Soccer 4v4 with Sideline Support Players
Four-on-four soccer games with two neutral support players on the sidelines who play for whichever team has the ball. Students practice using width, passing wide to move up the field, and creating an overload on offense.
How to play
- Set up two 80 x 60 ft fields with small goals; on each, two teams of 4 play and one neutral support player in a different pinnie stands on each sideline (3 min).
- Support players move only within a 6-ft lane along the sideline and get two touches max.
- Play without goalies; a goal is worth 1 point, or 2 if the assist came from a sideline player.
- If the ball goes out, the other team restarts with a ground pass; after a goal, the team scored on restarts from its goal.
- Play 4-minute games; after each one, two field players swap roles with the support players until everyone has had a turn (16 min).
- To finish, ask why playing the ball wide helped the team reach the goal (3 min).
Rules
- Support players can't be pressured in their lane and can't score.
- No tackling from behind and no slide tackles.
- Nobody defends from inside their own goal.
- Safety: shots below the waist, with 10 ft between fields.
Variations
Easier
Give support players three touches, and goals count from any distance.
Standard
Play 4v4 with two two-touch sideline support players.
Harder
Support players get one touch, and goals only count from the attacking half.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be a permanent sideline player, with throws by hand allowed.
- Hearing impairment: signal role changes with a colored card.
- Fitness level: the support role works as active recovery for students who need it.
Learning goals
- Use the width of the field to move the ball forward.
- Take advantage of an overload with quick passes.
- Take on the neutral player role responsibly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soccer balls: 4
- small goals: 4
- cones: 24
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
At first kids forget the support players; give bonus points when someone yells "Wide!" and uses them. Choose support players who talk and call for the ball.
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