Four Goals, One Gate
Four-a-side keep-away where a pass through the center gate unlocks the goals — then strike whichever of the four mini goals is open.
The gate rewards patient possession and the four goals reward the scan — keep the ball until the moment is right, then attack where the defense isn't.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones, four poles or tall cones, four Pugg goals, pinnies, and spare balls.
- Build: Build a 30-by-30-yard square, mark a 5-by-5 square in the center with the poles, and set a mini goal facing inward at the middle of each side.
- Place: Both teams of four inside the big square, spare balls with you for fast restarts. One team starts in possession.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Patient possession, scanning and vision, backside runs, and switching the point of attack quickly.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
Keep possession until you can pass through the center square to a teammate — that unlocks the goals — then attack whichever of the four mini goals is most open.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Two teams of four in pinnies, both inside the grid, one team starting with the ball.
Coach says
Four goals, one rule — nothing counts until you've played through the middle.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk the unlock — a pass between the center poles to a teammate opens all four goals; the defenders protect the middle first and cover the goals from there.
Coach says
Pass through the middle to a teammate — now any goal counts. Defenders — protect the middle first.
3Play▾
Coach does
Keep restarts fast from your spare balls, and after each goal restart with the team that didn't score. Encourage backside runs away from the ball — they create the space.
Coach says
Scan! Middle's closed? Keep it — wait for your moment.
Look for: Eyes up after the unlock — the team striking the most open goal fast, before the defense recovers.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
Track goals or play set periods. To stretch them, run a variation — two passes through the center before the goals unlock.
Coach says
This round — two through the middle before you can score!
If it's not working
If the middle pass never lands, make the center square bigger — a wider gate — then shrink it back as they find it.
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: Make the center square bigger.
Harder: Limit touches to two or one, or require two passes through the center before scoring.
Next: Four Corners Passing Game — the goals become corners, and the switch itself becomes the score.