U12 Challenge of the Week Outdoor
4 Square
Skill Passing/Shooting: Surface of the foot and ball, Pace and accuracy
Anyone can play — kids, parents, grandparents, whoever is around. Nothing here needs a coach.
Set it up
Set up a 16Wx16L yard square. Divide the square into 4 square boxes. Each player starts in their own square box. The space can be marked out with chalk or use items from around the house for markers (shoes, socks, water bottles, soccer balls or old rags can mark out the space.)
How to play
1 player starts with the ball in their hands. The drop it to their foot & kick it before it bounces into an opponent's square. The next player allows the soccer ball to bounce 1 time. Before it bounces a 2nd time, they must kick it into another opponent's square. The play continues until a ball bounces 2 times before it is played or the kick doesn't land in an opponent's square Kicks must enter the square at least waist high. If an opponent chooses not to let the ball bounce in their space and plays it anyway, the game continues. However, they are accountable for the result of their touch. If the ball doesn't land in another opponent's square, they lose a point.
Scoring
- 1 point for the "kicking player" if the ball bounces more than once in an opponent's square.
- -1 point for the "kicking player" if the ball doesn't land in an opponent's square
First player to 10 points wins the game; play again.
Make it harder or easier
Pick as many as you like.
- 1Add a bounce before the ball is kicked if needed
- 2Allow extra bounces in opponent's square before the ball is played
- 3Try switching feet with each kick