Learning Activity

Four Goal End Zone

This game focuses on defending in specific areas, team work,
communication and decision making. There is also a point scoring option
and chances for cross-curricular mathematics links.

Organisation/ Layout

Organisation/ Explanation

In a fairly large rectangular area, set out four goals, two each end (Approximately 2 + metres wide each).
Pupils will be in equal teams of four, and where there may be odd numbers floating players may be
used. Each team will defend and attack two goals (2 goals at one end of the set area).
For this activity a supply of footballs per area may help to keep the games flowing, with regular breaks
to allow pupils to collect stray balls and bring them back.
Defending should become particularly challenging in this game as the defending team has two goals to
defend, this could essentially be progressed into a 6 vs 4 game as a progressive option.
Teams should be allowed planning and thinking time.
Encourage channelling, to gain possession, can they apply enough pressure on the ball to limit the first
attackers options and make play predictable.
The goals on the end line can be moved, however having them in this position makes the game more
realistic as it forces the attacking team to have more of a direction to their attack (like full 11 vs 11
gameplay).

Meeting the needs of all learners

All:
Each game may have a floating player, that may assist either side (attack or defense) if they are called for/ in order to overload or
assist.
May have a smaller area to work in (makes defending easier, attacking slightly harder), depending on nature of the teams.
May have more or less goals, or goal positioning may be altered (less realism, but perhaps more chance for scoring/ defensive success)
Goal amount may be increased (for example 3 goals, with a goal zone to the side/ in the middle/ pitch area corners etc.)
To increase success and motivation levels weaker teams may start on an initially higher score e.g. 5.
Challenging defenders may have set conditions against weaker pupils/ teams, e.g. no contact, interception only, one metre distance etc.
When attacking, weaker teams may have safe zones whereby, when in possession (attacking) and upon entry of the marked safe zone
defenders may not enter, allowing extra thinking and processing time for the next pass/ touch.
Some:
May have lesser team members (other team may have a floating extra player)- to create a defensive overload in particular. The floating
player may be on the side in a holding area and upon the stronger team gaining possession, rushes in to apply extra pressure and
assist in the defensive process.
May have smaller sized goals, or applied conditions such as after each goal, the goal area decreases in size and the opponents increases
etc.
May need to make a set number of touches before attempting to score, or need to acquire possession of the ball after a limited number
of touches from the attackers, otherwise goals are worth double etc.
May have a set focus, e.g. channelling or blocking and predicting play.

Differentiation
Add a floating optional player- who can play for either team, providing an overload either way.
Change the position and number of goals if applicable.
Goals may alter in size according to ability, or as a condition, if one team appears to be dominating
heavily, after each goal, their goals get slightly smaller, while the oppositions goals get equally larger.
Scoring idea may be done in multiples etc. for a cross curricular link.
Goals may be colour coded, with the teacher calling/showing a specific colour goal to attack/ defend.
This may assist with making channelling and blocking more obvious and making play predictable.
Goal colours/ sizes may be worth different points.
When attacking teams may have to make a set number of passes/ touches prior to finishing. Or for
example, each member of the team must touch the ball at least once each time.
Defending teams may gain extra points if they are able to gain possession before the attackers have
made a set number of passes/ touches (e.g. 4/5).
Playing area may be made bigger or smaller to suit ability and change focus slightly, for example long
distance plays or small close quarter passing etc.