Game version
Mini-match blocks: two teams play short 4v4 games with small goals. Everybody rotates positions each block so no one stays out of the action.
4v4 Game Fitness Blocks
Short, high-tempo small-sided games build game fitness with the ball.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Play 4v4 on a 30 by 20 yard field.
Core: 3. Take full rests, and each team compares only with its own last block.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 18 min
- Players
- 8 players
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, 4 cones, 2 small goals, 8 players
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Fitness
The steps
How it works
- Play 4v4 on a 30 by 20 yard field.
- Play 3 minutes all-out.
- Rest 2 minutes, drinking water and walking.
- Do 4 blocks.
Coaching point
Work hard, then really rest.
Safety: Warm up first. Stop and rest if you feel dizzy or sick.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a block: Less (2 minutes), Core (3), More (4). Take full rests, and each team compares only with its own last block.
Story
You are a team in a cup final with two-minute halves.
My best
Beat your own count
Take full rests, and each team compares only with its own last block. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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