4v4 Football Drills & Games

4v4 keeps all the touches of 3v3 but adds the first bit of teamwork and shape. Here are simple 4v4 games with the coaching points that make them work.

Why 4v4 works

4v4 is the natural next step from 3v3 — still tiny, still full of touches, but the extra player lets you introduce the first ideas of support and shape (often a diamond). Keep a size 3 ball and a small pitch, no goalkeepers.

Game 1: 4v4 to two goals

Two goals, no keepers, normal rules. The extra player naturally creates a diamond shape — encourage players to spread out and support each other.

• Pitch roughly 30×20 m.
• No goalkeepers.
• Encourage a diamond — don't all chase the ball.

Game 2: 4v4 possession

Score by stringing passes together rather than scoring in a goal. Introduces keeping the ball and finding a team-mate — the first taste of possession play.

Game 3: 4v4 with target players

A target player at each end; score by passing to your target. Encourages looking up and playing forward to a team-mate.

• Encourage support — give the passer options.
• Spread out to use the space.
• Still keep it fun and full of touches.

Coaching points

4v4 is where players first learn they can't do it all alone. Gently encourage passing and support, but keep dribbling and fun at the heart of it. Keep instructions short and let them play.

See also our 3v3 drills and format-by-age guide.