4 Player Soccer Drills (4 Vs. 4 Games)

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Four players is a good number to do a soccer drill. Here we have a great collection of soccer drills for you.

There’s a combination of drills 1 v 1, 2 v 2, and singles, with different focuses for you to work on. There’s a drill here for everyone.

Four soccer players

4 Player Soccer Drills (4 Vs. 4 Games)

Dribble Between the Squares: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-6
  • Length of Session: 5 mins
  • Number of Players: groups of 4
  • Skills to Learn: dribbling, ball handling 
  • Equipment: 8 cones and 4 balls for each group of 4

Description: Each child will dribble their ball from one square to the next and back using a variety of different dribbling tactics defined by the coach. 

Drill Set-up:

  • Set up two squares 10 meters apart with side lengths of 5 meters. 
  • Place 4 players in one square and give each player a ball. 
Dribble Between The Squares soccer drill

Drill Instructions:

  1. Instruct the players to dribble to the other square and back using different techniques. 
  2. Right foot only. 
  3. Left foot only. 
  4. Inside of the feet. 
  5. Outside of the feet. 
  6. Doing a particular move every few dribbles (stepover, cut, roll and touch, etc.)

Musical Balls: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-6
  • Length of Session: 10 mins 
  • Number of Players: any
  • Skills to Learn: awareness, speed, coordination 
  • Equipment: balls and cones 
  • Description: The number of balls decreases by one each round

Drill Set-up:

  • Create a large square based on the number of players you have. 
  • Give each player a ball.
  • Optional: set up a small side activity for kids to do once they are out of musical balls. 
Musical Balls Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com
Musical Balls Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

Drill Instructions:

  1. Give each player a ball at first. 
  2. Instruct players to dribble around the area using different techniques. 
  3. When you stop playing music or blow your whistle, each kid must leave their ball and find a new one. 
  4. Take away one ball. 
  5. Repeat the steps, this time one player won’t have a ball in the end. 
  6. The player without a ball must perform a simple action, like 5 jumping jacks, or they are out. 
  7. You can repeat the activity this way or take away one more ball each time the same way you would with musical chairs. 

Dribble Through Gates: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-8
  • Length of Session: 10 mins
  • Number of Players:  3-10
  • Skills to Learn: Ball control, keeping the head up while dribbling
  • Equipment: enough balls for each player and cones

Description; Randomly place gates that are approximately 3 meters wide. Kids will aim to dribble through each gate once or as many gates as possible in the set time. 

Drill Set-up:

  • Set up a large area around 30 meters by 30 meters (use a larger space for more kids)
  • Randomly set up 6-10 3m wide gates using cones
  • Give each kid a ball. 
Dribble Through Gates Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com
Dribble Through Gates Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

Drill Instructions:

  1. Kids 4-6 can have more gates and larger gates to minimize collisions. 
  2. Give kids a set time and goal. For example, you can see who can get through the most gates in 60 seconds, or who can get through every gate first. 
  3. Make the drill more challenging for older players with restrictions, like right or left foot only. You could also require older kids to complete a move before dribbling through the gate. 

Dribble to Pass: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-10
  • Length of Session:  10 mins
  • Number of Players: 4+
  • Skills to Learn: passing on the move, ball control, receiving 
  • Equipment: cones and balls

Description:  Players dribble through a series of cones and then pass the ball to the next player in line. 

Drill Set-up:

  • Set up 10 cones in a line. 
  • The cones should be 1.5 to 2 meters apart. 
  • On each end of the line of cones, set another cone 5-7 meters away. 
  • Repeat this setup to create multiple groups if you have a lot of players. 
  • 2-3 players will line up behind the cone on each end of the line of cones. 
  • Give the ball to the first player in line. 
Dribble To Pass Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com
Dribble To Pass Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

Drill Instructions:

  1. The first player dribbles through the line of cones. 
  2. Once they complete the line of cones, the player then passes the ball to the next player in line who is at the cone 5-7 yards away. 
  3. The second player should receive the ball and then dribble through the line of cones. 
  4. Create different dribbling rules (right foot, left foot, inside-outside, stepovers, etc).
  5. Focus on dribbling and passing technique, picking the eyes up, and being ready in line. 
  6. Extend the distance of the pass for older/ advanced kids. 
  7. Make the game competitive by having multiple groups compete to see who can have all players go twice. If you only have one group, turn it into a race against the clock.

