The Soccer Education Specialists

Developmental
Fours
A guide to replicating street soccer
through the use of small-sided 4v4
games for the development of soccer
players of all ages and abilities.

Experience Excellence in Soccer Education

A division of USA Sport Group

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The Soccer Education Specialists

What is Developmental Fours?

Developmental Fours consists of a comprehensive range of innovative game-related practices involving

eight game-like variations to 4-a-side soccer. Each game-related practice aims to isolate and encourage
the development of a specific set of skills commonly performed during participation (e.g. dribbling, passing,
creative play).

Why Developmental Fours?

Street soccer, which encompasses a number of informal small-sided competitive games organized by
children with a strong intrinsic motivation for the love of the game and a desire to experiment with skills
and tricks, has always been the basic developer of the world’s most talent players. The ‘free playing’
environment created by street soccer leaves children to their own devices and thus enables them to
practice skills and techniques without pressure and/or the fear of failure as well as encouraging them to
decide upon their own solutions away from adult presence.

United Soccer Academy formulated and implemented the Developmental Fours program in an attempt to
replicate street soccer and thus encourage more 1v1s, more goals scored, more decision making
opportunities and much more fun. As a result, United Soccer Academy highly recommends Developmental
Fours as an excellent teaching tool for the development of soccer players of all ages and abilities.

Is Developmental Fours just for Young Players?

In the simplest of terms, no! Developmental Fours can be used as an effective training tool for players of
all ages and abilities, from children to adults.

Initially, Developmental Fours was designed to rear a ‘golden generation’ of technically, tactically and
physically astute players by exposing them to a stimulating and highly competitive game-like environment
during the ‘windows of opportunity’ at 7-14 years of age. It has been widely acclaimed, however, that Sir
Alex Ferguson, the world’s most successful ever soccer coach, regularly uses the Developmental Fours
program as part of both Manchester United’s respective youth and first team training programs.

Supporting Evidence

In an empirical research study conducted by Grant Findlay, USA’s Regional Director of Education, video
analysis software was used as a reliable observational analytical tool to generate data on the effectiveness
of the Developmental Fours program. The experimental procedure involved 16 young players from a pro-
fessional soccer club in Scotland. The players’ performance in the eight different game-related practices
were video recorded to be later assessed and analyzed. In total, 10 variables of soccer performance were
extracted for the analysis.

The research findings advocated that Developmental Fours is unquestionably an ‘excellent teaching tool
for the development of soccer players of all ages and abilities’. The research findings also revealed that
innovative adaptations to the basic 4-a-side format prove to be the most valuable ‘teaching tool’.

For further information on the Developmental Fours program and/or the research study conducted by
Grant, please visit our website: www.unitedsocceracademy.com

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 3
The Soccer Education Specialists

Advantages of Playing Developmental Fours

The monumental amount of advantages of playing Developmental Fours can be sectioned into five key
components: technical, tactical, physical, psychological and developmental.

Technical

More repeated touches (or interactions) with the ball by all players – repetition is key to technical
development;
Improves the player development process and thus speeds up the acquisition of skills – accelerated
enhancement of technical attributes;
Increased number of opportunities to execute technical skills throughout all areas of the playing area –
composure required even when in possession of the ball in defensive areas;
The informal environment of small-sided games promotes creativity and the development of new skills
and tricks – encourages realistic risk taking;
Constant exposure to dribbling, shooting, passing, tackling, ball control and 1v1 scenarios – maximises
creativity, spontaneity and development of skilfulness;
Smaller, tighter playing areas nurtures the development of a quality first touch under the pressures of
time, space and opposition – increased skill demands;
The smaller ball is lighter and more easily kicked, controlled, dribbled and passed – develops important
technical elements of soccer;
Physically advanced players are forced to develop technical skills in tight spaces – allows late
developers to catch up physically, whilst forcing early developers to focus on becoming ‘soccer
players’, not ‘soccer athletes’;
Better success rate leads to improved technical quality of play during all facets of the game – develops
the components of a well rounded player;
The most dominant players in the team are less likely to maintain possession of the ball for lengthy
periods of time – creates more equal opportunities for all players to be involved and thereby develop
the technical aspects of the game;
Small-sided games often take the focus away from complex information regarding structural issues
(formations and positions) – increases focus on individual technical issues;
In a small-sided environment it is easier for the coach to identify the root causes of technical skill
problems – ‘active coaching’ enhances development of players;
Greater number of shooting opportunities in and around goal area – development of goalkeeping skills
(goal is also tailored to height of players);
More opportunities for shooting and scoring goals – less time between scoring a goal and/or
successfully advancing towards goal;
Increased number of attempted and successfully executed passes in a forward direction – positive, fast
flowing and creative attacking play;
Individual participation and development is fostered due to players receiving increased playing time –
players acknowledge that practice and playing time is correlated with improvements in technical
performance;
The small-sided games environment makes it difficult for players to ‘hide’ from being involved with the
play – every player must be actively involved in order for their team to have a positive performance.

