Equipment Needed
- Several balls
- Cones to mark grid
Tell the sides apart at a glance
A set of pinnies makes team shape instantly readable, which speeds up coaching points during a busy 4v4.
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- Mark a grid roughly 30x20 yards with a small goal at one end; four defenders protect it against four attackers.
- Attackers start with the ball at the opposite end.
Instructions
- Attackers try to work the ball into a scoring position against the four defenders.
- Defenders shift together as a line, staying compact and cutting off central passing lanes.
- When the ball is won, defenders look to clear or counter quickly.
- Play timed 3-minute rounds, then switch which group defends.
Coaching Points
- The whole line moves together — one defender stepping out alone breaks the shape for everyone.
- Show the attacker toward the sideline, not into the middle of the field, whenever possible.
- Talk constantly to coordinate the shift; silent defending falls apart under pressure.
- Stay compact vertically too — too much space between the back line and midfield invites through balls.
Variation
Add a neutral midfield player who always plays for the attacking team to create an overload, or limit defenders to two touches when they win the ball.