4v4 Plus Target Players

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

4v4 Plus Target Players takes the classic small-sided game and gives it a purpose: find your target. In this soccer possession drill for U9–U16 players, goals only count when the ball travels through a window into the feet of a teammate behind the end line, so every player learns to look forward and pass with intent.

Find similar exercises in our possession drills collection or filter by age with drills for U13 teams.

Setup

• Mark a field roughly 30×40 yards.
• Use cones to create a 5-yard-wide window on the left and right side of each end line.
• Split the group into two teams of five: four field players and one target player per team.
• Each target player stands behind the end line their team attacks.
• Keep a supply of balls handy to restart quickly.

How It Works

1. Play a normal 4v4 game inside the grid.
2. To score, a team must pass through one of the windows to their target player, who has moved behind that window - and the target must control the ball cleanly.
3. After a goal, the passer swaps roles with the target player.
4. The defending team takes possession and play continues.

Coaching Points

• Vision: with few players on the field, heads should be on a constant swivel reading the game.
• Communication, both verbal and with body shape and gestures.
• Support: use the full width and length of the area to create passing angles that give the receiver time and space.
• Look for smart first touches and sensible choices between short and long passes.
• Encourage changes of direction and speed of play to unlock a window.

Variations

• Add a third window in the middle of each end line.
• Keep the same target players for longer spells if you want to develop true target play.
• Limit field players to two touches to sharpen the tempo.