4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape.

4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape

Divide the pitch up into 5 areas (see diagram). The Game Play normal game and use the lines as reference for the players. Give the players roles for their positions and ask them to

4-2-3-1

Adult Game-related Advanced 65 mins 8–18 players Game tempo Attacking Defending

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More actions

Pitchside present Player view Delivery sheet

Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout diagram for 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape — **Pitch layout**
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

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How to use this session

Set the learning intention before players arrive.
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Warm-up rondo — 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape.

8:00

Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.

Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.

Coaching points

Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.

Progressions

Add directional constraints.

Regressions

Reduce pressure / enlarge space.

Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape.

18:00

Directional game with a condition that makes 4-2-3-1 keeping your shape. the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.

Coaching points

Recognise when 4-2-3-1 keeping your shape. is on.
In possession: create and use space.
Out of possession: organise early.

Progressions

Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.

Regressions

Add a neutral / bounce player.

Part practice · 18 mins

4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape.

18:00

Divide the pitch up into 5 areas (see diagram). The Game Play normal game and use the lines as reference for the players. Give the players roles for their positions and ask them to try and find the areas when in possession of the ball. Players should look to recover to the lines when possession is lost.

Organisation: Balls: 20; Bibs: 11; Cones: Y; Goals: 2; Other: Flat cones

Coaching points

Players also to return to the lines when the GK is kicking off the floor.
If the defending team win the ball then they should look to launch a counter attack with-in 5 seconds.

Progressions

Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.

Regressions

Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.

Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape.

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from 4-2-3-1 keeping your shape..

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch and numbers.

Coaching points

Catch them being good when the theme appears.
Manage challenge vs success live.

Progressions

Remove all conditions.

Regressions

Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.

Plenary · 5 mins

Review & cool down

5:00

Players share one learning from the session against the intention.

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points

Link back to Four Corners and next session.

Organisation

Area: Mark area to suit numbers and theme; keep transitions tight.

Setup: Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow, then adapt with STEP.

Equipment checklist

Balls: 20
Bibs: 11
Cones: Y
Goals: 2
Other: Flat cones

Four Corners

Technical Apply the technical actions required in 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape..

Physical Work at game intensity with quality recovery between reps.

Psychological Scan, decide early, and stay connected to the next action.

Social Communicate clearly and support teammates through the practice.

STEP adaptations

Space: Shrink to increase pressure; enlarge to invite success and scanning.
Task: Condition the game so 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape. is the clearest route to success.
Equipment: Adjust ball supply, target goals and mannequins to support picture.
People: Use overloads/underloads and floaters to manage challenge.

Reflect

Did players recognise 4-2-3-1 Keeping your Shape. without constant coach intervention?
Was ball-rolling time high enough across the session?
What STEP change is needed next time for individuals?

Related drills

Drill 166

Game: 5v5 (half vs Half) ATT – To Score you must pass the ball through the centre square and it must be received by your teammate – and controlled! DEF – Must protect the centre square GK – Is GK on each side of the square sidestepping to cover all sides as ball moves. Progression 1: ATT now dribble through grid Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 15/20 min.

Use in creator

Drill 167

Game: 5v5 (half vs Half) ATT – To Score you must pass the ball through the centre square and it must be received by your teammate – and controlled! DEF – Must protect the centre square Progression 1: ATT now dribble through grid Progression 2: ATT now receive the ball in the grid Cant stay in center grid for more than 3 seconds)Progression 3:Ellie goes in the “goal/grid” as a keeper Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 30 min.

Use in creator

Drill 183

Game: 5v5 To Score you must pass the ball into the endzone and it must be received by your teammate – and controlled! Teammate cannot enter endzone until you pass the ball. Progression 1: All players must touch ball Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 30 min.

Use in creator

Drill 184

Game: 10v10 ATT – To Score you must pass the ball through the centre square and it must be received by your teammate – and controlled! DEF – Must protect the centre square Progression 1: ATT now dribble through grid Progression 2: ATT now receive the ball in the grid Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 30 min.

Use in creator