Small-Sided games are a popular way to develop players of all ages; from youth to professional level. The small-sided format allows players multiple game-like scenarios in congested space/time. Coaches can choose to utilize the 4v4 format to develop various technical + tactical aspects of the game; the following activities are examples of how a Coach can manipulate these rules/restrictions to emphasize different technical/tactical aspects of the game.
Below is a list of benefits of using a small-sided game format:
- Simplified version of 11v11
- Restrictions of space / time = Increased actions per minute
- Increased actions per minute = more frequent decision-making and execution of decisions (Ex)
- More passes attempted, More 1v1’s attempted, More chances to score
- Different rules/restrictions/constraints create different problems to solve
- More touches on the ball
- Goalkeeper (if available) can be used more frequently in game-like scenarios
- No set positions, players free to rotate
1.
Setup:
A 4v4 is organised as shown (Multiple playing areas can be organised to accommodate entire squad) Playing area has ‘end-zones’ (shaded in diagram).
Instructions:
4v4 – EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPING 1v1 SCORING SITUATIONS:
Play is started with a pass from the Coach (C) to either team. Team attempts to maintain possession through quick ball circulation and movement.
Players are encouraged to identify / exploit 1v1 situations – goals are scored by successfully beating an opponent and dribbling into the end-zone.
Play is continuous.
Coaching Points:
- Quick ball circulation + Movement until 1v1 situation can be exploited
- Receiving under pressure in various scenarios: opponent in-front, opponent behind, opponent from the side, etc.
- Players need to recognise when they can face the opponent / dribble + score
- Be positive in attack – ‘go at the Defender’!
2.
Setup:
A 4v4 is organised as shown (Multiple playing areas can be organised to accommodate entire squad) Playing area has ‘end-zones’ (shaded in diagram) + mini-goals.
Instructions:
4v4 – EMPHASIS ON FINAL PASSES INTO SPACE:
Play is started with a pass from the Coach (C) to either team. Team attempts to maintain possession through quick ball circulation and movement.
Goals are scored by receiving a pass into the End-Zone and passing into either mini-goal.
Play is continuous.
Coaching Points:
- Quick ball circulation + Movement until opportunity to play ‘Final Pass’ into space.
- Be positive in attack – make forward runs into space.
- Communication between teammates – Moment / Timing of runs into space + Moment / Timing of pass into space.
- Receiving under pressure in various scenarios: opponent in-front, opponent behind, opponent from the side, etc.
3.
Setup:
A 4v4 is organised as shown – 3v3 centrally + 1 Target (T). Playing area has ‘end-zones’ (shaded in diagram) + mini-goals.
Instructions:
4v4 – EMPHASIS ON FORWARD PASSES TO TARGET PLAYER:
Play is started with a pass from the Coach (C) to either team in the central area.
Team attempts to maintain possession through quick ball circulation and movement.
Goals are scored by passing to the Target player (T) in the End-Zone – Target player must pass the ball back to any supporting player to score in either mini-goal
NOTE: Target player may use 1 or 2-touch depending on ability). Play is continuous.
Coaching Points:
- Quick ball circulation + Movement until opportunity to play Forward is available
- Supporting runs to receive pass from Target player – players must be positive and immediately run forward to support the Target player
- Communication between teammates – Moment / Timing of runs to offer support
4.
Setup:
A 4v4 is organised as shown – 3v3 centrally + 1 Target (T). Playing area has ‘end-zones’ (shaded in diagram) + mini-goals.
Instructions:
4v4 – EMPHASIS ON FORWARD PASSES TO TARGET PLAYER:
Play is started with a pass from the Coach (C) to either team in the central area.
Team attempts to maintain possession through quick ball circulation and movement. Goals are scored by passing to the Target player (T) in the End-Zone – Target player must pass the ball back to any supporting player to score in either mini-goal.
NOTE: Target player may use 1 or 2-touch depending on ability). Play is continuous.
Coaching Points:
- Quick ball circulation + Movement until opportunity to play Forward is available
- Supporting runs to receive pass from Target player – players must be positive and immediately run forward to support the Target player
- Communication between teammates – Moment / Timing of runs to offer support