Every minute your players spend waiting is a minute they’re not developing.
Standing in lines. Watching you move cones. Listening to explanations while the ball sits still. These moments add up to enormous amounts of wasted time across a season.
Multi-game pitches solve this problem completely.
What Are Multi-Game Pitches?
Pitches designed to host 3, 4, or 5 different games within the same initial setup. You set up once, then move smoothly from game to game without players waiting around.
I started developing these formats back in 2001, working in sports halls and small 5v5 courts where space was at a premium. The constraint forced creativity - and the solution turned out to be better than traditional setups even when space isn’t limited.
Why Use Them?
Maximised playing time. Short breaks between games. No cone-moving delays. Players stay active and engaged throughout.
Smooth learning progression. Each game builds on the previous one. Tactical lessons compound as players move through the sequence.
Self-coaching environment. Each game provides its own tactical hints. Players figure out what works without lengthy explanations.
How to Run Them
Play games in sequence. Depending on age, experience, and level:
- 3-5 minute games with 1-minute breaks for younger players
- 5-7 minute games for older players
- Adjust as needed based on engagement
Scoring options:
- Cumulative: carry the score through all games (tournament feel)
- Reset: each game is separate (win/loss/draw per game)
- Weighted: different points for different goal types to encourage specific behaviours
Example 1: The Fab Four Tournament
Four games, one pitch setup.
The Setup
Create a rectangular pitch with:
- End zones at each end
- Wide gates on both sidelines
- Mini goals in the centre of each end line (inside the end zones)
Game 1: End Zone Game
Teams attack and defend end zones. Score by dribbling into the zone or passing to a teammate running into it.
Weighting option: 1 point for passing goals, 2 points for dribbling (or vice versa depending on what you want to encourage).
Game 2: Switch Game
Play across the pitch. Teams score by dribbling through the wide gates or making a forward pass on the floor into them.
Tactical lesson: Using the full width of the pitch to find scoring opportunities.
Game 3: Six Goal Game
Play across the pitch. Each team defends/attacks two wide gates AND a central mini goal.
Scoring: 1 point for wide gates, 2 points for central mini goal.
Tactical lesson: Switch play to open central spaces. Teaches the concept of going:
- Through - direct central attack
- Around - wide then in
- Behind - movement beyond defenders
This is essential game intelligence. In every game from 2v2 to 11v11, these attacking options exist. Players must read which is available.
Key principle: Occupy width and search for depth. Opponents can reduce pitch length (by dropping deep or pushing up for offside), but they can never reduce the width you hold. Using width to create central space is fundamental.
Game 4: Normal Game
Mini goals at each end. Players combine everything from the previous games:
- Can we create 1v1s to dribble forward?
- Can we look and pass forwards?
- Can we make forward runs?
- If blocked, can we switch and progress on the opposite side?
Example 2: The Switch Game Tournament
Four games where teams rotate which end they attack and defend.
The Setup
Each end line has a different goal type:
- End 1: Two mini goals
- End 2: Wide dribbling gates
- End 3: End zone
- End 4: Big goal
The Rotation
After each game, teams move to defend the line on their left.
Game 1: Red defends mini goals, attacks end zone. Blue defends end zone, attacks mini goals.
Game 2: Red defends dribbling gates, attacks big goal. Blue defends big goal, attacks dribbling gates.
Game 3: Red defends end zone, attacks mini goals. Blue defends mini goals, attacks end zone.
Game 4: Red defends big goal, attacks dribbling gates. Blue defends dribbling gates, attacks big goal.
Different Goals, Different Tactics
Each goal type demands different attacking priorities:
Mini goals: Switch play and pass forwards Dribbling gates: Switch play and attack 1v1s, or create 2v1s for combinations End zone: Forward passing with movement off the ball Big goal: Combine everything plus shooting and crossing
Using Goalkeepers
Options for including keepers:
- Play for their team as keeper or outfield depending on the game
- Act as neutrals in end zones or outside zones, giving the team in possession a +2 overload
Including keepers this way gives them complete technical sessions - handling, receiving, and releasing.
Why This Works
Each game teaches players something specific. The coaching messages about how to attack and defend carry into the next game. Players get a smooth learning process while being challenged to think in and out of possession.
The key: Keep rules simple. If you’re explaining for more than 30 seconds, it’s too complicated.
One setup. Multiple games. Maximum learning. Zero wasted time.
Want ready-to-use multi-game formats? The 328 Training Sessions include complete multi-game setups for every age group with detailed coaching points.
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