Small-sided games

Small Sided Games: 4v4 to Mini Goals

Small sided games are the simplest way to give every player lots of touches, decisions and goals, and this one strips it right back: two small teams, a mini goal at each end and no goalkeepers. With so few players, nobody can hide and everyone attacks and defends.

AgesU6 to adult
Players4 to 12
Space30 × 20 m
Time20 min
IntensityHigh

Animate it in DrawTactics

It develops dribbling, quick finishing, support around the ball and the reaction when possession changes. Use it as the game at the end of almost any session, or as the main activity for younger age groups who learn most from just playing football.

Setup

Mark a 30 × 20 m pitch with a mini goal in the middle of each end line. Play 4 Reds against 4 Blues, 8 players in all, with no goalkeepers. After a goal or when the ball goes out over an end line, the defending team restarts with a pass in from beside its own goal; use kick-ins or dribble-ins on the side lines.

Equipment2 mini goals, Cones to mark the pitch, Bibs, Supply of balls by each goal

How it works

A Red passes to a teammate, and a Blue jumps in to press the receiver.
The receiver drives forward with the ball while another Red runs wide to give a second option.
The ball carrier shoots early into the mini goal.

Diagram of the small sided games: 4v4 to mini goals with every pass and run — Every step of the drill on one diagram.

Coaching points

Attack the space as soon as your team wins the ball
Give the player on the ball an option behind and one beside them
Shoot early: small goals reward quick finishes
Defend the middle first and force play wide
Win it back as a group: the nearest player presses and the next one covers

Make it harder

Two mini goals at each end
A goal after five passes counts double
Goals only count from inside the attacking half

Make it easier

Add a neutral who plays for the team with the ball
Use bigger goals or a wider pitch
Play 3v3 so each player gets more of the ball

Adapting it by age

U8–U10

Play 3v3 or 4v4 on a 25 × 18 m pitch and let them get on with it. Restart quickly with a new ball from the side so there is little standing around.

U12–U14

Play 4v4 on the default 30 × 20 m pitch in four-minute games with short rests. Add the five-pass double-goal rule to make teams keep the ball as well as attack.

U15 to adult

Go 5v5 or 6v6 on 40 × 25 m with two mini goals at each end and a two-touch limit, and count a goal within five seconds of winning the ball as double.

Common mistakes

Games run too long and the intensity drops. Play rounds of three to five minutes with a minute of rest, and rotate teams or opponents.

Everyone chases the ball in a swarm. Ask who is giving the option behind and who is giving width, and praise the player who spots the space.

One player stands on the goal line and acts as a keeper. Mark a two-meter no-entry zone in front of each mini goal.

The coach stops play constantly to correct things. Let the game flow and coach in short breaks between rounds or with quick comments on the move.

FAQ

What is the best size for a 4v4 small sided game?
Around 30 × 20 m works well. Make it bigger for more running and time on the ball, smaller for more pressure and more 1v1 duels.

Why play small sided games without goalkeepers?
Mini goals with no keeper reward quick shots and lots of attempts, and they keep every player involved in the outfield play.

How long should each small sided game last?
Three to five minutes per game with a short break keeps the intensity high. Several rounds add up to 15 to 20 minutes.

Make this drill your own

Open the small sided games: 4v4 to mini goals 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