Freeze Tag: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 6-10
  • Length of Session: 10 mins
  • Number of Players: 6+
  • Skills to Learn: dribbling, keeping head up, ball control
  • Equipment: ball for each player, cones, pinnies

Description: One or two taggers try to tag the players dribbling around with the ball. Once tagged, a player is frozen until another player passes the ball between their legs to unfreeze them.

Drill Set-up:

  • Create a large square roughly 30 m X 30 m. Adjust the size based on the number of players. 
  • Put all players in the square. 
  • Select 1-3 taggers (depending on the size of the group).
  • Give the taggers a pinny to differentiate them. 
  • Give all non-taggers a ball. 
Freeze Tag Soccer Drill
Freeze Tag Soccer Drill

Drill Instructions:

  1. When you say go, the taggers will run around trying to tag those who are dribbling. 
  2. If a player is tagged, they “freeze.” The frozen player stands with their feet a bit wider than shoulder-width apart. They should raise their ball above their head. 
  3. A teammate can “unfreeze” a player by passing their ball between that player’s legs. 
  4. Once unfrozen, the player puts the ball down and begins dribbling again. 
  5. Play until the taggers freeze everyone, or for up to 2 minutes. 
  6. Switch taggers each round. 
  7. For younger kids, you can start without the ball as a warmup. 
  8. Older, more advanced kids, require the tagger to steal the ball instead of just tag. 
See also  Soccer Drills Without Goals (Skill Drills)

Pass Through the Gates: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 6-10
  • Length of Session: 10 mins 
  • Number of Players: any
  • Skills to Learn: passing, communication
  • Equipment: balls and cones, optional pinnies

Description: Players must pass the ball through a gate to their teammate to earn a point. 

Drill Set-up:

  • Set up a large space based on the number of players you have and their ages. 
  • Randomly place gates using cones. Gates should be about 3 meters. 
  • Give each player a partner.
  • Optional: use pinnies to distinguish groups. 
  • Each group of 2 gets 1 ball.
Pass Through the Gates Soccer Drill
Pass Through The Gates Soccer Drill

Drill Instructions:

  1. Kids must dribble around the area and pass through the gates to their partners. 
  2. Each successful pass through the gate earns one point. 
  3. Kids cannot go through the same gate twice in a row. 
  4. Challenge your players to see who gets the most passes in a set time or who can complete all gates first. 
  5. Keep each round to 60 seconds or less. 
  6. Challenge older players to use their weaker foot or complete the drill with smaller gates. 

Pass Around the Square: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 8-10+
  • Length of Session: 10 mins 
  • Number of Players: 5-6 players per square 
  • Skills to Learn: passing, receiving, movement off the ball 
  • Equipment: 4 cones and 1 ball per square. 

Description: Kids must pass the ball around the square, following their passes. You can add increasingly complex versions. 

Pass Around The Square Soccer Drill
Pass Around The Square Soccer Drill

Drill Set-up:

  • Create a square using 4 cones. 
  • The square can be anywhere from 5×5 meters to 10×10 meters depending on the age and skill level of the kids. 
  • Position one kid at each cone. 
  • Place an additional player behind the player with the ball. 
  • Optional: place an additional player behind another child at a different cone. 

Drill Instructions:

  1. Child A starts with the ball. 
  2. Pass the ball to child B, who will receive the ball, and play to child C. 
  3. Each player follows their pass and waits at that cone.
  4. Instruct players to “show” for the ball by popping off the cone. 
  5. Focus on body position, opening up to receive, and play in 2 touches. 
  6. Complete the drill in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). 
  7. Progress to more advanced patterns. For example, add a wall pass at each corner, or have the play change to up, back, and through. 

