fcommit.

SMALL-SIDED GAMES

End-zone game

A small-sided game where teams score by passing to a teammate who controls the ball in an end zone. Encourages forward passes and well-timed runs.

Suggested ages
U8 to adult
Players
8–12
Time
20–25 minutes
Area
30 × 20 m, including two 5 m end zones
Equipment
Cones in two colors, pinnies, balls
End-zone game diagramA small field with an end zone at each end. An attacker runs into the end zone as a teammate plays a forward pass to meet the run. A 30 by 20 meter area: 4 players drawn as filled discs, 4 players drawn as rings; 1 pass, 1 run.

30 × 20 m · drawn in FCommit’s figure style

Attacking teamDefending teamPassRunEnd zone

Set it up

  • Mark a 30 × 20 m field with a 5 m end zone at each end.
  • Make two teams of four to six.

How it works

  1. Teams score by passing to a teammate who controls the ball inside the end zone they attack.
  2. Players can’t wait in the end zone; they time their run into it as the pass is played.
  3. After a point, the other team restarts from its own end zone.
  4. Play five-minute games.

Coaching points

  • Look up for the forward pass into the space behind the defense.
  • Time your run so you arrive in the zone as the ball does.
  • Stretch the field with width so gaps open in the middle.
  • If the forward pass isn’t on, keep the ball and switch play.
See all 12 drills