4v4 Zone Game
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
The 4v4 Zone Game is a soccer possession drill for U11–U16 teams that gives keeping the ball a clear purpose: play through the middle. One team possesses, one team presses, and one team screens the passing lanes - so players train short-long passing combinations and rapid defensive transition in the same game.
This drill pairs well with others in the possession category, and you can find age-matched sessions under U14 drills.
Setup
- Mark a 24×15 yard grid and divide it into three 8×15 zones.
- Split the squad into three teams of 4 - grouping defenders, midfielders, and attackers together works well.
- Place one team in each zone.
- Split the middle team into two pairs: one pair presses into the right zone, the other stays home in the middle.
How It Works
- Play starts in the right zone: the 4 players keep possession under pressure from the visiting middle pair, looking for a moment to pass through the middle zone into the feet of a player in the left zone.
- The pair still in the middle zone works to intercept any pass travelling through.
- When the ball reaches the far zone, the two pressing players return to the middle to screen, and the other middle pair goes to press in the left zone.
- Scoring: 1 point for a successful end-to-end pass, 1 point for 4 completed passes within an end zone, 1 point to a pressing player who wins the ball or forces it out, and 1 point to a middle player who cuts out a through pass.
- If the ball goes out, restart with the end-zone team in possession. Rotate all three teams every 5 minutes.
Coaching Points
- Constant communication - call the press, call the through ball.
- Move the ball quickly; a static ball lets the press settle.
- Pressing pairs: close down fast and shut passing lanes rather than diving in.
- Praise brave through passes as well as safe possession.
Variations
- Limit players to two touches, then one touch, as quality improves.