2v2 with 4 Small Goals
This drill enhances small-group play by developing combination play, defensive communication, and finishing under pressure. Players work on quick transitions between attack and defense in a game-like setting.
2v2 soccer drill, attacking, defending, finishing, small-sided game
A competitive 2v2 drill that develops attacking, defending, and decision-making by encouraging players to find space and score on one of two goals while defending their own.
Drill Setup
- Field Size: 20x30 yards
- Goals: 4 small goals (two on each end line)
- Players: Two teams (yellow & blue) positioned outside the grid between their two defending goals
- Ball Supply: Large supply of soccer balls with the coach at the midline
- Roles:
Yellow Team: Defends two goals, attacks the opposite two goals
Blue Team: Defends two goals, attacks the opposite two goals
Drill Instructions
- The coach plays a ball onto the field to start play.
- Two players from each team step onto the field to compete 2v2.
- Players attempt to score on one of their two attacking goals while preventing the other team from scoring.
- Play ends when a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play.
- Both pairs return to their team’s starting area, and the next set of players enters the field.
- Repeat the cycle until all players have multiple rounds of play.
Drill Variations
- Limited Touches: Restrict players to three touches to encourage quick passing.
- Time Constraint: Require teams to score within 10 seconds to increase urgency.
- Weak Foot Challenge: Players can only score with their weaker foot.
- Defender Pressure: Defenders start closer to the ball to increase difficulty for attackers.
- Team Challenge: Track total team goals to add a competitive element.
Drill Coaching Points
This drill develops key attacking and defending principles while maintaining a fast-paced, engaging format that simulates real-game situations.
- Encourage Combination Play: Players should use passing, movement, and 1-2s to break down the defense.
- Defensive Communication: Defenders must work together to cover space and pressure the ball.
- Quick Decision-Making: Players must recognize open space and decide when to pass, dribble, or shoot.
- Attacking Awareness: Players should scan the field to identify which goal is easier to attack.
- Transition Play: Encourage quick defensive recovery after losing possession.
Equipment
- Disc Cones/Markers - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- Pugg Goal - Use Pugg or other pop-up goals that are lightweight, portable goals for small-sided games.
Drill Ages
- 6 - U6, Under 6, 6 and Under
- 7 - U7, Under 7, 7 and Under
- 8 - U8, Under 8, 8 and Under
- 9 - U9, Under 9, 9 and Under
- 10 - U10, Under 10, 10 and Under
- 11 - U11, Under 11, 11 and Under
- 12 - U12, Under 12, 12 and Under
- 13 - U13, Under 13, 13 and Under
- 14 - U14, Under 14, 14 and Under
- 15 - U15, Under 15, 15 and Under
- 16 - U16, Under 16, 16 and Under
- 17 + - U17, U18, U19, U20, and Older
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