High School
3. 4V2 > 8V5( 25 MINUTES)
Area: Two Grids 35x48 yards w / one mini goal each Where on the Field: Attacking Half Players: 16 players in four teams of four in different colors + GKs Objectives: Use the previous passing combinations to penetrate from Middle 3rd into Final 3rd & create chances on goal.
Description: Attacking team begins with the ball at midfield. One defender must man mark the target forward. Offside applies. Triangles score on the big goal ONLY off a one touch; circles score in mini goals.
- Play 3 minutes( rotate defenders at 90 seconds) then switch attackers to defenders and play another repetition after 60 second water break. Run another set of two repetitions and then expand the game.
Progressions / Variations:- Expand the game by combining the two grids and making it an 8v5 + GK game with two counter goals and one big goal. Play 5 minutes then switch teams from attacking to defending for another 5 minutes.- Modify numbers based on success / difficulty for attacking team to progress and create chances
Coaching Points: Pause Live Action with a Freeze Moment- Use guided questions to demonstrate proper shape- Rehearse combinations that build and create chances- Restart with a successful repetition
4. 9V9 MATCH( 30 MINUTES)
Area: Two Thirds Field( 70x90) w / two full sized goals Where on the Field: Middle and Attacking 3rd Players: 16 field players + two GKs in a 1-3-4-1 shape
Description: Playing with LOTG. Two even teams if possible on two thirds of a full field. 12 minute halves with a 5 minute half time for coaching and water.
Progressions / Variations:- Potentially use triggers of a throw in or dead ball restart at midfield to provide more repetitions building from middle 3rd into attacking 3rd.
Coaching Points:- Find one or two Freeze Moments- Coaching in the Flow with Key Word reminders- Use a tactical board at half time to remind players of team shape and combinations to build
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 57