#12 Improving All Areas
A three-part grassroots session for ages 4–8. Starts with a free-flowing 4v4 on four goals to encourage total involvement. Moves to a passing accuracy exercise through gates. Concludes with a 4v4 tournament on two goals including goalkeepers.
4v4 on four goals: Set up four mini-goals at the corners of a square pitch. Teams of up to four play freely; after each goal, the conceding team restarts. Rotate teams so they play different opponents. Easier: players can score in any of the four goals. Harder: must complete a minimum number of passes before scoring; or must score in all four goals to earn a point.
- •Which part of the foot do you use to pass? Can you show me different parts?
- •How hard should you kick the ball?
- •How do you play as a team?
- •What positions will you play?
Skill development — Pass with accuracy: Up to four players on each side (max 8 per group). Players pass through cone gates positioned across the area. Players take turns passing from one side through the gates. Make it a race: which pair or team can pass through the most gates? Easier: wider gates, shorter distance, allow rolling the ball. Harder: smaller gates, greater distance, time limit, use weaker foot. Game application — 4v4 on two goals with goalkeepers: Group by size/ability. Organise a tournament — winners play winners, losers play losers. Count total goals scored across the whole session as a team. Easier: no goalkeepers; big goals. Harder: limit touches; a different player must score each time.
- •Which part of the foot do you use to pass? Can you show me different parts?
- •How hard should you kick the ball?
- •How do you play as a team?
- •What positions will you play?
Source
FIFA Training Centre ↗