Soccer Practice With No Goals: 8 Drills Using Gates and End Zones
Quick answer: The best soccer drills without goals use cone gates, end zones, target players, dribble lines and receiving zones. These formats give every activity a clear scoring objective while developing passing, possession, movement, transitions and attacking decisions.
Goals are helpful, but they are not essential for an effective soccer practice. When no full-size goals or mini goals are available, cones and field markings can create clear attacking targets.
This complete 60-minute session uses passing gates, target players, end lines and scoring zones. Every drill has a competitive outcome, so the practice still feels directional and game-related rather than becoming a collection of possession exercises.
The plan works best with approximately 8–14 players. Team sizes, field dimensions and neutral-player roles can be adjusted according to attendance, age and ability.
If goals are available but no goalkeeper attends, use our separate soccer practice with no goalkeeper. For exact attendance numbers, explore our complete sessions for 10 players, 11 players and 12 players.
Equipment and Setup
PlayersApproximately 8–14 players
Goals requiredNone
Session duration60 minutes
Recommended agesU8 to senior
Maximum area40 × 30 yards
EquipmentBalls, cones, flat markers and bibs
Complete 60-Minute Soccer Practice Without Goals
| Time | Activity | Main objective |
|---|---|---|
| 0–7 minutes | Multi-Gate Ball Mastery | Activation, close control and scanning |
| 7–14 minutes | Diamond Pass Through the Gates | Passing, receiving and movement |
| 14–22 minutes | 4v2 Rondo With Exit Gates | Possession, pressing and penetration |
| 22–30 minutes | 4v4 Plus Two End Targets | Directional possession and support |
| 30–38 minutes | 4v4 Line-Ball Game | Dribbling, penetration and transitions |
| 38–46 minutes | 4v4 End-Zone Receiving Game | Forward passing and timed runs |
| 46–53 minutes | 4v4 Four-Gate Transition Game | Switching play and counterattacking |
| 53–60 minutes | 5v5 Three-Gate Match | Line-breaking passes and competition |
A training game still needs a clear outcome even when traditional goals are unavailable. Cone gates, scoring lines, targets and end zones give players a direction to attack and a reason to make forward runs.
The Football Association’s target-game guidance explains how coaches can use players, zones or other targets to create meaningful game outcomes without relying on a traditional goal.
Drill 1: Multi-Gate Ball Mastery
This technical activation gives every player a ball and creates frequent changes of direction. Players must scan for available gates while controlling the ball in a shared area.
Setup
- Create a 24 × 22-yard area.
- Place eight to 12 cone gates around the field.
- Make each gate approximately two yards wide.
- Give every player one ball.
- Spread the gates in different directions and distances.
How to Play
- Players dribble freely inside the area.
- One point is earned every time a player travels through a gate under control.
- The same gate cannot be used twice in succession.
- Players must change direction immediately after leaving a gate.
- Use rounds of 30–45 seconds.
- Introduce a different technical action during each round.
Coach’s note: Players should lift their head between touches and identify the next gate before reaching the current one. Encourage small touches in crowded areas and larger touches when space opens.
Progressions: Use the weaker foot only, perform a turn inside every gate, add a change of speed after scoring or place players in pairs with one ball.
Drill 2: Diamond Pass Through the Gates
This passing exercise develops receiving shape, accuracy and movement after releasing the ball. Each group passes through narrow gates positioned around a diamond.
Setup
- Create two or three diamond-shaped passing areas.
- Make each diamond approximately 14 yards long and 10 yards wide.
- Place a two-yard cone gate at every corner.
- Use four players and one ball in each diamond.
- Position one player behind each gate.
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How to Play
- The first player passes through the next gate to a teammate.
- The passer follows the ball and moves to the receiving position.
- The receiver takes a first touch away from the gate.
- The ball continues around the diamond.
- Change direction after approximately two minutes.
- Encourage players to use both feet.
Coach’s note: The receiver should move away from the gate before checking back to receive. The first touch should prepare the next pass and take the ball away from the cone.
Progressions: Require one-touch passing, introduce a wall pass at every gate, add a second ball or allow players to skip one corner with a diagonal pass.
For more passing combinations, use our Y passing drills and third-player movements.
