2v2 to Four Mini-Goals
A 2v2 match where each team attacks two mini-goals. With two targets, players learn to switch the attack to the goal the defenders leave open.
- Age
- U9–U14
- Players
- 4–12
- Duration
- 16 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 20 × 15 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Match
- Objectives
- Technical: 1v1 attacking, 1v1 defending
- Tactical: Decision making
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Dribbling past an opponent
- Tactical:Support playSwitching playCover
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Small and intense: every player is involved in every action. The two mini-goals per team reward players who look up and change the direction of the attack, and defenders must decide who presses and who covers the second goal.
Objective
Attack the free goal in a 2v2 and defend in pairs with one pressing and one covering.
Organisation
- Pitch of 20 × 15 m with two mini-goals on each end line.
- Teams of two; with more players, waiting pairs stand by the side and play the winners.
How it works
- Games of 2 minutes, 1 minute rest.
- Spare balls by each goal; restart from your own end line after a goal.
- Winners stay on (king of the court) or play a round-robin.
Coaching points
- Attackers: if both defenders go to one side, switch to the other goal.
- Make the pitch big: one player wide, one close to the ball.
- Defenders: the nearest presses, the other covers the second goal.
Progressions
- A goal only counts after a pass.
- Add a time limit of 10 seconds per attack.
Regressions
- Play 2v2 + 1 neutral who helps the attacking team.
Variations
- Score only by dribbling through the goal.
Key principles
- Switch when the defence shifts.
- Press and cover in pairs.
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