4v4 Breakaways
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Basic Information
Age Group: (8-11yrs) (12-15yrs) (16-Adult)
Number of Players: 8+
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Time: 15-25 min.
Emphasis: Dribbling, Attacking, Defending
Field Preparation:
- 2 teams
- grid (40yds x 50yds)
- cones to mark off area
- 1 goal w goalie
- pinnies
Description:
- play 4v4
- attacker has to dribble across defender’s end line to play 1v1 with last defender and then score on goalie
- last defender starts from a designated spot after attacker’s first touch inside end zone
- play multiple rounds
- switch roles after 4-8 minutes
Variation:
- each team defends a goal with goalie
- attackers switch roles with defenders if the attacker inside the end zone can’t finish on target (or can’t score)
- play without a steady last defender in zone and allow only one defender to follow the player with the ball into end zone
- defending team switches duties with the attacking team if they can keep possession for 7 seconds
- if defenders manage to dribble across attacker’s end line they keep possession and direction of play changes
- play 5v4, 6v5, 6v4, 5v3 etc.
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary
Coaching Points:
Attacking:
- set up defender
- change of speed & direction
- protect the ball
- vision
- close control
- supporting angle and distance to ball
- create space for others
- quality of preparation touch
- aggressive and positive mentality
- vision and anticipation
- placement versus power
- quick finish
Defending:
- angle and distance of cover
- change role of pressure and cover
- visual and verbal communication
- control and restraint
- delay and channel
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