4v4 to Target Players
Four-a-side with a target teammate waiting past each end line — score by passing through a window into your target's feet.
Playing into a target gives the game a direction — heads come up, and every pass is a choice between keeping the ball and finding the way forward.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones, flags, or practice sticks for the windows, pinnies, and a supply of balls kept close.
- Build: Build a field about 30 by 40 yards, then mark a window about 5 yards wide on the right and left side of the end line.
- Place: A 4v4 inside the grid. Each team's fifth player is the target, starting on the end line outside the windows they attack.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Vision and scanning, support across the whole area, and choosing between short passes and the ball into the target.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
The four work the ball until a pass fits through a window into their target, who must receive it and keep it — that's a goal, and the passer becomes the new target. First team to 10 wins.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Two teams of five in pinnies — four inside, one target per team on the end line outside the windows they attack. Keep the ball supply at your feet.
Coach says
Four in, one target each. Targets — end line, outside the windows.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk one goal — a pass through a window, the target receives and keeps it, the passer sprints out to become the new target, and the old target joins the four.
Coach says
Score by hitting your target through a window — and they have to keep it. Make that pass? You're the new target.
3Play▾
Coach does
Start each round by playing a ball into one team, and restart fast when a ball dies. Watch for the whole width and length being used to open the window.
Coach says
Heads up! Use all the width — short, short, then hit your target!
Look for: Heads on a pivot — players scanning for the target before the ball arrives instead of forcing the window pass.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
The scoring does the rotating. To spotlight the target job, run the variation — no rotation, and one player works as the target for a longer stretch.
Coach says
Targets stay put this round — everybody find their feet through the window!
If it's not working
If the window pass never comes, add a third window in the center of the end line — three doors instead of two — until goals start to flow.
Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.
Why are we doing this?
What are they learning?
How can I change it?
Easier: Add a third window in the center of the end line.
Harder: Add a touch limit inside.
Next: 4v4 Zone Game — the target becomes a whole zone of teammates, and the pass must beat the middle.