How to Coach Width and Depth in 4v4 Soccer

The principles of attack in soccer hold that in order for a team to attack effectively, it has to create a good attacking shape that stretches the defense of the other team. This is achieved by ensuring that the attacking team makes use of the full width of the field, and stretches the length or depth of the pitch. This means that the backs drop deep to create space in the center of the field, while the forwards push up the field as far as the opposition defense allows. There are several ways to coach these concepts of width and depth using the 4v4 format in practice games.

Things You'll Need

  • Cones
  • Pinnies
  • Balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Play 4v4 games on grids and fields that have the right dimensions to ensure enough space to play in. The optimum dimension for 4v4 activities on a rectangular grid is a grid which is 40 yards in length by 30 yards in width. For the purposes of simplicity, when 4v4 games include goals, the format is 4v4 on the field with a keeper in each goal.

    • 2

      Play 4v4 possession to get the idea of opening up the middle of the field by going as wide as possible and as long as possible. Condition this possession game by first having the players in possession playing outside of the grid, with the ball traveling through the grid. When the defensive team wins the ball, they switch to the outside and the attackers become defenders inside the grid. Progress this to having both teams playing within the grid with free movement and fluid transitions from attack to defense and vice versa when the ball is lost.

    • 3

      Play 4v4 on a grid that is 40 yards long by 20 yards wide, with goals and goalkeepers at each end. This long, narrow field encourages the use of long passes and direct play. In order for this type of playing to be effective, the players will learn to ensure that the forward pushes up on the last defender, and that the sweeper on the attacking team drops back to create space for themselves. This will open up space for the wingers to play in the middle.

    • 4

      To teach width, play 4v4 on a grid that is 30 yards long by 40 yards wide. Have a goal in each corner, approximately 5 yards in from the sides. One team will attack two goals and defend two goals, and vice versa. The goals themselves should be 4 yards wide. Goals are scored by dribbling through the goals. This wide field will encourage the players to stretch the field wide, as well as coaching the idea of switching the point of attack from one side of the field to the other.

    • 5

      Coach all concepts together in a 4v4 game with a goal at each end and goalkeepers. The field should be 40 yards long by 30 yards wide. Both teams should line up in a 1-2-1 formation; that is, one sweeper, one forward and two wingers, one on each side. Coach one team only. Whenever the goalkeeper of the coached team has the ball, either in hand or for a goal kick, coach the outfield players to stretch the field by positioning themselves wide and long. This will create space for players to check into the center to receive the ball.