Working the Neutral Players | 2v2+4 Game

Overview

• Best for players 10 and up (U11+)
• Aim to run it once your team has the passing basics down as a group
• A great fit when you want to sharpen how players read space and make decisions

Objectives

• Builds the ability to spot a teammate fast and get the pass off
• Teaches players how using the neutral players can swing the flow of the game
• Sharpens the skill of moving the ball cleanly even under pressure
• Develops a feel for creating attacking rhythm in tight space

Setup

8 players, a 20m x 20m grid, split into two teams with four neutral players in the middle, played game-style.

１）Place four neutral players in the middle of the grid who don’t belong to either team

２）The team on the ball (attackers) uses the neutral players and goes at the goal on the far end of the grid

３）The other team (defenders) knows they’re outnumbered once the neutrals join in, so they fight back with smart positioning and constant talking

４）Play 5 minutes and see which team scores more

５）Switch attack and defense, then run it again