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.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Two teams on opposite sidelines, each player numbered.
- Two goals (with or without keepers).
Equipment: 2 goals, bibs, balls
How it works
- Coach calls one or more numbers and plays a ball in.
- Those players race on and play until a goal or the ball goes out.
- Call uneven numbers (e.g. '2 and 5' for one team, '3' for the other) to create overloads.
Coaching points
- React quickly to your number.
- Overloads: attack fast before the extra defender arrives.
- Underloads: delay, get goal-side, wait for help.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Call even numbers
Make it harder
- Late runner joins after 5 seconds
- Limit touches for the team with more players
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.
More small-sided games drills
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.
See the drill โ3v3 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.
See the drill โ4v4 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.
See the drill โConditioned 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.
See the drill โ5v5 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.
See the drill โ3v3 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.
See the drill โ