4v4: Attack the Big Goal, Counter to Small Goals
Reds attack a big goal with a goalkeeper; when blues win the ball, they counter-attack into two mini-goals on the halfway line. Both transitions are trained in every action.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 10–12
- Duration
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 40 × 30 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Match
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing
- Tactical: Attacking transition, Defensive transition
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Shooting
- Tactical:Counter-attackCounter-pressingRecovery runs
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
The asymmetry makes the transition the main event. The attacking team must keep balance and counter-press because a turnover means a fast counter towards the mini-goals. The defending team is rewarded for winning the ball and attacking quickly before the attackers recover.
Objective
Counter-attack quickly after winning the ball, and counter-press or recover after losing it.
Organisation
- Area of 40 × 30 m. A big goal with a goalkeeper at one end, two mini-goals at the other.
- Team A (4) attacks the big goal; team B (4) defends it and counters to the mini-goals.
How it works
- Team A restarts every attack from the coach at the halfway line.
- Team B scores in a mini-goal; team A gets a bonus point for winning the ball back within 5 seconds.
- 4 × 4 minutes; swap roles halfway.
Coaching points
- Team B: first pass forward after winning the ball, then run beyond.
- Team A: the nearest player presses at once; the others cover the mini-goals.
- Keep one player behind the ball when attacking (rest defence).
Progressions
- Team B has 8 seconds to score after winning the ball.
- Team A's goals only count if one player stayed in the team's own half.
Regressions
- Play 4v3 so team A loses the ball less.
Variations
- Team B scores by dribbling over the halfway line.
Key principles
- Attack with balance, counter with speed.
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