores when a player runs into the end zone they attack and receives a pass there; players can't wait in the zone before the ball is played. After a score, the team that scored keeps the ball and attacks the other way.

EquipmentDiscs or cones to mark the end zones, Bibs, Supply of balls

How it works

A Red passes to a teammate in the middle of the area, and the nearest Blue steps up to press.
Another Red times a run into the end zone, receives the pass there to score, and a second Blue arrives too late on the passer.

Diagram of the end zone game for soccer with every pass and run — Every step of the drill on one diagram.

Coaching points

Time your run into the zone so you arrive with the ball, not before it
Look for the pass in behind as soon as the defense steps up
Width on both sides stretches the defense and opens gaps
Defenders track runners into the zone instead of watching the ball
Pass into the runner's path so they can receive without stopping

Make it harder

The receiver must stop the ball dead inside the zone
Defenders are allowed into the end zone
A pass must cross the halfway line before a score counts

Make it easier

Add a neutral who plays for the team in possession
Make the end zones deeper
Allow a player to dribble into the zone to score

Adapting it by age

U8–U10

Play 4v4 in a 30 × 20 m area with 8 m end zones, and let dribbling into the zone count as well as receiving a pass. Keep the rules simple.

U12–U14

Use the default 5v5 at 40 × 30 m with 5 m zones. Add a neutral if scores are rare, and introduce the stop-the-ball rule once runs are well timed.

U15 to adult

Go 7v7 at 50 × 35 m, let defenders into the zone and limit players to two touches. Add an offside line at the edge of the zone to sharpen the timing.

Common mistakes

Attackers stand in the end zone waiting for the ball. Only count a score when the receiver enters the zone after the pass is played.

Every attack is a hopeful long ball toward the zone. Require three passes before a score counts, so the team has to work an opening first.

Nobody stays wide, so the defense stays compact and blocks the middle. Ask for one player near each side line in possession and point out the gaps that appear.

Defenders turn and watch the ball instead of the runner. Coach a side-on stance that lets them see both, and give a point for intercepting a pass into the zone.

FAQ

How does an end zone game work in soccer?
Teams score by passing to a teammate who runs into the zone at the end they attack, instead of shooting into a goal.

How deep should the end zones be?
About five meters suits most groups. Make them deeper for younger players or to make scoring easier, and shallower for older players.

Make this drill your own

Open the end zone game for soccer in DrawTactics to change the numbers and the size of the area, move the players, and export your own animation or diagram for your team. Or add it to a free session plan and print it.

Animate it in DrawTactics