Your Game: The 4 Goal Game

February 26, 2007

Continuing with our series on small sided games, this week the game is the 4 Goal Game. This is a really fun game for players, which promotes transitional speed of play, quick thinking and good organizational shape on both sides of the ball.

Depending upon the age and skill level of the players, set up a square field with 4 goals at each corner of the square just off the touchline. Just for guidance, set up a field about 20×30 yards and expand or reduce the dimensions as applicable.

Each team will defend two goals and attack two goals. There should be no keepers or snowbirds (players waiting upfield for a counter-attack). You can restart with kick-ins or dribble-ins.

As a player, the objective is to play the ball quickly, maintain possession and out think your opposition. Focus on creating space and gaps to penetrate behind your opponent to create scoring opportunities. Quick checking to teammates with the ball and redirecting play as quickly as possible should be your objective. The player on the ball should always have three options to distribute and if he/she does not you and your teammates are not working hard enough to get open.

On defenese, keeping team shape is critical. You must focus on blocking passing lanes and anticipating what your opponent is trying to orchestrate. Stay close to your mark and make him/her work to get the ball - don’t let them have the opportunity to recieve the ball uncontested. The less time your opponent has to think about what to do next the better. If your opponent has time with out pressure to beat you - they will eventually score.

Coaches, my best advice is to let the players play and allow the game to teach them. When a team is getting scored on frequently, they will figure out quickly they need to adjust their strategy and work harder. If they just don’t get it, then you might step in and offer advice.

So, get out and play! And if you’d like to share your experiences or further insight about the 4 Goal Game feel free to comment here or email me at jcronkhite<at>zigazoga.com .

– Jason

** Jason Cronkhite is co-founder and CEO of Ziga-Zoga,
one of soccer’s
newest community-based websites. A former college soccer player,
and coach Jason’s background includes sports marketing, branding and interactive
marketing/media. He can be reached at jcronkhite<at>zigazoga.com
.

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