4v4 + Target Players with 2 Goals

Chris Johnson 162,648 Views Rating 4 (85 Reviews)

The 4v4 + Target Players to 2 Goals is a great 4v4 soccer game that teaches players to play into their target player. This game adds a more realistic twist to the typical 4-on-4 soccer game.

Soccer Drill Diagram: 4v4 + Target Players with 2 Goals

4v4, 4 vs 4, 4 on 4, soccer

This is a great 4v4 soccer game that teaches players to play into their target player. This adds a more realistic twist to the normal 4 on 4 soccer game.
Drill Setup

  1. Create a field that is suitable for 4vs.4 soccer game that is approximately 30X40 yards.
  2. With cones, flags, or training sticks, create two windows about 5 yards wide on the right and left side of the end line.
  3. Split the players into two teams of five. Set up a 4vs4 inside the grid.
  4. The additional player will be the target player who will start on the end line outside the cones they are attacking.
  5. The coach needs to have a supply of balls close for this 4v4 soccer game.
Drill Instructions

  1. The coach starts the 4v4 soccer game by playing into one of the teams.
  2. To score the attacking team target player must receive a pass through one of the two windows and maintain possession.
  3. Once a goal is scored, the attacking player who made the initial pass to the target player switches roles and becomes the new target player.
  4. The defending team takes possession of the ball, and the game continues.
  5. The first team to 10 goals wins.
Drill Variations

  • Add a third window in the center of the end line.
  • If you want to focus on target players, you might instruct the players not to rotate and allow one player to work as a target player longer.
Drill Coaching Points

4 vs. 4 Offense Game:

  • Vision - players should get their heads up and look up to read the game with their eyes. Player's heads should be on a constant pivot.
  • Communication - make sure players are communicating both verbally and non-verbally.
  • Support - make sure players are using the entire playing area (width and length) to get into good supporting angles. Create passing options that allow the receiving players the most time and space.
  • Appropriate use of 1st touch
  • Appropriate use of short or long passing
  • Changes in the direction and speed of play
  • Create goal scoring opportunities

4 vs. 4 Defensive Game:

  • Good Defensive Principles - pressure, cover, balance
  • Get as many people behind the ball as possible
  • Good communication

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 158,496 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 570,207 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 489,292 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 717,028 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 341,392 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 246,876 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 197,851 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 796,289 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 339,463 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 689,359 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.