1. Philosophy & Objectives

The 4v4 format for U7–U9 players is designed to:

• Maximize ball touches
• Encourage 1v1 creativity and confidence
• Promote decision-making
• Increase player engagement
• Reduce complexity and over-coaching
• Create a fast, fun, attacking environment

This format prioritizes development over results.

2. Field Specifications

• Length: 25–35 yards
• Width: 20–30 yards
• Rectangular field

Markings

• Touchlines
• End lines
• Midfield line
• Center Circle
• Goal box marked in a different color (“no-touch zone”).

Goals

• 4 ft x 6 ft
• No goalkeepers
• No players allowed to touch the ball in the goal box. If an attacking player touches the ball within the goal box, a goal kick is awarded. If a defending player touches the ball within the goal box, a goal for the attacking team is awarded.

3. Teams

• 4 players on the field (minimum of 2)
• No goalkeeper
• Maximum roster size: 8 players
• Equal playing time for all players

4. Game Duration

Total Playing Time: 40 Minutes

• Four 10-minute quarters
• Substitutions called for at 5-minute intervals (2x per quarter).
• 2-minute break between quarters
• 5-minute halftime (after 2nd quarter)

This structure:

• Allows regular substitutions
• Keeps players fresh
• Maintains high intensity
• Supports development focus

Adjust only for extreme weather conditions.

5. Ball Size

• Size 3 soccer ball

6. Start of Play

• Kickoff from midfield
• Opponents must be 5 yards away
• Ball may move forward or laterally
• No goals directly from kickoff

7. Ball In and Out of Play

Ball Crosses Touchline

• Restart with kick-in (no throw-ins).
• Opponents 5 yards away

Ball Crosses End Line

If last touched by attacker:

• Defender dribbles or passes from end line

If last touched by defender:

• Attacking team takes a corner kick
• Opponents 5 yards away

8. Scoring

• Goal awarded when entire ball crosses goal line
• Goals cannot be scored from defending half
• No players can touch the ball within the goal box
• Goal awarded if defending team touches ball in goal box
• No goalkeeper
• No punting or drop kicks

9. Fouls & Misconduct

Referee Emphasis

• Safety
• Teaching
• Flow of play

Common Infractions

• Tripping
• Pushing
• Deliberate handball
• Dangerous play

Restart for Fouls

• Indirect free kick
• Opponents must give 5 yards

No penalty kicks.

Persistent misconduct:

• Brief substitution
• Coach discussion

10. Offside

No offside rule

Encourage engagement, not goal-hanging — but do not penalize positioning.

11. Substitutions

• 2x per quarter, 5-minute intervals
• During stoppages (with referee approval)

12. Heading

• No deliberate heading
• If deliberate heading occurs:
  • Stop play
  • Indirect free kick to opponent

13. Sportsmanship Guidelines

If one team leads by 5+ goals:

• Losing team may add 1 player to the field (recommended)
• Winning team may subtract 1 player from the field

14. Coaching Guidelines

• Coaches remain on team sideline
• Positive instruction only
• Avoid joystick coaching
• Allow players to solve problems
• Absolutely NO negative interaction with referees, opposing coaches, or parents is permitted. This is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy.

Encouraged language:

• “Be brave!”
• “Can you beat one?”
• “Find space!”
• “Recover quickly!”

15. Referee Role

• Patient and instructional
• Explain briefly when needed
• Keep game moving
• Protect safety

Development > strict enforcement.

16. Safety Requirements

• Shin guards mandatory
• No jewelry
• Proper footwear
• Hydration breaks as needed
• Follow local lightning protocol

17. Player Development Emphasis

4v4 ensures:

• High repetition
• Continuous involvement
• Frequent 1v1 situations
• Decision-making under pressure
• Confidence building

Every player is:

• A defender
• A midfielder
• An attacker