4v2 Angle of Support
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
4v2 Angle of Support is a soccer possession drill that hammers home three habits: move early, support at a good angle, and always give the ball carrier at least two passing options. Built for U10-U16 teams, the twin-grid setup keeps every player - even the ones 'waiting' - constantly adjusting their position.
Want more? See all our soccer possession drills or jump to U13 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark two 18×18 yard grids that share one side.
- Split eight players into two teams of four in different bibs.
- Start with all four of team A plus two of team B in one grid; the other two B players wait in the empty grid.
- The two B players in the full grid begin as defenders.
How It Works
- Play 4v2 keep-away in the first grid.
- The defenders' job is to win the ball and pass it to their two teammates in the other grid.
- When that happens, everyone flows over: the two winning defenders join their teammates to form the new 4, while the player who lost possession plus one teammate chase into the new grid as defenders.
- Play 4v2 in the new grid and keep repeating the pattern.
- Insist on constant movement - even the pair waiting in the far grid should be shifting into good receiving positions.
Coaching Points
- Support early - start moving before your teammate even receives the ball.
- Pick angles in undefended space where the defender can't cut out the pass.
- Offer options on both sides of the ball carrier, never all on one side.
- Take the first touch into space and toward a supporting teammate.
- Use disguise - look one way, play the other.
Variations
- Limit players to two touches, then one touch as they improve.
- Add a pass-count target: five completed passes before the transfer pass scores a bonus point.
- Grow the grids to 20×20 for younger or less experienced groups.