"Once, there was a natural development which came from the street. That natural development is now missing and we must give youth coaches a philosophy which is based on simply letting the young play the game." Rinus Michels - Ajax, Barcelona and Netherlands coach.
These are just suggestions, and it is more fun for the children if they rotate round and play a number of different games.
These are the four games used in the Manchester United 4v4 pilot scheme. We will add diagrams and more games at a later date.
Pitches can be marked out with marker cones.
Game 1 - Goalkeeper game
4v4 + Keepers
Pitch size - 35x25m
Goals - Junior goals
Normal throw ins and corners
Game 2 - Two goal game
4v4
Pitch size - 30x25m
Goals - 2 large traffic cones at each end
No keepers, dribble or pass the ball on to the pitch
Game 3 - Four goal game
4v4
Pitch size - 25x25
Goals - 2 goals at each end (4 goals in total) by the corners using traffic cones
No keepers, dribble or pass the ball on to the pitch
Game 4 - Line Ball
4v4
Pitch size - 25x20
Goals - the length of each end line. To score go over the line and put your foot on the ball
No keepers, dribble or pass the ball on to the pitch
These are just guidelines and at grass roots level you may want to make the pitches bigger. If you have 34-40+ players the 4 games is ideal. You can add extra games for more players. If you have spare players bring them on and off during games or have a rest period and sit out one game.
It is designed to be simple and flexible.
Other rules:
Kids ref themselves
8-10 minutes games
No coaching from the sidelines, only encouragement.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Make sure that all goals are fully secured and that any traffic cones used are the small 9inch ones that easily fall over when knocked.We also recommend football boots with moulded studs.
Please check all pitches before hand for glass, stones etc;