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Small-Sided Soccer Game

King of the Field

Three teams, one field. Two teams play 3v3 until someone scores. The winners stay on and the waiting team runs on right away. Short games, lots of fun.

Step 1 of 6

A (blue) plays B. A attacks the right goal. Team C waits at the side, ready to run on.

Time
15 min
Players
9–12
Ages
6–16U7–U17
Pace
Intense
Works on
  • Passing
  • Ball control
  • Stamina

Set up

  • Mark a field about 25 yards long and 20 yards wide with a small goal in the middle of each end line.
  • Make 3 teams of 3 (or 4), each in its own color.
  • Two teams play. The third waits at the side, ready to run on.
Space
25 x 20 yards with a small goal at each end
You need
2 small pop-up goals · 4 cones for the corners · Pinnies in 3 colors · Spare balls

How to play

  1. Two teams play 3v3 with no keepers.
  2. A game ends when a team scores, or after 2 minutes.
  3. The winners stay on. The losers run off, and the waiting team runs on at once and starts with the ball.
  4. No goal after 2 minutes? The team that has been on the longest goes off.
  5. Count how many games each team wins.

Coaching points

  • Winners: turn around fast. The new team is already coming.
  • Spread out: one wide left, one wide right, one in the middle.
  • Defend together: one presses the ball, the others guard the goal and the open players.
  • Waiting team: watch the game and plan how you will attack.

Easier

Make the goals wider and play 1-minute games, or let the waiting team come on after every goal, whoever scores.

Harder

Allow 3 touches each, or the winners must score again within 1 minute to stay on.

Run it at your next practice

With a free account, put King of the Field in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.

More small-sided games

All soccer drills