Youth
3. 3V3 OR 4V4 WITH INCENTIVE GOALS
Area: 20x35 with small goals x 2 fields Where on the field: Final third Players: Two games- teams of 3 or 4 depending on numbers. All players playing Objectives: Learn to scan and see safe space in game conditions. Build confidence to use a move to unbalance / beat a defender.
Description: Regular soccer rules apply BUT players can score a goal by doing the designated move in the flow of play. A move counts as a goal! Play games to 10 points( both moves and goals count).
Progressions / Variations: To make it easier, a move counts as 5 points anywhere on the field. To make it more difficult, the point for the move only counts if they take on / beat a defender with the move. To make it more difficult, the team must score a goal in the possession after a move to get the bonus point.
Coaching Points: Defenders are just like taggers- watch where they are moving and escape the other way. Smaller, quicker touches as they get close, then escape with a bigger touch in the other direction. Eyes up looking for space- keep scanning( rather than just watching the ball).
4. FULL GAME
Area: Full field for 7v7- full numbers Where on the field: Full field Players: Everyone plays! 7v7 Objectives: Scanning to see safe space and movement of defenders. Confidence to use a move to beat a defender. Understand where to take risks and where to play more safely( front third, middle third, back third).
Description: Full 7 v 7 game with all soccer rules, including throw-ins, corner kicks, etc.
Progressions / Variations: Start with the incentive goal for a move to beat a defender as it was in the small-sided game. Show where to take more risks( front half of the field) and where to play more safely( back half of the field). Remove the incentive goal rule and observe if players continue to scan and try taking on defenders in the front half.
Coaching Points: Safety vs risk in the different thirds of the field. Scanning, looking for space and movement even before you get the ball. Just like tag, movement in one direction creates space in the opposite direction.
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 21