4v4 Playing Wide Out of the Back
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
4v4 Playing Wide Out of the Back trains one of soccer's most valuable habits: after winning the ball in your own half, play it wide instead of forcing it through the middle. Wide channels on each sideline are the only legal route forward, so players quickly discover the time and space that exists out there. Ideal for U10-U16 teams learning to build from the defensive third.
Want more? See all our soccer possession drills or jump to U13 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a grid roughly 40×25 yards.
- Make a small cone goal on each end line.
- Mark a 7-yard channel on each sideline, straddling the halfway line.
- Split the players into two teams of four.
How It Works
- Each team defends one goal and attacks the other.
- When a team wins the ball in its own defensive half, it may only advance by passing or dribbling the ball through one of the wide channels.
- Going forward through the middle is not allowed until the ball has traveled through a channel.
- Score in the opponent's small goal as normal once the ball has gone wide.
- Restart from the defending team after each goal.
Coaching Points
- The moment the ball is won, teammates should open up wide and offer instant outlets for a quick switch.
- Encourage players to think a step ahead - know where the ball goes before it arrives.
- Win it, keep it, then get out of the back by going wide rather than booting it clear.
- Point out how much extra time and space the wide areas offer compared with the congested middle.
Variations
- Limit the number of touches per player.
- Add a second ball for chaos and constant transitions.
- Require the ball to be passed (not dribbled) through the channel.