6v4 Team Practice Numbers
A team of six may only pass in numerical order while an unrestricted team of four hunts the ball — a full game to two goals where moving and talking is the whole job.
Fixing the passing order makes movement and communication crucial for the team of six — and it's a great game to end an intense passing practice on.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones for the grid, pinnies to split the teams, balls, and your two full-size goals.
- Build: Set up a grid about 40 by 60 yards with a full-size goal at each end line.
- Place: Six field players against four with a goalkeeper in each goal — number the six from 1 to 6; the four need no numbers.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Team movement, communication, and passing in a fixed order under pressure — and quick, direct attacking for the team of four.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
The six attack goal passing strictly in numerical order — winning it back restarts the count at whoever has it — while the unrestricted four attack fast the moment they steal it.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Split the field players into 6 vs 4 and put a goalkeeper in each goal. Number the team of six from 1 to 6 — the team of four does not need numbers.
Coach says
Count off, one through six — own your number. You four? No numbers, no rules.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk the one rule — the team of six must pass in numerical order; the team of four is not restricted. When the six win possession back, the numerical order begins again with the player who has the ball.
Coach says
Sixes — the ball only moves to your next number. Win it back, and the count starts fresh from whoever has it.
3Play▾
Coach does
Watch the six — movement and communication will be crucial for them — and push the four to attack quickly to off-balance the six.
Coach says
Call your number! Move early! And you four — attack NOW, don't let them settle!
Look for: The next number moving and calling for the ball before it arrives.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
For later rounds, make the six complete a pass to all six team members before going forward to goal — or grow the defense, 6v5 and then 6v6.
Coach says
New round — all six of you touch it before anyone goes to goal!
If it's not working
If the order keeps dying before it starts, stretch the field while they play — more room gives the next number time to move and be found.
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?
Harder: Make the six complete a pass to all six members before going forward to goal — or increase the defense to 6v5, then 6v6.