OVERALL OBJECTIVES
- FOCUS ON SKILLS - NOT TACTICS
- EVERYONE TOUCHES THE BALL - A LOT!!
- KEEP THE GAME MOVING
- HAVE FUN
4v4 Game Format - Changes from 3 vs. 3 rules are highlighted
- Field Size: Approximately 25 yards x 40 yards, goals about 2 yards wide
- Players: 4 vs. 4 - play a "diamond formation"; sweeper may not act as a goal-keeper (i.e. hands are NOT allowed)
- Referees: The Coaches
- Playing Time: Four Quarters of 8 minutes each - running time
- Off-side: None
- Start of Each Quarter: Team with ball starts half-way between mid-field and their own goal; defensive team starts at mid-field. Center forward must pass the ball to a teammate to start play. Each team starts with the ball twice during a game.
- After a Goal: Team scored upon starts with the ball in same position as at the beginning of a quarter.
- Out of Bounds: CALL THIS CLOSELY - WE'RE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE CONTROL (whole ball must be over the whole line.)
- On the side: Team who did not touch ball last gains possession; ball placed on side-line and kicked in to team-mate. Defensive team must be 3yds from kicker. NO THROW-INS,
- At Goal-Line: Last touched by the offensive team results in a goal kick; last touched by the defensive team results in a corner kick.
- Intentional Hand Ball: Team who did not touch ball takes possession; kicker must pass to team-mate (cannot score.) Defense must be 3 yards away.
- Substitutions: At beginning or middle of quarter (Injuries excepted.)
- Goal Scoring: Every offensive player (including the sweeper) MUST be over mid-field; otherwise it's a goal kick for the defending team
- Coaches should focus on development of foot skills; heading should not be practiced.
