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Equipment, Setup & Instructions

Equipment

Setup

Area: 50x25 yard area spanning the full width of the pitch, starting 25 yards out from the main goal
Goals: One portable goal positioned 25 yards in front of the main goal (shooting target), plus the main goal at the back of the area
Team Blue: 4 blue outfield players start on the attacking side nearest the portable goal, 2 as target players positioned to check in near the top of the area and 2 as midfielders positioned further back as support
Team Blue GK: 1 yellow goalkeeper positioned in the portable goal
Team Red: 4 red outfield players start on the defending side nearest the main goal, with 2 stepping out each repetition to close down the target players
Team Red GK: 1 yellow goalkeeper positioned on the main goal line
Equipment: Cones or disc markers outlining the 50x25 yard area, a supply of footballs placed near one side of the area for the attacking team, scrimmage vests/bibs to distinguish the two teams

Instructions

Start with two attacking target players positioned to receive at the goal they are attacking, while the rest of the attacking players begin as the supporting group; the other team starts defending at the opposite goal.
The two target players check in to ask for the ball from their teammates in the defensive area.
The defending team sends two defenders to close down the target players.
The starting attacker passes the ball into the feet of a target player.
Play 4v2 immediately to the shooting goal.
On receiving, the target player must choose: either turn and shoot, or lay the ball back to the midfielders to reset and create the next chance.
If a defender wins the ball, they attack straight away 2v4 on the other goal.
Swap roles so the other team gets the 4v2 chance to attack their goal.
Re-position the players quickly and repeat, with forwards acting as the target players throughout.

Coaching Points

Attacking players should read the pressure when they check in, then decide quickly to turn to goal or lay back to midfield.
If you lay the ball back, move into a new position straight away for the next pass.
Encourage midfielders: if they have a first-touch shot, they should take it.
Attackers must keep the ball moving with good first touch to maintain the overload.
If a defender wins the ball, be alert and attack the other goal quickly.
Remind players: take shots—do not be afraid to miss chances.
Targets should demand the ball early and receive facing options where possible.

Variations

Make it harder:

• Add a third defender to make it closer to realistic numbers and increase decision pressure.

• Restrict the attacking team to a maximum number of touches before the shot or lay-off (e.g. 2 touches).

• Require the target player to turn on receipt (no settling) before shooting or laying off.

Make it easier:

• Start with the defenders positioned a few steps off the target players so they have more time to turn and choose.

• Allow the attacking team an extra midfielder (making it 5v2) to create simpler passing angles.

• If the target player lays the ball off, allow one extra pass before the shot to give the midfield time to get set.

4v2 Attack to Finish

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