Drill 3: 4v2 Rondo With Exit Gates
This possession drill adds a forward objective to a traditional rondo. After completing several passes, the attacking team can score by finding a teammate through one of four outside gates.
Setup
- Create a 14 × 14-yard possession square.
- Use four possession players and two defenders.
- Place one two-yard gate outside each side of the square.
- Position the gates approximately three yards beyond the playing area.
- Keep spare balls beside the coach.
How to Play
- The four attackers maintain possession against two defenders.
- Four consecutive passes activate the outside gates.
- An attacker can then move outside the square and receive through any gate.
- After scoring, the ball is returned to the central square.
- If a defender wins possession, the defender attempts to dribble through any gate.
- Rotate the defenders regularly.
Coach’s note: Attackers should move the defenders toward one side before attempting to escape through another. The player making the exit run must move as the passer gains control.
Progressions: Limit attackers to two touches, require a first-time exit pass, narrow the gates or award two points when a split pass creates the score.
Continue developing possession with our advanced soccer rondo blueprint.
Drill 4: 4v4 Plus Two End Targets
This directional possession game uses target players instead of goals. Each team must progress through the field, connect with its attacking target and support the return pass.
Setup
- Create a 28 × 20-yard rectangle.
- Play 4v4 inside the central area.
- Position one target player behind each end line.
- The target players remain outside the field.
- Use 5v5 plus two targets when attendance is higher.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the target player behind the opposite end line.
- A point is scored by passing to the target and receiving the return pass inside the field.
- The target player has a maximum of two touches.
- After scoring, the team attacks the target at the opposite end.
- When possession changes, the new team attacks in the opposite direction.
- Rotate the target players every two minutes.
Coach’s note: Players should provide different supporting angles rather than forming a straight line in front of the target. One player can move underneath while another threatens the space beyond the defenders.
Progressions: Limit the target players to one touch, require a third-player combination after using the target or award two points when the final pass breaks a defensive line.
FIFA also uses end-zone target players to provide a clear scoring outcome within small-sided games. View the FIFA target-player practice.
Drill 5: 4v4 Line-Ball Game
This game replaces goals with an attacking end line. Players score by dribbling across the line under control, encouraging penetration, individual attacking and immediate transition reactions.
Setup
- Create a 30 × 22-yard field.
- Divide eight players into two teams of four.
- Each team attacks one end line.
- Mark the scoring lines clearly with flat cones.
- Use 5v5 or 6v6 when more players are available.
How to Play
- Teams compete for possession inside the field.
- A point is scored by dribbling across the attacking end line under control.
- The player must have the ball within playing distance when crossing the line.
- After scoring, the player leaves the ball for the opposition to restart.
- When possession changes, the new team immediately attacks the opposite direction.
- Play rounds of two to three minutes.
Coach’s note: Players without the ball should stretch the defensive team and create gaps for penetration. The ball carrier must recognize when to dribble forward and when to combine with a teammate.
Progressions: Add a five-second scoring limit after regaining possession, require a wall pass before crossing the line or award two points for breaking the line after a switch of play.
The FA’s line-ball practice guidance provides another example of using a scoring line or end zone when a traditional goal is unavailable.
Drill 6: 4v4 End-Zone Receiving Game
This game develops forward passing and well-timed movement behind defenders. A team scores by finding a teammate inside the end zone rather than dribbling across the scoring line.
Setup
- Create a 32 × 24-yard field.
- Add a four-yard scoring zone at each end.
- Divide eight players into two teams of four.
- Players begin in the central playing area.
- No player may wait permanently inside a scoring zone.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the end zone opposite its starting position.
- A point is scored when a player receives a controlled pass inside the zone.
- The receiving player must enter the zone as the attack develops.
- After scoring, the same team immediately attacks in the opposite direction.
- Restart quickly whenever the ball leaves the field.
Coach’s note: The forward run should begin as the passer gains control and looks up. Running too early makes the movement easy to track, while running too late removes the passing option.
Progressions: Require a one-touch reception, make the final pass travel through a central gate or award two points when the score follows a third-player run.
Drill 7: 4v4 Four-Gate Transition Game
This transition game places two scoring gates on each end line. The multiple targets encourage players to scan, spread out and switch direction when one side is protected.