Pass, Move, and Shuffle: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Pass, Move, and Shuffle
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Number of players: minimum of 2 as players work in pairs
  • Skills learned: first touch, passing, and quick feet
  • Equipment: 2 cones, 1 ball per pair

Drill Setup

  • Each pair of players needs 2 cones. 
  • Place 2 cones approximately 5 yards apart to create the passing lane. 
  • Create separate passing lanes parallel to these cones for each pair of players. 
  • Each pair requires 1 ball.
Pass Move and Shuffle
Pass Move and Shuffle

Drill Instructions

  • P1 stands 1 yard to the right and behind the cone, with the ball at their feet.
  • P2 stands in a mirrored position, 1 yard to the left and behind the cone, waiting to receive a pass.
  • P1 plays a firm, right-footed pass along the ground to P2. 
  • P1 then shuffles to the left side of the cone and waits for the return pass.
  • P2 takes one touch to shift the ball from the left to the right side of the cone, before playing return pass to P1.
  • P2 then shuffles back to the left side of the cone. 
  • P1  takes one touch to shift the ball from the left to the right side of the cone, before passing it to P2 
  • In the first and second rounds, allow 3 touches. In the third and fourth rounds, allow only 2.

Drill Variations

  • Switch starting positions to focus on opposite foot passing.
  • Increase the distance between players to improve passing accuracy, control, and range. For this drill, the maximum distance between players should be 15 yards.

Pass and Move Awareness: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Pass and move awareness drill
  • Session Length: 3 to 5 mins
  • Number of players: Minimum of 8 players broken into 4 groups
  • Skills learned: passing, quick movement, first touch, and awareness
  • Equipment: 4 cones, 2 balls

Drill Setup

  • Position 4 cones to create a tilted square. The 4 corners should be 10 yards apart from each other. 
  • Split the training squad into 4 even groups, with each group lining up at a separate cone. 
  • 3 to 4 players per group is optimal. There must be a minimum of 2 in each group.
Pass and Move Awareness
Pass and Move Awareness

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 and P3 start with the balls at their feet. 
  2. P1 plays a low, firm pass to P2. After playing the pass, the player jogs to the back of the line on their right. 
  3. Then, P3 passes the ball to P4. When the pass is played, the player joins the end of the line to their right. 
  4. P2 and P4 take one touch the control the ball, before playing a return pass to the next player in the group they received the ball from. 
  5. After playing the pass, the players jog to the back of the line to their right. 
  6. As the passing lanes intersect in the middle of the square, players must time their passes precisely to avoid the balls from accidentally colliding. 

Drill Variations

  • Introduce limits on the number of touches. Start out with no limits, then gradually reduce it to 2 touches. 
  • Instruct players to use their weaker foot for a certain number of passes. 
  • Set targets for successive completed passes.
See also  Soccer Drills for Corners, Penalty, Free Kicks, Throw-Ins (Set-Piece Drills)

Passing Practice in Pairs: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Passing practice in pairs
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 2 to 18
  • Skills learned: Passing, volleying, heading, and ball control
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 8 cones (per group)

Drill Setup

  • Divide the team into pairs.
  • Create 2 x 4-cone grids approximately 5 yards apart for each pair. 
  • Each player stands inside their own 4-cone grid. 
  • 1 player in each pair begins with the ball.
  • There are 4 rounds in this drill. Each round covers a different variation.
Passing in Pairs
Passing in Pairs

Drill Instructions

  1. Round 1: P1 starts by playing a low pass to the feet of P2. P2 then plays a return pass to P1. Players repeat the process for 10 passes. 
  2. Round 2: P1 starts with the ball in their hands and gently lobs it toward the feet of P2. P2 volleys the ball back to P1’s hands using the inside of their foot. Players repeat the process for 5 passes then switch roles. 
  3. Round 3: P1 starts with the ball in their hands and lobs it toward P2’s chest. P2 controls the ball with their chest, then volleys it back to P1’s hands as they did in round 2. Players repeat the process for 5 passes then switch roles. 
  4. Round 4: P1 lobs the ball in the air. P2 heads the ball back to P1’s hands, jumping if necessary.  Players repeat the process for 5 passes then switch roles. 
  5. Players complete all 4 rounds 3 times.

