This traditional coaching game is
great for getting players to play with their heads up, watch what is going on around them
and move into spaces where they can influence the game.
Experience: beginners/intermediate.
Set-up: Play 4v4 on a 30-yard square with two goals at each end.
The goals should be set a few yards in from each corner of the pitch.
How to play: Each team defends the
two goals at one end of the pitch and attacks the other two.
Coaching
points: Watch for attacking players moving to unguarded goals and congratulate
them. Similarly, stop play and congratulate defenders who track attackers or cover open
goals.
Progression:
Place a goal on each sideline and allocate each team two goals to attack and two to
defend. This may look chaotic to begin with but it improves spatial awareness.
Restrict the number of touches each player can have before passing or shooting. For
younger players, three touches is appropriate. For older or more experienced players
two-touch is good. You can even try restricting them to one-touch.