Small sided soccer game for shielding and ball control

This is a great small-sided soccer game to get players used to playing against more or less players. It gives them a chance to use their shielding and ball control soccer skills. It's also a fun game with a competitive edge to keep players motivated.

Small-sided game set up

Mark out a circle of about 25 yards in diameter using cones or markers.
Two teams of four players.
No goals.
Each team has one player on the pitch and three players on the outside.

Small-sided game to work on ball control and shielding

Rules of the game

To start the game, pass a ball into the pitch.The two soccer (football) players compete for possession.
The player who wins the ball attempts to pass out to a team-mate.
If successful, the team-mate enters the soccer pitch to make a 2v1.
The winning team is the first to have all four players on the pitch and complete six consecutive passes.

Small-sided games are recommended as one of the best ways to coach your players in soccer skills. Michael Beale's 64 Small-Sided Soccer Games has all you need to run successful coaching sessions based on this system. Click here to order a copy.

Click here for a fun dribbling skills drill to help coach young soccer players.

Soccer coaching tips

Improve your soccer training skills. Sign up for a FREE weekly email, full of simple proven tips, advice and drills.

"I look forward to every issue because it is concise and filled with great information. In times like this, with very busy schedules, it is invaluable. I highly recommend it."
Victor Gascon, Coach, USA

Please note that Better Soccer Coaching takes your privacy very seriously. We will never rent or sell your email address to any third party.