Competitive Soccer Drill - 4v4 in 3 groups

Each month we will feature a soccer drill from one of our soccer practice books. We will show you the training secrets behind the drill, how and why they improve your players and your team. This information is exclusive to this site. All our soccer drills in all our books have the same depth and training benefits behind them.

Today's soccer drill is Tactical Drill #10 from our Competitive Practice Book. Please click on the link below to open the drill, print it and enjoy finding out the training concepts behind it:

4v4 in 3 groups

Tactical Development

Defenders:

This drill teaches the flat back four system (although coach can instruct defenders to play with a sweeper and man-markers). Defenders need to release from the goal line as soon as the attacking team crosses half. One defender needs to challenge the player with the ball while the other defenders cover the rest of the attackers. Also, once the defenders gain possession, they must quickly transition to move the ball out of their end.

Attackers

Attackers can freely bring the ball to the half and then face the challenge to beat four defenders. All variation of attacking can come into play, based on coach's tactical preference. For example, two attackers can go central, with two others playing wide. The key tactical elements for attackers to consider are diagonal runs, crossover runs, overlaps. 1v1 situations on the wings will utilize "moves" followed by precision crossing. Passes into space and through lanes between defenders are good tools to slice apart the defensive block. As with defenders, attackers get an opportunity to win the ball back.

Mental Development

This drill is extremely effective in developing all aspects of thinking, problem solving and decision making in soccer.

Attackers

Attackers need to decide in which formation to attack. They need to make runs into spaces and at the same time the ball carrier needs to anticipate the runs and play the ball into space. When the pass is not available, they need to decide whether or not to go 1v1 or to hold and wait for support to set up another attack. Once in the opponents half, they need to communicate verbally and non-verbally to be effective. They need to recognize the defensive shape and strategy and devise ways to solve these problems.

Defenders

Defenders need to recognize the attacking shape and communicate quickly as to who is to challenge and how the others will cover the rest of the attackers. They need to recognize runs and passes and close down passing lanes quickly. They need to decide and communicate if they want to win the ball by "doubling up" on the ball cariier. After winning the ball, they need to quickly break and again be organized in their attacking formation. That requires quick mental and physical transition play abilities. These skills will be developed extremely well in this drill.

Skill Development

This drill finetunes short distance passing and 1v1 skills. As with all our competitive drills, it puts to use skills already present in game competitive situations.

Game Application

This is the basic set-up of modern soccer with a flat back four defense. It trains defenders on how to respond to opponents once they have conquered the midfield. From an attacking perspective it sets up the basic two striker formation with two wingers. It can also develop the single striker with three supportive offensive midfielders concept. The attackers are at an advantage to develop their skill because they face less defensive players than they would normally in a game. On the other hand, it very well duplicates fast break or counter attacks.

Coaching Tips

Choose which defending and attacking formations you want to train. It is probably best to choose only one per session. Allow the players to try the drill a few times before helping, if necessary. The key to watch out for is that players follow the rules. Defenders must wait on the goal line until attackers pass the center line. Likewise, after winning the ball, defenders must be encouraged to transition quickly, while the previously attacking team needs to get into position on the goal line (which they were just attacking) as fast as possible.