Small-sided games
The game is the best teacher. These small-sided games each have a twist that focuses on one skill.
Small-sided games are mini matches like 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 that give every player more touches, more decisions and more goals than a big game. They're the backbone of modern youth coaching.
2v2 to four goals
Each team can score in either of two small goals at the end it attacks. Players learn to switch the play to the open goal.
U6 to U12 · 4 per pitch players · Games of 2 to 3 mins
See the drill →3v3 end-zone game
Score by dribbling the ball into the end zone and stopping it there. Rewards running with the ball and support play, and suits Future Fit 3v3 sessions.
U7 to U13 · 6 per pitch players · Games of 3 to 4 mins
See the drill →4v4 with four corner goals
Each team defends two corner goals and attacks two. Teaches switching play and looking up, because the open goal is usually on the other side.
U8 to U14 · 8 to 10 players · 16 mins (4 x 4)
See the drill →Conditioned game: free wide zones
A match with a 5 m channel on each wing where wide players can't be tackled. Encourages teams to use width, and gives wingers and full-backs time to make good decisions.
U9 to adult · 12 to 18 players · 20 mins
See the drill →5v5 game with the build-out rule
A 5v5 match played with the build-out and retreat rules from FA Future Fit. Every goal kick is a pass, every restart a chance to play. The right end-of-session game for U8 and U9.
U8 to U9 · 10 to 12 including keepers players · 20 mins
See the drill →3v3 pass or dribble goals
A 3v3 where you can score in a mini goal, or by dribbling over the end line for double points. Players have to choose: pass, shoot or dribble.
U7 to U12 · 6 (or more pitches) players · 15 mins
See the drill →4v4 with keepers
Four outfield players a side with keepers in full goals. A brilliant all-round game: every player attacks, defends, shoots and makes decisions every minute.
U8 to adult · 10 players · 15 to 20 mins
See the drill →Numbers game (called overloads)
Each player has a number; the coach calls numbers and those players race on to play. Calling uneven numbers creates 2v1s, 3v2s and recovery runs. Easy to manage, endless variety.
U8 to U14 · 8 to 16 players · 15 mins
See the drill →3v3 festival game (no keepers)
The Future Fit 3v3 format for U7: no keepers, small goals, short games and rotating opponents. Maximum touches, maximum fun.
U6 to U8 · 6 per pitch players · 6 to 10 mins per game
See the drill →5v5 with two floaters
Two neutral floaters play for whichever team has the ball, creating a 7v5 in possession. Teams learn to use overloads and attack quickly.
U9 to adult · 12 players · 15 mins
See the drill →7v7 switch-of-play game
A 7v7 game where goals count double if the attack has switched from one wide channel to the other. Teaches width and patience in the 7v7 format.
U10 to U12 · 14 plus keepers players · 15 to 20 mins
See the drill →Line ball (dribble over the line)
Teams score by dribbling the ball over the opponents' end line under control. No goals, no keepers: just brave dribbling, support and defending as a group.
U7 to adult · 8 to 16 players · 12 mins
See the drill →Two-ball chaos game
A normal game with two balls in play at once. Players must scan, communicate and decide which ball to attack or defend. Busy, noisy and brilliant for awareness.
U8 to U14 · 10 to 16 players · 10 mins
See the drill →Wembley knockout game
Everyone plays for themselves (or in pairs) attacking one goal; score and you're through to the next round. Endless finishing and 1v1s, with a winner at the end.
U7 to U13 · 8 to 20 players · 15 mins
See the drill →Power play (scorers bring a teammate on)
Start 3v3 with subs waiting; when a team scores, they bring on an extra player. Teams that score get an overload, so the other team must defend smartly.
U8 to adult · 10 to 16 players · 12 to 15 mins
See the drill →4v4 with wide neutrals to cross
A 4v4 in the middle with a neutral wide player in each channel who can only cross. Teaches attacking the box from crosses and defending them.
U10 to adult · 10 plus keepers players · 15 mins
See the drill →Three-goal game
Each team attacks three small goals spread along the end line and defends three. Teaches attacking the weakest-defended goal and switching play.
U8 to adult · 8 to 14 players · 12 to 15 mins
See the drill →Futsal-style 5v5
A 5v5 with a low-bounce ball, kick-ins instead of throw-ins and quick restarts, following futsal ideas. Builds sole control, quick passing and creativity.
U8 to adult · 10 plus subs players · 15 to 20 mins
See the drill →Silent football game
A normal game with one rule: no talking. Players must look up and use eye contact and movement to communicate. Great for scanning, and a fun change from the usual.
U9 to adult · 8 to 16 players · 8 to 10 mins
See the drill →Dribble-in restarts game
A small-sided game where every restart (side line, goal line, free kick) is a dribble-in or pass-in, as in mini-soccer. Players learn to restart quickly and use space.
U7 to U11 · 10 to 14 players · 15 mins
See the drill →Score off the bounce
Each team has a neutral forward on the end line who plays for whoever attacks. Goals only count after the ball has bounced off a forward. Rewards playing forward, support and finishing first time.
U9 to adult · 8 to 12 plus keepers players · 15 mins
See the drill →Attack v defence with counter goals
Attackers build from halfway and try to score; defenders win it and counter into mini-goals. A game-related practice for any attacking theme, with real defending and transitions.
U10 to adult · 10 to 16 plus a keeper players · 20 mins
See the drill →Building a session?
Tell the free session planner your age group, numbers and what to work on, and it builds a full session from drills like these.
Coaching guides
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