4v4 With 5 Goals Inside the 18

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

4v4 With 5 Goals Inside the 18 is a soccer finishing drill for U11–U16 that crams every box skill into one chaotic game: crosses, headers, volleys, near- and far-post runs, and composure in traffic. With four mini goals plus the big goal in play, players must scan constantly and attack the right target at the right moment.

Want more? See all our soccer shooting drills or jump to U14 soccer drills for this age group.

Setup

• Play inside the 18-yard box with a goalkeeper in the full-size goal.
• Set up four small goals (Pugg goals work well) around the edges of the box - one near each corner.
• Split players into two teams of four in different colors.
• Number the small goals so each team attacks two of them (team X scores in goals 1 and 3, team O in goals 2 and 4).

How It Works

1. Each team can score in either of its two assigned mini goals for 1 point.
2. Both teams can also score in the big goal past the keeper - but only with a header or volley - for 2 points.
3. When the keeper saves, they roll the ball to the top of the box as a 50/50 to restart play.
4. Play continuous rounds; highest score wins.

Coaching Points

• Create finishing chances with movement: draw a defender toward one goal, then attack another.
• Switch the point of attack quickly - four targets punish a ball-watching defense.
• Scan constantly: know where teammates, defenders, and all five goals are.
• Reward smart runs like drifting to the far post for a cross or cut-back.

Variations

• Limit players to one or two touches to force faster decisions.
• Add perimeter players at the top of the box who keep the game moving.
• Have perimeter players serve first-time balls in for headed or volleyed attempts on the big goal.