Drill Variations

  • Focus on using weak feet for a round.
  • Increase the distance between the grids to practice different ranges of passing.

Weave Passing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Weave Passing 
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 4 to 16
  • Skills learned: Passing, moving, anticipation, finishing
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal, 3 cones

Drill Setup

  • Use approximately half the field for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal if you have a goalkeeper. If not, a small goal or pair of cones will suffice.
  • Place 3 cones approximately 10 yards apart, across the field, just in front of the halfway line.
  • Divide the outfield players into 3 even groups. 
  • Each group lines up at a different cone. 
  • P1 begins with the ball at their feet at the center cone. 
Weave Passing
Weave Passing

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P2 and P3 set off, running toward the goal. 
  2. P1 plays a through ball to P2, anticipating where they are running to. 
  3. P1 wraps around behind P2, following the pass and continuing to run toward the goal. 
  4. P2 then plays a through ball to P3.
  5. P2 wraps around behind P3. 
  6. If P3 is close to the goal, they take a touch and shoot. 
  7. If P3 is still outside the box or too far out to shoot, they pass to P1 for a shot. 
  8. After completing the round, all outfield players join different lines. The next 3 players start the second round. 
  9. If you have multiple goalkeepers, rotate them occasionally.

Drill Variations

  • Time each round and challenge players to beat their best time every turn.
  • Set goal-scoring targets for the team. 
  • Increase the distance of the drill and cover the entire field. 

Give & Go Passing Squares: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Give & Go Passing Squares
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 5 (per square)
  • Skills learned: Give & go passing, moving, awareness, concentration
  • Equipment: 1 ball (per square), 4 cones (per square)

Drill Setup

  • Divide the team into groups of 5. 
  • Set up a 4-cone square grid for each group. All cones should be around 5 yards apart. 
  • P1 and P5 stand behind 1 cone. All other players stand behind separate cones. 
  • P1 begins with the ball at their feet. 
Give and Go Passing Squares
Give and Go Passing Squares

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a pass to P2. The pass must travel along the outside of the square. 
  2. P1 follows their pass and heads toward P2’s cone. 
  3. P2 plays a first-time pass in front of P1 to the inside of the square, then starts to run toward P3’s cone along the outside of the square. 
  4. P1 plays a first-time pass to P2 and then stands behind P2’s original cone. 
  5. P2 plays a pass along the outside of the square to P3 then continues to run toward the cone. 
  6. P3 plays a first-time pass in front of P2 to the inside of the square, then starts to run toward P4’s cone along the outside of the square. 
  7. P2 plays a return pass to P3 and then takes P3’s original starting position.
  8. These steps are continuously repeated, creating a constant passing loop.

Drill Variations

  • Occasionally change the direction of the drill. 
  • Set consecutive passing targets. 
  • If you have multiple groups, create a competition to see which team can accumulate the most consecutive passes. 

2 v 2 Mini-Games: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 2 v 2 Mini-Games
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups 
  • Number of players: 4 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, finishing, tackling, communication  
  • Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball, 2 mini goals

Drill Setup

  • Create a small playing field, 20 yards long and 10 yards wide, using 6 cones.
  • Set up 2 mini goals and place one on either end of the field. 
  • Divide the team into pairs. 
  • 2 pairs compete at a time, with each pair beginning the drill at opposite ends of the grid.
  • P1 and P2 begin with the ball. 
2 v 2 Mini Games
2 v 2 Mini Games

