4 v 4 Small Sided Games (SSG’s) PDF

In recent years, the 4v4 method has rapidly increased in popularity

however this method is certainly not a new one.

The method was introduced by the Dutch Football Association back in

the 1980’s under the guidance of Rinus Michel’s, the creator of total

football. The Dutch recognised the decline in street football and the

damaging effects it would have on developing players in future

generations. This is how the 4v4 method was born and it’s widely

known as “the Dutch way”

In this manual there are over 60 different 4v4 games.

The games are

tried and tested with both grassroots beginners and top youth players

in professional academies. The games are designed to stimulate the

players and lead them down a path of learning – all part of guided

discovery.

These games bring the 4v4 concept into a new era and will develop your players in a fun, player led environment.

Below is a list of benefits for the 4v4 method

• No coaching, the game is the teacher

• Simple to set up

• Simplifies the choices in possession [pass, dribble, shoot]

• More player participation

• Different games bring different problems to solve and skills used

• More touches of the ball

• More passes attempted

• More 1v1’s attempted

• More goals scored

• When used, keeper participation is greatly increased

• No refs

• No results recorded

• No positions, just footballers

• Children take responsibility