Small-Sided Soccer Game
Numbers Game
Every player has a number. The coach calls a number and plays a ball in, and those players race out to play to the small goals. Call two numbers for 2v2.
Step 1 of 9
Each team stands on a side and every player has a number. Blue attacks the right goal, red the left one.
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 6–12
- Ages
- 5–14U6–U15
- Pace
- Intense
Works on
- Ball control
- Defending
- Stamina
Set up
- Mark a field about 25 yards long and 20 yards wide with a small goal in the middle of each end line.
- Make two teams. Each team stands on one side, just off the field, and every player gets a number: 1, 2, 3 and so on.
- Both teams use the same numbers. Match the players up so each pair of 1s, 2s and 3s is about the same speed.
- The coach stands in the middle of one side with all the balls.
- Space
- 25 x 20 yards with a small goal at each end
- You need
- 2 small pop-up goals · 4 cones for the corners · Lots of balls with the coach · Pinnies in two colors
How to play
- The coach calls a number, like “2!”, and plays a ball into the middle.
- Both 2s run in and play 1v1. Each team attacks the goal at the other end.
- When the ball goes in or out, they run back to their spot and the coach calls the next number.
- Call two or three numbers at once (“1 and 4!”) for 2v2 or 3v3.
- Keep calling so the game never stops. Play to 5 goals, then switch which goal each team attacks.
Coaching points
- Listen and react: go the moment you hear your number.
- First to the ball? Take your first touch toward the goal.
- Defending? Get between the ball and your goal before you tackle.
- Called together? Spread out so your teammate can pass to you.
Easier
Play only 1v1 and let the youngest dribble the ball into the goal. Use bigger goals.
Harder
Call three numbers, or “All!” Or serve the ball to one team, so the other has to defend at once.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put Numbers Game in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.