Four-Goal 1v1
One player from each team battles 1v1 on a field with four little goals — two to attack, two to defend — and the next pair is always ready.
Two goals to choose from turns every attack into a decision — read the space, read the defender, and pick the goal they cannot cover.
Starting at Core — your team is set to mixed.
15 min tonight · Two teams (1v1)
- Ages 4+
- Two teams (1v1)
- 15 min as the drill is written
- Cones, pinnies, plenty of balls, 4 small goals
Grab Cones, two colors of pinnies, four small goals, and a large supply of balls.
Build Build a 20-by-30-yard field with two small goals on each end line.
Place Each team waits outside the field between the two goals they defend. The coach stands at the midline with the balls.
- 1
Organize the players
Split into two teams in pinnies and park each team outside the field, between the two goals they defend. Take the balls to the midline.
“You defend the two goals behind you and attack the two across. Wait by your goals until it's your turn.”
- 2
Show the jobs
Walk one rep — the ball comes in, one player from each side enters, and it's live. Score on either far goal, protect your own two.
“When the ball comes in, first in line goes. Either far goal counts — and don't forget the two behind you.”
- 3
Play
Play balls in one after another. The rep ends when a goal is scored or the ball leaves the field; both players return to their team and the next pair enters. Cycle until everyone has had multiple rounds.
“Ball's in — go! Pick the open goal — place it, don't blast it.”
Look for The goal choice — attackers reading where the defender is not and switching goals when the space says so.
- 4
Switch and repeat
Keep the pairs cycling and start tracking goals — individual and team — to add competition and motivation.
“Next two, ready! Every goal counts for your team now.”
If the reps drag, put a clock on it — score inside ten seconds or the rep is dead — and watch the urgency arrive.
Go deeper · 3 notes
Why it works
Every rep is a whole game in miniature — attack, defend, decide, finish — and the short rounds keep the line moving so nobody waits long. Four goals force the head up: the right goal changes as the defender moves, so the decision matters as much as the move that follows it.
What they learn
1v1 attacking moves, defensive positioning, choosing the goal under pressure, and finishing for accuracy over power.
What's next
1v1v1 Triangle Game — the same head-up goal choice, now outnumbered.
Where does this come from?
SoccerXpert — their published drill library.
A published drill library. Useful and widely used, but not a governing body — so it fills gaps rather than leading.