Four-in-a-row

WHY USE IT

This fun warm-up activity – based on the game which asks players to connect four of their coloured counters – gives players opportunities to run with the ball and dribble in tight areas. 

It is great for working on tactical awareness and developing the social corner, too.

Set-up

Mark out a grid with a series of cones, to create 6x6 or 8x8 squares. Two teams stand at opposite ends of the area. 

Each player needs a ball at their feet and a cone or bib in their hand. Each team has a set of different coloured cones or bibs.

HOW TO play

The first player from each team dribbles their ball into the grid and places a cone within any square. They then dribble their ball back and high-five the next player, who takes their turn. 

The first team to connect four cones or bibs in a row – vertically, horizontally or diagonally – wins.

progressions & aDAPTATIONS

• Progress so that each team only has one ball and, once a player has placed their cone or bib in the grid, they pass to their next team-mate.
• If teams are finding it too difficult, they can win by connecting three in a row, rather than four.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage players to take bigger touches when running towards or away from the grid, when they have space. This will allow them to run faster with the ball.

• Encourage players to then take smaller touches within the grid when space is tighter.

• Encourage players to run with their heads up so they can see where they need to place their cone or bib.