Football · Game · Scanning

3v3 four-goal game

A 3v3 game with two small goals at each end - look up, find the open goal and switch the play to score.

A1A2A3D1D2D3
Start / 5
Time
16 min
Players
6–12
Age
U8+
Area
25 × 20 m
Equipment
4 cones4 small goals (or 8 cones as gates)8 balls6 bibs

Setup

  1. Mark a 25 × 20 m pitch with a small goal (or a 2 m cone gate) near each corner on both end lines.
  2. Two teams of three. Each team attacks the two goals at the far end.
  3. Keep spare balls on the sideline so the coach can restart fast.

How it runs

  1. Play 3v3. Score in either of the two goals you attack.
  2. After a goal or when the ball goes out, the coach plays a new ball in straight away.
  3. Play 3-minute games with a minute's rest. Extra players come on for the team that conceded.

Coaching points

  • Look up before the ball comes to you - which goal is open?
  • If one goal is crowded, switch the ball to the other side.
  • Spread out - one on each side and one in the middle.

Common mistakes

  • Everyone chasing the ball in a bunch.
  • Always attacking the same goal, even when it's blocked.

Say it: “Look up. Find the open goal.”

Make it harder

  • A goal scored straight after a switch of play counts double.
  • Two touches each, maximum.

Make it easier

  • Make the goals 3 m wide.
  • Add a neutral player who plays for whoever has the ball (4v3).

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.