Youth
3. 4V4 FLYING CHANGES VARIATIONS
Area: 25x40 Players: Two teams of 8- 4v4 on the field with 4 waiting on each defensive end line Where on the Field? Defending third Objectives: Immediate pressure to slow the attack and force the ball into supporting defenders. Immediate recovery to covering position( s). Communication to prioritize who and where to pressure the ball.
Description: Like the 2v2 game, the game begins with 4v4 on the field and 4 players from each team waiting with a ball on their own defensive end line. Any ball over an end line results in an immediate transition with a new group of four coming on from that end line with a new ball, replacing the four who were defending that end line.
Progressions / Variations: To make it more difficult, designate two forwards from each group of four and have them start on the opposite( attacking) end line. The new ball still always comes in from the defensive end line, but can be played directly into the oncoming forwards.
Coaching Points: Closest player must establish pressure and show the team where to organize behind. Pressure must come from goal-side. Next closest player must be disciplined to defend the line between the ball and the goal- cover- and not get caught just marking an open player. All players must be ready to become pressure the moment pressure is broken.
4. 8V8 TO GOALS- SCRIMMAGE
Area: Full field( 50 x 70) Players: Two teams of 8 with goalkeepers Where on the Field? Full field Objectives: Team defending starts with good pressure on the ball and cover behind. Defend as a pack, don’ t just chase. Read pressure and organize to win the ball underneath( next closest target players).
Description: Full match rules and conditions, including set pieces and offside. Each transition is an opportunity to organize defensively.
Progressions / Variations: Make the field smaller to make defending easier, make it bigger to make defending harder. Play in 5-minute blocks with conditions- 1 team is up 1-0 with 5 minutes to play, etc. to create different moments in the game.
Coaching Points: Team defending starts with good pressure on the ball. Read as a team when we have good pressure and condense the game around that pressure. Read when we don’ t have good pressure and retreat to organize behind the ball. Covering players should win the ball more often than pressuring players.
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 15