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 4
The Soccer Education Specialists

Tactical

More space and fewer numbers leads to less bunching around the ball – enhances tactical awareness
(positioning and team shape, i.e. diamond);
Players develop a basic understanding of tactical play and problem solving in an active game-like
environment – teaches the concepts of attacking (create space) and defending (stay compact);
More active and individual involvement in tactical transition phases from defending to creating attacking
opportunities – more opportunities to play on ‘both sides of the ball’ which in turn broadens their
understanding of the game;
Whilst learning attack and defence, players become more tactically astute as they learn the roles and
importance of team mates – maximises involvement in realistic game-like situations and promotes
teamwork and communication;
As the ball is often played close to the goal forwards and defenders gain valuable experiences in the
most decisive areas of the pitch – any mistake or successful action can transform the overall
performance/outcome of the match;
Better success rate leads to improved tactical quality of play in both attack and defence – improves
combination play and overall team performance;
More opportunities to fulfil defensive duties – constant exposure to preventing opponents scoring,
making tackles and blocking shots;
Repeated exposure to quality and critical decision-making points within a game-like experience –
develops game awareness (‘soccer intelligence’);
Simplified rules ensure that decision-making and instructions of a tactical nature much easier to
understand and comprehend – less complex game situations than 11v11;
Players are routinely structured into informal positions at ages when their spatial awareness does not
lend themselves to a practical understanding of larger group tactics – rotating positions encourages
intuitive development;
Playing positions are not adhered to in the early stages in order to encourage the development of more
rounded, creative players – greater focus on freedom of expression and self-discovery (‘let the game
be the teacher’);
At a later stage in the development process, players are more likely to gravitate towards a position in
which they feel most comfortable – players themselves can discover their ‘best’ playing position;
Players have much fewer interactions and decisions to consider in comparison to 11v11 – a
progressive educational method via sequential game formats (4v4, to 5v5, to 7v7, before 11v11).

Physical

The ball is in play more often and there are substantially fewer interruptions, thus leading to continuous
participation and less static involvement – the ball is in constant vicinity of every player;
More active and increased playing time encourages maximum participation and greater levels of indi-
vidual involvement – equates to optimal fitness load;
Playing on a smaller pitch prevents early physical fatigue – maintains a high quality of play for an in-
creased duration;
Players become more physically efficient in the small playing area in which they are participating – eco-
nomical fitness training during short, high intensity play with ball (conditioning of muscles groups en-
gaged in actual match-play);
The small pitch dimensions encourages fast attacking play and a high match tempo that ensures play-
ers are physically tested – guarantees that the work rate and physical involvement of the players stays
consistently constant;

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 5
The Soccer Education Specialists

Physical (contd.)
Small-sided games can alternatively be applied as a method of interval training by acting as an
consistent aerobic training stimulus – energetic and conditioned soccer-specific workouts (fitness is
enhanced through the use of a ball);
Athletic growth is enhanced by continuous movement and mobility – enhances speed, strength,
explosive power, agility, coordination, flexibility and anaerobic capacity;
The small pitch dimensions encourages fast attacking play and a high match tempo that ensures
players are physically tested – guarantees that the work rate and physical involvement of the players
stays consistently constant;
Small-sided games can alternatively be applied as a method of interval training by acting as an
consistent aerobic training stimulus – energetic and conditioned football-specific workouts (fitness is
enhanced through the use of a ball);
Athletic growth is enhanced by continuous movement and mobility – enhances speed, strength,
explosive power, agility, coordination, flexibility and anaerobic capacity;
This approach ensures a logical ‘stairway of development’ for young players to physically grow into the
adult game of 11-a-side soccer – children are not as physiologically developed as adults, therefore, the
game must be tailored to meet their needs.

