1v1 Four Goal Game
Activity Part 1
Field Setup: Create a rectangular playing area tailored to the participants’ age and skill level, add four goals around the outside of the playing area for the players to try and score in.
Teams: Organize the players into pairs try and make the pairs equal ability players or put friends together
Activity: . This is a simple 1v1 activity where the player with the ball is trying to score on any of the four goals and their partner is trying to to stop them steal the ball and score themselves. If the ball leaves the playing area the player must give the ball to their partner. Once a goal is scored the player who scored gives the ball to their partner and its thir turn to try and score or they can retain possession and try to score on a different goal
Activity Part 2
In the second part of the activity start by taking one set of the partners and they will become defenders and everyone else now has a ball. The two defenders will they and stop as may of the players from scoring as they can, the defenders must try and steal the other players balls and dribble them to the coach to score points. Change the two defenders every few minutes and add extra defenders depending how many players you have and how easy the activity is for the players.
Activity Part 2: In the second part of the activity start by taking one set of the partners and they will become defenders and everyone else now has a ball. The two defenders will they and stop as may of the players from scoring as they can, the defenders must try and steal the other players balls and dribble them to the coach to score points. Change the two defenders every few minutes and add extra defenders depending how many players you have and how easy the activity is for the players.
Coaching Principles
This activity focuses on improving players’ dribbling abilities, with an emphasis on quick decision-making, agility, ball control, and awareness. It pushes players to scan for open spaces, decide when to shield the ball, and seize scoring opportunities.
Coaching Points
Guide players to constantly assess the field and recognize the best times to advance or evade, fostering a balance between bold plays and maintaining possession.
Stress agility’s importance in dodging defenders using a variety of dribbling techniques, and encourage players to adjust their pace and direction responsively.
Highlight the need for close ball control and demonstrate how to shield the ball using body positioning while keeping an eye out for play development.
Reinforce regular scanning for better situational awareness, enabling players to make informed and quick decisions.
Variations & Progressions
Add a defender role to challenge the attackers, creating a more dynamic and game-like scenario.
Incorporate rounds of varying lengths to test quick thinking and sustained performance.
Vary starting positions to enhance players’ ability to orient quickly and act effectively from the onset.