A lot of teams run 4v4+3 as “just possession”… and it becomes background noise.

When I want it to actually teach scanning, body shape, pressing coordination and transitions, I coach it with a few simple cues + constraints.

Here are the key things I look for (and a few variations at the end).

Quick note: I wouldn’t use this with complete beginners—works best once players can pass/receive under light pressure.

Set-up (space) I usually use ~25x15m, but it’s adjustable depending on level and objecti

Scanning before receiving

In my opinion, the most important aspect to learn in football, and one of the most difficult to achieve.

• Looking around before receiving a pass
• making the pass while looking at my teammate and not my feet
• moving the ball with my head held high…

Adapting body positioning

Another core aspect in football for me.

• Opening my body position before receiving a pass allows controlling the ball with the far leg.
• This action allows the players to move the ball away from where it comes from and change the game from one side to another.

Positioning

The player needs to position themself in the game. Moving away or approaching when it’s needed. Being the farthest player in the positional play will help them in the match to recognize themself as the free player and ask for the ball.

Control and pass

As I have said, controlling with the far leg will raise a player’s level a lot.

But for players with a lower level, normal controls and passes are practiced a lot in this drill.

• The 4x4+3 positional play allows players to play with the inside jokers or with the outside teammates.
• Players must make lots of real game decisions during the drill and practice passes and controls with all parts of the foot.

Pressing

Inside players must press and recover the ball. Working in small-sided games at high intensities will improve their endurance and pace. On the other hand, inside players will need to coordinate their pressing and close the gaps between them, because they will have lots of problems if they don’t do that.

Central Joker

In this positional play, the central joker will have a lot of importance during the game. They will have to move constantly and take lots of decisions in a short amount of time. In my opinion, it’s a great way to put midfielders into real game situations. You can limit themself to playing one-touch to encourage third-man situations.

Transitions

If the defending team wins the ball, they will change their position instantly with the attackers. Attackers must recover the ball or they will change their role to defenders.

Variations

Depending on the level of the players and the objectives, you can modify rules.

• To make the drill easier for the outside players, you can make the space bigger. (Inside players will have to run longer distances too.)
• Outside players can score a point if they play with the inside joker. (This emphasizes making passes between defenders (breaking the line).)
• You can limit it to 1–2 touches if you want to increase the speed of the game. It will increase difficulty for outside players too.

Considerations

Think using the 4x4+3 with goalkeepers too. They need to play with their feet, so give them a chance. Place players in their natural positions. Here you have some examples.

What’s your favorite scoring way in 4v4+3?

For example:

• 1 point for a split pass into the inside joker-

• 2 points if the inside joker plays one-touch (third-man) bonus point if you win it back in 5 seconds after losing it.