Tight 4v4 with counter goals
A 4v4 possession game in a tight space where the defending team can score in small goals as soon as it wins the ball. Keeping the ball under real pressure, with consequences.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- A tight square with a small goal on each side.
- Two teams of four.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, 4 small goals, balls
How it works
- Team in possession scores a point for 8 passes.
- Defenders win it and can score in any small goal straight away.
- Teams swap roles after every point.
Coaching points
- Protect the ball: body between opponent and ball.
- Lose it? Press to stop the counter goal.
- Move to the free side.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- 6 passes
Make it harder
- Two-touch for the possession team
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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More possession drills
Possession with neutrals (4v4+2)
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See the drill โEnd-to-end possession (target players)
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See the drill โThree-team possession
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See the drill โKeep-ball with overloads (5v2 to 5v5)
Start with a big overload so players taste success, then add defenders every few minutes until it's even. A simple progression that builds possession under growing pressure.
See the drill โPossession to score through gates
Teams score by passing through a gate to a teammate on the other side. With gates everywhere, players learn to switch play and find the free option.
See the drill โPossession with wall (bounce) players
A 3v3 or 4v4 in the middle with bounce players on each side who play for whoever has the ball. Teaches using support players, quick combinations and switching.
See the drill โ