This document contains descriptions of several small-sided games (SSGs) involving 4v4 or similar formats. Each SSG is presented with a diagram outlining the playing area, objectives, potential variations, and suggested coaching points. The SSGs focus on skills like passing, crossing, finishing, possession play, counterattacking, and building out from the back with the goalkeeper. The coach is advised to adjust exercises based on the abilities and development needs of the players.

1. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4:Four Corners game
Diagram:
Area: 25 yards x 25 yards with 4, 5x5 yards corner target areas
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Yellows will play the ball into the red team whose objective is to switch the ball to either player in zone 3 or 4. If the pass is a success then the ball is played across to the opposite corner (i.e. zone 3 to 4, or 4 to 3). This then allows the central players the opportunity to judge when to come into receive. If the pass is a success then the same team gains possession to switch again. If the pass isn’t successful then the possession turns over.
Variations:
 The ball can only be switched 1 to 4 and 2 to 3.
 Limit the number of touches.
 Once the ball is played into the central area then the outside yellow player can come in and support to create a 5v4 overload.
Coaching Points:
 Timing to come and receive off the outside players.
 Receiving opened out on the back foot. (View the 360 degree field early).
 Choice on technique to switch the play early (Lofted/ driven depending on the defenders position).
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

2. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4: Crossing and Finishing’.
Diagram:
Area: 2 penalty areas with 4 crossing zone the depth of the 18 yard box and 10 yards wide.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Goal keeper will through the ball out diagonally to the high support players. The ball will be delivered into the box where the two attackers will attack the ball against the two defenders. The first team to 2 goals will stay on and the loosing team will become the four outside support players.
Variations:
 Only have one defender against the two attackers.
 One of the defenders can attack the cross to create a 3v2 overload.
 Ball is played into the defensive half before being played wide.
Coaching Points:
 Quality of the delivery (technique in relation to the position of the goal keeper and attackers).
 Attackers interchanging with their runs- attacking POMO 1 and 2.
 Technique of the finish – control of the technique over power.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

3. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 + GK Round Robin’.
Diagram:
Area: 2 penalty areas, with full sized goals (one at each end).
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: The game is open play and it is first to 2, winners stay on.
Variations:
 Increase or decrease the number of touches.
 Stipulations, i.e. 1 touch finish, must perform a 1-2 before scoring etc.
Coaching Points:
 Promote good width and depth. (Diamond shape).
 Players to be inventive and not predictable.
 Rotation of positions.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

4. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v3: Counter attacking with GK’s
Diagram:
Area: 30 x 20 yards with full sized goals.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: The blues will attack 4v3 and will look to strike to goal. Once they strike to goal (score, hit the target or miss) they will retreat to touch their post before coming out as 3 to defend. As soon as the blues have had a shot the reds will come out towards goal as a 4. (4v3). this sequence will continue from end to end. If the defending team wins the ball they have 5 seconds to score. The overload will only change over on the attacking team striking to goal. The game is first to 2, winners stays on.
NB:
 This a very tiring exercise, so drinks/ rest breaks should be incorporated appropriately.
 When defenders retreat is important they touch the post to give the advantage to the attacking team.
Variations:
 4v4.
 2 touch to increase the speed of transition.
 Limit the number of players that can touch the ball before striking to goal.
 Use half way to ensure that the teams counter and utilize the overload instead of long range shooting.
Coaching Points:
 Forward pass to the point as early as possible (Exploit space).
 Angles and distance of support to the first pass.
 End product.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

5. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4: Counter attacking from deep’.
Diagram:
Area: 30 x 15 yards.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Each team will be given a direction to go in. Aim is to dribble the ball over the end lines to score
Variations:
 Limit touches.
 If successful then go back in the opposite direction. I.e. players have to readjust and switch on quickly.
 Man to man marking.
Coaching Points:
 First ball is always where possible into the point of the diamond.
 Quality of support after the ball is played forwards (Timing and angles).
 Speed of transition on the turn over of possession.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

6. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 Dribbling’
Diagram:
Area: 25 x 15 yards.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Players are allocated a direction to go in. The objective is to dribble over the end line.
Variations:
 Got to keep the ball for a stipulated number of passes before the ball can be dribbled over the line.
 Man to man marking.
Coaching Points:
1. Creating space to receive.
2. Being positive once getting on the ball, put the defender on the back foot.
3. Movement off the ball by the 2nd strikers to create space for the first.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

7. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
4v4 ‘Rotation’.
Diagram:
Area: 4 Squares of 10 x 10 yards
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Looking for the team in possession to transfer from the ball from one side to the other. The ball will be played across between the two before the ball is played into the centre (Giving the players a visual of when to come in and receive). The team in possession will look to rotate through zones 1 to 4 and aren’t allowed to occupy a space for longer than 3-5 seconds. Each player is man marked. If possession turns over then the opposite team will try to switch the play.
Variations:
 Limit touches.
 Ball can’t be bounced back to the outside players on entering the middle zones.
 Instead of the exercise being man marked the defenders are allocated a zone.
Coaching Points:
 Communication- i.e. come out.
 Appreciation of when to enter space to receive.
 Appreciation of the defenders position as the ball travels.
Outcomes:
 Want players to identify with interchanging positions to offer confusion to opposition and to receive in space.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points and exercise outcomes, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

8. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG’s
4v4 + GK
Areas: Two penalty boxes with 2 full sized goals.
Objective: No restrictions for the players there focus to attack/ defend individually and collectively as a team.
The games are 3 minutes in length and then they will change the spare team
Variations:
1. General support players.
2. Players who deliver crosses.

9. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 Street Football’
Diagram:
Area: Player directed
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: The players are given total freedom to set up any form of 4v4. The can use an equipment, the pitch can be any size etc.
Variations:
 Up to the players
Coaching Points:
 Each team will have an allocated captain. Designated by the players. After every 5 minutes he needs to lead a question and answer discussion with the team of how they can effectively improve performance.
Outcomes:
 Looking for the players to take ownership, direct the learning and enhance social skills of working within a positive team environment.
 As a coach looking to identify with different personalities and their impact within the session.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

10. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 Through balls to goal’
Diagram:
Area: (The diagram above doesn’t represent the correct dimensions). There is a central area of 20 x 20, with 2 funnels going towards full sized goals which will tale in to one yard wide each side of the post. The distance from central area to goal is 15 yards.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: One of the players can receive the ball off their goal keeper in the defensive area (unchallenged) They will then play into the central area or will dribble the ball in. once in the central area they will posses until it is possible to play a through ball into the end zone for another team mate (run has to be well timed to avoid being off side). It is then 1v1 one with goal keeper.
Variations:
 Can dribble the ball into the end zone to score but the defender can track the run.
 If successful (i.e. score) then you maintain possession and go back in the opposite direction.
 Restrictions of how they can play out i.e. third man running.
Coaching Points:
 Timing and shape to receive off the goal keeper.
 Movement ahead of the ball (direction and timing).
 Use of a front man (the point) to play forwards early and to build off.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

11. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
4v4 to Mini Nets
Diagram:
Area: 10 x15 yards with 2 yard mini goals
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: This is an open game with no restrictions apart from the goal must be scored with one touch.
Variations:
 Limit touches throughout the course of the field or with variations within the two halves of the field.
 Introduce man to man marking.
Coaching Points:
 Create a ‘diamond’ shape to offer width and depth.
 Players recognizing when and where.
Outcomes:
 Looking at the discipline of team shape, whilst encouraging players to be creative looking a players recognition of the ideal moment.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points and exercise outcomes, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

12. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 + GK’s: Linking the play’.
Diagram:
Area: 2 penalty areas separated by a free receiving zone that is 5 yards deep and the width of the penalty area. 2 full sized goals, one at each end.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Goalkeeper plays the ball out and is then an integral part of the back three to allow an overload to play out ( if the ball goes wide and has to be set back the keeper can play out to the striker or the other defender) to the one of the split striker who will have dropped into the free receiving zone as the ball is being played. From there one striker will turn and one of the defenders can also come and join to create a 3v2 overload.
Variations:
 Could keep the exercise as a 2v2 in the final half of the field.
 When the ball is played into the striker then the ball has to be set back for a defender who will be unchallenged to start and he will then pass the ball in or dribble into the final 1/3 to create the 3v2 overload.
 First striker coming to receive short can play clever balls around the corner.
Coaching Points:
 Timing and angle of support of central striker to support the free zone (has to check shoulder as the ball travels).
 Because there will be know challenge looking at the striker receiving on the half turn.
 Quality of pass from deep lying areas. Needs to play inside so the turn to go forward is instant and doesn’t involve a turn.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

13. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 Futsal’
Diagram:
Area: 20 x 10 yards with small 5 -a -side goals and scoring areas 3 yards out and 1 yard wide each side of the post. (dimensions tight to ensure that the players have to deal with the ball under pressure).
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
If possible then using mini goals would be a good ideal, no areas would then be needed.
Objective: Open play but players have to score in the area, and finish on one touch. In this game the players will play with a futsal ball.
Variations:
 Don’t have to finish on one touch in the area but instead have to simply dribble into the area to finish (defenders can’t track).
 Increase or decrease the size of the field.
Coaching Points:
 BE CREATIVE AND BRAVE.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

14. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
4v4: ‘Playing off a target man’
Diagram:
Area: 25 x 15 yards with four wide goals of 3 yards.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Ball has to be played into the respective target man. On the ball being set the aim is to dribble the ball through either of the wide goals.
Variations:
 Limit the time before the ball has to be played into the target man.
 Introduce goals so when the players drive through the wide goals and strike to goal.
Coaching Points:
 Support angles of the striker in relation to the ball.
 Disguise on the forward pass.
 Timing and angle of support off set from the target man
Outcomes:
 Encouraging the players to identify with the forward pass at the earliest opportunity. Building play off the central striker.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points and exercise outcomes, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

15. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘Standard 4v4 with GK’s’
Diagram:
Area: 25 x 20 yards with full sized goals.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: To start this is an open game and players will be asked to play as they wish to finish to goal. Players will play for 4 minutes and will then have a rest (approx 1 minute) as this a constantly active session.
Variations:
 Restrict touches.
 Players must combine for finishing (I.e. 1-2).
 Players can only finish over half way or alternatively in their own half.
Coaching Points:
 Effective use of field space.
 Angles and distance of support.
 Rotation of positions.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

16. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 Switching the play’
Diagram:
Area: 25x 15 yards with wide goals that are 3 yards wide and 1 yard in from the touch line.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: Each team will have two goals to attack ( i.e. each team going in opposite directions). To score a goal the team needs to dribble through the wide gates.
Because players will guard gates it is important that the nearest player is encourage to press the ball to allow space in front of the gate.
Variations:
 Players have to possess the ball for a number of passes before the ball can be dribbled through a wide gate.
 Man to man marking.
 Over exaggerate the dimensions of the exercise to really allow huge amounts of space in the wide areas.
Coaching Points:
 Width and depth of the players (diamond formation).
 Body shape to appreciate the space on the opposite side of the field (opened out so can see both side lines).
 Ensuring that the attacker on the opposite side receives the ball in front (on back foot) so the first touch can drive him forward.
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.

17. Psychological
Tactical Physical
Technical
SSG
‘4v4 through balls’
Diagram:
Area: 25 x 15 yards with 2 end zones 25 x5 yards.
These dimensions will vary in accordance to age, ability and objective of the session.
Objective: As a team they score by playing a ball through into the end zone for a run of a team mate to arrive as the ball does. Each team will go in opposite directions.
Variations:
 Encourage combination play to get out.
 1/3 man running to get out.
Coaching Points:
 Timing of the movement ahead of the ball.
 Disguise on through balls.
 Runs of the ball to create space for others (rotation).
Please note these are only suggestions as to the coaching points, the coach needs to identify what the specific needs of each individual player are, the development stage of the group and the focus of the exercise.