Setup
- Create a 32 × 24-yard field.
- Play 4v4 inside the area.
- Place two three-yard cone gates on each end line.
- Position the gates near the corners.
- Each team attacks the two gates opposite its starting position.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the two gates on the opposite end line.
- A point is scored by dribbling through either gate under control.
- After scoring, the player leaves the ball for the opposition.
- When possession changes, the new attacking team immediately attacks the other direction.
- Use short rounds with quick restarts.
Coach’s note: After regaining possession, players should immediately identify which gate has more space. Supporting teammates must spread quickly and offer options on both sides.
Progressions: Require a pass through the gate instead of a dribble, add a six-second scoring limit, narrow the gates or award two points for scoring after switching from one side to the other.
Drill 8: 5v5 Three-Gate Match
The final game uses three scoring gates on each end line. The central gate rewards penetration through the middle, while the two wider gates reward switches of play and overlapping movement.
Setup
- Create a 40 × 30-yard field.
- Place three cone gates on each end line.
- Position one gate centrally and one near each side.
- Make every gate approximately three yards wide.
- Divide the players into two teams of five.
- Add a three-yard receiving zone beyond each gate.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the three gates on the opposite end line.
- A goal is scored by passing through a gate to a teammate inside the receiving zone.
- The receiving player must arrive after the attacking move begins.
- The central gate is worth two points.
- Each wide gate is worth one point.
- After scoring, the opposition restarts immediately.
- Play two or three competitive rounds.
Coach’s note: When opponents protect the central gate, circulate the ball and attack one of the wider gates. Movement away from the ball should stretch the defensive unit and create a clear passing lane.
Progressions: Limit players to three touches, require a one-touch reception beyond the gate or award a bonus point when the scoring move contains a third-player run.
Find more game-based activities in our small-sided soccer games library.
How to Adapt the Session
When you have fewer than eight players: Use 2v2, 3v3 or 3v3 plus one neutral. Reduce the field dimensions and number of gates.
When you have more than 12 players: Increase the team sizes, create parallel fields or use additional players as rotating targets and neutrals.
When space is limited: Use fewer gates, shorten the distances and apply touch restrictions instead of increasing the playing area.
For advanced players: Reduce the space, narrow the gates, add scoring deadlines and reward switches of play, third-player runs and immediate counter-pressing.
Common Mistakes When Training Without Goals
- Using only possession games: Every activity should still have direction and a clear method of scoring.
- Making the cone gates too wide: Oversized gates remove the need for passing or dribbling accuracy.
- Using only one scoring target: Multiple gates give players different attacking options and encourage scanning.
- Allowing players to wait behind gates: Receiving players should time their runs rather than standing permanently inside scoring zones.
- Ignoring transition moments: Teams should immediately recognize their new attacking direction after possession changes.
- Adding too many rules: Begin with one simple scoring method and add conditions only when players understand the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What soccer drills can I use without goals?
Effective options include gate-passing exercises, rondos with exit gates, target-player games, line-ball games, end-zone games and small-sided matches using multiple cone gates.
How can players score when no soccer goals are available?
Players can score by passing through a cone gate, dribbling across an end line, receiving inside an end zone or connecting with a target player.
How wide should a cone goal be?
Most passing or dribbling gates can be approximately two to four yards wide. Use narrower gates to increase accuracy and wider gates for younger or developing players.
Can soccer players practise finishing without goals?
Yes. Finishing can include an accurate pass through a narrow gate, a controlled dribble across a scoring line or a timed pass into a teammate inside an end zone.
What is a line-ball soccer game?
A line-ball game replaces the goal with an end line. A team normally scores by dribbling across the opposition’s line while keeping the ball under control.
How many players is this session designed for?
The session works best with approximately 8–14 players. Team sizes, field dimensions and neutral-player roles can be adjusted according to attendance.
How long should a soccer practice without goals last?
A complete practice can last approximately 60 minutes. The session above progresses from individual ball work into passing, possession, directional games and competitive play.
Continue the practice-plan series: Save this no-goals session and compare it with our soccer practice with no goalkeeper and complete plans for 11 players and 12 players.