Psychological

More fun and personal enjoyment due to small pitch dimensions and simplified rules – leads to per-
sonal growth within and out with the game (e.g. Increased levels of self-esteem);
Players can simply play for the love, desire and the exhilarating enjoyment of the game (fosters intrin-
sic value) – joy and lifelong passion of playing;
Excitement, creativity, greater independence and leadership promotes a highly motivational and com-
petitive atmosphere – allows players to feel worthy and important;
Greater game involvement and more responsibility improves self-confidence – fear of failure is less
likely to exist;
For young players the game is easier to understand and comprehend – presents realistic but simple
soccer challenges;
Players must concentrate more intensively as the action is quicker and more constant than a larger
sided format – reduces risk of players losing interest and focus in the game;
Individual player personalities have a chance to emerge – nurtures spontaneous moments of creativity
and self expression;
Less perceived pressure from coaches and parents – less perceived stress placed on players during
participation (eliminates negative extrinsic influences);
With basic game situations arising frequently, players learn to deal with stressful situations in a com-
petitive game-like environment – capitalises on attacking and defensive situations;
Players that have not attained the technical skills to enact their tactical choices will be faced with im-
mediate and repeated feedback indicating that they must improve technique in order to play more ef-
fectively – encourages self-evaluation of performance;
Due to increased involvement in a vast number of game-like scenarios players can use mental re-
hearsal and imagery to improve their performance – promotes the application of sport/soccer specific
psychology;

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 6
The Soccer Education Specialists

Developmental
The emphasis is on player development rather than winning – focus is placed on fun, enjoyment and
active participation (‘trophy-free’ soccer);
‘Trophy-free’ football encourages fair play as players take responsibility to make honest decisions
which abide by the rules during participation – avoids the need for match officials and the recording of
results;
The small-sided game environment is more ‘child-centred’ as opposed to ‘adult-controlled’ – minimal
instruction from the sidelines;
This approach ensures a logical ‘stairway of development’ for young players to physically grow into the
adult game of 11-a-side soccer – children are not as physiologically developed as adults, therefore, the
game must be tailored to meet their needs.
Small-sided games are truly aimed at players of all abilities – not simply for the more talented players in
each age group;
Higher success rate is more likely to interest an motivate players to enhance their progress – higher
levels of player retention;
Small-sided games are an appropriate developmental playing environment for young players –
progressive in terms of their soccer development;
Simplified rules and regulations encourage player safety, player fun, respect and sportsmanship – fair
play rules apply to all players, coaches and parents;
More efficient use of space and facilities as a number of small-sided games can be played
simultaneously across a standard-size pitch – accommodates a larger numbers of players;
More opportunities for individual coaching – ideal for the coach to ‘shape and paint pictures’;
More opportunities for the coach to observe and analyse the individual and collective responses of
players under quick decision-making conditions in a simple environment – allows the coach to tailor
future coaching sessions around the strengths and weaknesses of certain individual players and/or the
team;
Coach has increased opportunity to provide quality instructions in game-like situations – less players on
the smaller field is easier for novice coaches;
The coach is following the accepted developmental pathway for young players and can be confident
that the players are given the best possible chance of success – exploits a model of long-term player
development.

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 7
The Soccer Education Specialists

Developmental Fours Program

1 Creative Player

2 4v4

3 4v4 + GKs

4 End Zone (Dribbling)

5 Four Goal (Wide)

6 Four Goal (Long)

7 Four Goal (Dribbling)

8 Four Goal (Across)

9 Possession Box

10 One Goal
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The Soccer Education Specialists

CREATIVE PLAYER
Game Description

Players have a ball between two and rotate every 60 seconds. The players are encouraged to
practice various skills, tricks and moves to beat an opponent and/or change of speed and di-
rection. United Soccer Academy has also developed a Creative Player program, details of
which can be accessed via our website.

