Continuous 4v4 attack with a goalkeeper: the same team attacks and, on losing the ball, touches a cone to get another
Linkalde exercise
How it works
- Who starts
- A1 with the ball at the bottom; A2, A3 and A4 spread out beside him; the four reds in front and goalkeeper P in goal.
- Who takes part
- Nine players: A1 to A4, D1 to D4 and goalkeeper P; the coach hands out the balls.
- What the ball does
- A1 passes to A2, A2 switches to A4, A4 dribbles and crosses into the box and A3 finishes with a header or a volley.
- How to score
- One point per goal for the blues (double if in one touch) and one point for the reds for each ball won and cleared out of the box.
- When it ends
- After four minutes in each series.
- How it restarts
- After losing the ball, the four blues touch a cone and the coach feeds a new ball to one of them.
- How players rotate
- After four minutes the teams swap roles and a new group of defenders comes in.
Number of players
9-13 players
Format
Continuous 4v4 attack with a goalkeeper
Recommended
4 × 16 min
Rest 60s · High intensity
Space
Half pitch
Space
68×52 m
Goalkeepers
1
Goal
Work on attacking and defending with many repetitions in a row: reach the box quickly, cross and finish, and close down the cross and the goal with no rest for the defending team.
Description
Half pitch with a goal and a goalkeeper (P). Four blue attackers (A1 to A4) and four red defenders (D1 to D4). The defenders stand in front, in an irregular line about 20 m from the goal. The attackers start further back, about 36 m out. At 44 m from the goal there is a line of four cones 18 m apart. The coach waits with a supply of balls in the bottom left corner. A1 has the ball and the blue team attacks against the four reds and the goalkeeper. If the blues lose the ball, score, send it out or the goalkeeper saves it, all four run to touch a cone on the line and the coach feeds another ball to one of them to attack again. The reds defend and, when they win the ball, can clear it or break away, but they do not shoot at goal. The same team attacks for four minutes.
Step by step
- 1
A1 passes to A2.
- 2
A2 switches the ball to A4, who is on the right wing.
- 3
A4 dribbles towards the wing while A3 and A2 move up to reach the box.
- 4
A4 crosses to the penalty spot.
- 5
A3 shoots at goal.
- 6
After losing the ball, the four blues run to touch a cone on the line.
- 7
The coach passes a new ball to the first to arrive.
- 8
Rotation: the two teams swap roles (one arrow per block).
Rules
The blues always attack for four minutes. The reds wait in place when play restarts and cannot press until a blue touches the ball. After losing the ball, the blues must touch a cone with their hand before receiving another. One point per goal for the blues and one point for the reds for each ball they win and clear out of the box. A goal in one touch or with the head counts double.
Equipment
- Balls
- Cones
- Bibs in 2 colours
- Regulation goal
Physical focus
Recommended times by goal
- Tactical: 4 × 4' · rest 1' · High intensityOrientativo
Rotation and restart
After four minutes the two teams swap roles: the reds attack and the blues defend. If another group of four is waiting outside, it comes in as defenders and the blues move to another activity.
Coaching points
- Attack quickly: pass and switch the play as soon as the reds are out of position.
- Arrive in the box with three players and leave one in support.
- The reds defend together and close the centre before the wing.
- On losing the ball, run to the cone without arguing and attack again straight away.
- The goalkeeper talks and directs the back four.
Common mistakes
The blues take too many touches and the reds get organised.
How to correct: Play in one or two touches to attack before the defence closes.
The reds chase the ball and leave gaps in the centre.
How to correct: Keep the line and shift together towards the ball side.
The blues run to the cone slowly and lose intensity.
How to correct: Each trip to the cone is a short sprint to touch it and attack again.
Questions for the players
- “How many players do you need in the box to finish a cross?”
- “What do you do when your team wins the ball and cannot shoot?”
Levels
- A · easyThe blues may use one extra player as a joker and the attacking zone is wider.
- B · standardAs described.
- C · advancedThe blues have fifteen seconds to shoot after each ball and the reds press from the first pass.
If you have fewer or more players
- With 7 fewer: With seven players and a goalkeeper, play 3v3 with a narrower goal. (Continuous 3v3 attack)
- With more: Set up a second pitch with another goal and alternate the groups each series. (Two 4v4 attack pitches)
- With odd numbers: The extra player is a joker for the blues and plays with them.
Age
Variations
- Three attackers plus a joker. A blue joker is added on a wing and cannot be touched by the reds.
- Double points for headers. A goal with the head or a volley is worth three points and the crosses must be medium or high.
Source: Gesdep (adaptado)