3v3 to Small Goals
Small-sided 3v3 is the highest-value game format in youth soccer: every player gets constant touches, every possession has an end product, and coaches see real decisions instead of crowds chasing a ball.
Ages
U8 to U16
Players
6 to 18
Time
20 minutes
Focus
Decision making
Equipment
- 4 mini goals or cone gates
- Pinnies
- Balls
Setup
30x25 yard field with two mini goals on each end line. Teams of 3, spares rotate in every 3 minutes.
How it works
- Play 3v3. Each team defends two goals and attacks two goals.
- Score in either goal to earn a point; switching the point of attack is rewarded naturally.
- Ball out of bounds restarts with a dribble-in or pass-in, no throw-ins.
- Games to 3 goals or 3 minutes, then rotate teams.
Coaching points
- Two goals means the switch is always on: if one side is crowded, change sides fast.
- Make a triangle. The player without the ball decides how good the player with it looks.
- Win the ball back within 5 seconds of losing it, while the other team is celebrating the steal.
Progression
Add a two-touch limit for older groups, or a neutral player who always plays with the attacking team.
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