Principle Focus

Creative imagination & freedom of self-expression through free play GAME 1

Coaching Points

Attacking

Self-expression with skills and tricks

Change of speed and direction

Awareness of other players

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The Soccer Education Specialists

Game Description

4v4
This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond (1-2-1) team shape. Coach should allow players to have the freedom to express
themselves and encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum
coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Creative imagination & freedom of self-expression through free play

GAME 2
Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Go for goal - be positive Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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The Soccer Education Specialists

4 v 4 + GKs
Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond (1-1-2-1) team shape. Coach should allow players to have the freedom to express
themselves and encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum
coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Creative imagination & freedom of self-expression through free play

GAME 3
Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Go for goal - be positive Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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The Soccer Education Specialists

END ZONE (DRIBBLING)

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player dribble into the end zone with the ball
under control. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situa-
tions. Minimum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Creative dribbling & creating width

Coaching Points
GAME 4
Attacking Defending

Ensure correct dribbling technique Win the ball back quickly

Use full width of playing area Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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The Soccer Education Specialists

FOUR GOAL (WIDE)

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player scores into either of the two opposing
corner goals. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations.
Minimum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Switch of play & creating width

GAME 5
Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Ensure correct passing technique Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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The Soccer Education Specialists

FOUR GOAL (LONG)

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player scores into either of the two opposing
corner goals. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations.
Minimum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Speed of play, creating length & depth, & penetration & support
GAME 6
Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Ensure correct passing technique Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 14
The Soccer Education Specialists

FOUR GOAL (DRIBBLING)

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player dribbles through a gate and passes
to a teammate. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situa-
tions. Minimum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Creative dribbling & creating width, length & depth

Coaching Points
GAME 7

Attacking Defending

Ensure correct dribbling technique Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 15
The Soccer Education Specialists

GAME 8 FOUR GOAL (ACROSS)

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond shape. Two 4-aside games (across width and length) within the defined playing
area. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Mini-
mum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Ball retention, speed of play & support

Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Ensure correct passing technique Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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The Soccer Education Specialists

POSSESSION BOX
Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond shape. A point is scored when a set number of passes has successfully been com-
pleted. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Mini-
mum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Ball retention, speed of play & support GAME 9

Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Ensure correct passing technique Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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The Soccer Education Specialists

ONE GOAL
Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic
diamond shape. Both teams play towards the same goal. A point is scored when a player
scores. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Mini-
mum coaching from sidelines.

Principle Focus

Ball retention, speed of play & shots at goal

GAME 10
Coaching Points

Attacking Defending

Ensure correct shooting technique Win the ball back quickly

Lots of movement (on and off ball) Compact & narrow diamond shape

Quick tempo / speed of play Provide depth, cover and support

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 18
The Soccer Education Specialists

Team Shape—4v4 Diamond (1-2-1)

Principles of Play

1. Width: using wide areas in attack to create goal scoring opportunities

2. Length: stretching the game by providing an outlet in attack

3. Depth: offering support behind the ball in both attacking or defensive roles

4. Penetration: breaking down the opposition by moving the ball forward quickly

5. Support: moving quickly into areas to assist team mates with and without the ball

6. Creativity: allowing players to express themselves and use their imagination

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 United Soccer Academy, Inc. 19
The Soccer Education Specialists

50 Different Ways to Say ‘Good Job’

During Practice:

1. Well done! 21. Perfect!

2. Terrific! 22. That’s better than what I can do!
3. That’s the way to do it! 23. That’s a great effort!
4. That’s a real improvement! 24. You’re getting better!
5. Good thinking! 25. Now you’ve got the hang of it!
6. Keep up the good work! 26. You’re getting better every day!
7. That’s it! 27. You’re learning fast!
8. That’s better! 28. I knew you could do it!
9. Outstanding! 29. I’m so proud of you!
10. Fantastic! 30. That’s much better!
11. Fine work! 31. Superb!
12. Magnificent! 32. That’s amazing!
13. Wonderful! 33. Great work!
14. You’re really working hard today! 34. That’s as good as I have seen!
15. That’s looking good! 35. Keep it up!
16. Good work! 36. Spot on!
17. That’s the right way to do it! 37. You are doing much better today!
18. Top stuff! 38. Keep on trying!
19. I think you’ve got it now! 39. Excellent - I’m impressed!
20. Tremendous! 40. Very imaginative!

After Practice:

1. That was really good! 6. That was great, you remembered!

2. I’m proud of your efforts today! 7. You worked well today!
3. That’s the best you’ve ever done! 8. Great effort out there today!
4. You did really well today! 9. You really are learning quickly!
5. You must have been practicing! 10. You’re nearly getting there!

USA coaching staff honors the Developmental Fours program

by always creating a POSITIVE learning environment!

© 2012 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.