26-P3 · Opposed practice · U9–U11

4 v 3 Opposed Build-Up Game

4 v 3 Opposed Build-Up Game is an opposed practice for U9–U11 teams (7 players, 20 × 26 yards) that works on passing and build-up play.

It’s time to develop your goalkeeper’s skills and team cohesion with this dynamic 4 v 3 opposed practice!

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4 v 3 Opposed Build-Up Game: still from the Touchtight coaching video 1:40
Age group
U9–U11
Players
7 players
Area
20 × 26 yards (1/4 Pitch)
Time
30 minutes
Goalkeeper
No
Coaches
1
Practice type
Opposed practice
Coach level
Beginner (D Licence)

How it's set up

This 4 v 3 opposed practice provides your goalkeeper with a range of technical challenges while fostering their technical and tactical understanding in building play against two strikers. The practice is conducted within a 20 by 26-yard area, divided into three 8-yard zones for spatial reference, with a 2-yard end zone for attacking transitions. Our primary coaching team (Blue) is structured with one goalkeeper, two centre-backs, and a deep-lying midfielder. The objective is for the team to create attacking opportunities by freeing up a player and accelerating the tempo of play, utilising forward facing free players to penetrate through the zones and score in mini-goals positioned at the top of the pitch. If the defenders win possession, they can transition to become the attacking team with the objective to drive the ball into the end zone, earning the team a goal.

Setup diagram for 4 v 3 Opposed Build-Up Game: pitch area, player positions and movements
Setup diagram · tap to enlarge

Key coaching points

  1. Goalkeeper’s Positioning: Stay central to offer clear passing lanes to centre-backs.
  2. Center-Back Spacing: Maintain staggered angles to maximise passing options.
  3. Midfielder Movement: Find and exploit pockets of space with sharp double movements.

Also in the full practice

  • 1 progression to make it harder as your players improveIn Club
  • 3 player questions to check understanding during the practiceIn Club
  • The coach-led video (1:40) how to set it up and deliver itIn Club
  • Add it to your team's Dugout drop it into a session plan with your warm-up and gameIn Club

Run it with your team.

Watch 26-P3 in full, then add it to your next session. It's one of over 1,000 practices in the Touchtight Club library.

Watch the full video ↗