PracticeField

Soccer drill · Small-sided games

1v1 to Four Goals

Four goals means the answer is never “run faster.” Attackers learn to scan, turn, and exploit the space defenders leave behind.

Why this drill works

One-v-one is soccer’s atom, and four goals make it a decision instead of a duel: with two targets to attack, the dribbler learns to read the defender and change direction toward the goal being given away, while the defender learns they cannot simply park in one doorway. The format also guarantees the game’s scarcest resource, repetitions of beating a player, at a rate an actual match never provides.

How to coach it

Rotate matchups constantly so everyone faces speed, size, and trickery in turn, and keep games short enough that losing never settles in. Coach attackers with one question, WHICH GOAL IS OPEN, and defenders with one idea, take one goal away and guard the path to the other. Celebrate attempts at moves that fail as loudly as goals; the kid willing to try a cut against a faster defender is the one this drill exists for.
Ages
7–12
Skill levels
beginner, developing
Players
4–16 (ideal 8)
Time
12 min
Setting
either
Space
20 x 20 yard square per game
1v1 to Four Goals setup A square with a small cone goal on each side. An attacker with the ball faces a defender in the middle and can score through any goal. A D
A square with a small cone goal on each side. An attacker with the ball faces a defender in the middle and can score through any goal.

Equipment

  • 1 ball per pair
  • 8 cones for four goals plus boundary markers

Setup

Mark a 20 x 20 yard square with a 2-yard cone goal centered on each side. Players pair up: one attacker with a ball, one defender. Two or three pairs can share one square if they start in different halves.

How to run it

  1. The attacker tries to dribble through any of the four goals to score.
  2. The defender wins the ball to become the attacker; roles flip instantly, no stoppage.
  3. Play 45-60 second rounds, then rest and rotate opponents.
  4. A goal only counts with the ball under control through the cones.
  5. Track personal scores across three rounds against different opponents.

What success looks like

Attackers change direction when a goal is defended instead of forcing it, and transitions from losing the ball to defending happen without pause.

Coaching cues

  • "If one door closes, another opens"
  • "Attack the cone's shoulder"
  • "Change speed after the change of direction"
  • "Win it back right away"

Common mistakes

  • Attacking the same goal repeatedly into a set defender; pause and point out the three unguarded goals.
  • Defenders lunging; teach a low patient stance and reward clean wins with an immediate attack.
  • Rounds running long; tired 1v1 is sloppy 1v1, so keep rounds under a minute.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: Make goals 3 yards wide and start defenders as shadows who cannot tackle for the first two rounds.

Harder: Add a two-second hold rule: the scorer must stop the ball in the goal mouth, or play 1v1 with a neutral player who supports whoever attacks.

Adapt it to your team

Small roster: With 4 players, two pairs alternate rounds so rest is automatic; the resting pair counts goals aloud.

Large roster: Build one square per 4-6 players; a king-of-the-court rotation keeps matchups fresh.

Limited space: A 12 x 12 square with four one-yard goals works indoors; shorten rounds to 30 seconds.

Limited equipment: One ball per pair and any eight markers; boundary can be existing lines.

Safety

This is a duel drill; enforce no slide tackles, no shirt pulls, and pair players of similar size and speed for contact-adjacent play. See the safety page for general guidance.