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, the game is live. 
  2. P1 and P2 can pass, dribble, or shoot to try and score against P3 and P4. 
  3. P3 and P4 can tackle, block, and intercept, in an attempt to win possession. 
  4. The first team to score 3 goals wins. 
  5. If the ball goes over the sideline, there are no throw-ins. The player must play a ground pass instead. 
  6. There are no offsides. 
  7. If there are multiple pairs, rotate the teams after every round. 
See also  Fun Soccer Drills and Games (All Ages)

Drill Variations

  • Set a scoring time limit for the team in possession
  • Play 2-touch or 3-touch rounds to work on quick passing and movement. 
  • Mark a small area next to each goal. Players can only score from inside this zone. 
  • If you have enough teams, consider running a tournament among them.

2 v 2 Counterattacks: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 2 v 2 Counterattacks
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 7+ 
  • Number of players: 4 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, finishing, defensive positioning, tackling
  • Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, 2 mini goals, 1 regular goal

Drill Setup

  • Create a 15 to 20-yard square playing grid using 4 cones.
  • Set up a regular size goal at one end of the grid. 
  • Set up 2 small goals next to either corner on the opposite end.
  • Divide the team into pairs (2 v 2) and elect half as defenders and half as attackers.
  • Defenders (D1 + D2) line up at the end with 2 goals. 
  • Attackers (P1 + P2) begin at the other end. 
  • The defenders start with the ball.
2 v 2 Counter Attacks
2 v 2 Counter Attacks

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, D1 plays a 15 to 20-yard pass (depending on the size of your grid) to P1 or P2. 
  2. P1 and P2 now take on D1 and D2 in a 2 v 2 situation.
  3. P1 and P2 try to score in either goal on the opposite end. D1 and D2 attempt to stop them. 
  4. If D1 and D2 win possession, they can counterattack quickly and attempt to score. 
  5. P1 and P2 must try to stop them. 
  6. Each team has a maximum of one attack per round. 
  7. The round is over if either team scores, the ball goes out of play, or a counterattack is unsuccessful.
  8. After 5 rounds, the players switch roles, then play another 5 rounds. 
  9. The team with the most goals wins. 
  10. If you have multiple pairs, set up identical grids or rotate pairs frequently.

Drill Variations

  • Switch the attacking and defending sides, giving players a chance to score dual and single goals. 
  • If you have a goalkeeper, consider using them for this drill. 
  • Set a scoring time limit.
  • Play 2-touch or 3-touch rounds to work on quick passing and movement. 
  • Mark a small area next to each goal. Players can only score from inside this zone. This encourages players to focus on build-up play and chance creation, eliminating long-distance pot shots. 

2 v 2 Gate Games: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 2 v 2 Gate Games
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 4 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, finishing, tackling, defensive positioning 
  • Equipment: 8 cones, 1 ball(minimum), 2 mini goal

Drill Setup

  • Create a 15-yard square grid. 
  • Create 2-yard gates using cones in each corner.
  • Set up a mini goal between the 2 gates at one end, around 3 yards ahead of the end line.
  • Divide the team into pairs. Instruct half the pairs to line up behind one end, and a half to line up behind the other. 
  • P1 and P2 begin centrally behind the end line with the ball. 
  • P3 and P4 begin centrally behind the opposite end line.
2 v 2 Gate Games
2 v 2 Gate Games

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, the game is live. 
  2. P1 dribbles the ball through a gate to enter the field. P2 runs through the other gate. 
  3. P3 and P4 enter the field by running through both their gates. 
  4. P1 and P2 then try to score, while P3 and P4 defend their goal. 
  5. The attackers have a single opportunity to score. 
  6. The round is over when the attackers shoot, the defenders win the ball, or the ball goes out of play. 
  7. Repeat the drill for 5 rounds, then the attackers and defenders switch roles. 
  8. If there are multiple pairs, set up identical grids or rotate the pairs occasionally.

Drill Variations

  • Set a scoring time limit.
  • Create a minimum passes rule, forcing players to make a certain number of passes before they can shoot. 
  • Create competition by counting the number of goals each team scores. 

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Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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