Basketball isn’t the only team sport that flourishes in a 3-on-3 format. Soccer can be adapted to match teams of three players against each other.
3v3 soccer is fast becoming a popular option for parents, coaches, players and tournament officials because the games are fun to watch and high scoring. They are also a good method for developing fundamental soccer skills.
How a 3v3 soccer game works
3v3 soccer places an emphasis on single touch soccer. Players are required to use good dribbling and passing skills to create shots. 1v1 challenges between an attacking player and a defender are one of the most common plays in 3v3 soccer.
3v3 soccer helps players of all ages refine certain skills that make them better at the sport. Areas of skill improvement can include:
- trapping
- passing
- field vision
- defensive positioning
- offensive positioning
- first touch
Soccer players who play in 3v3 competition learn how to make plays under pressure near the goal. They also learn how to play under control so that their mistakes don’t open the door for counter attacks and easy goals.
Organizing a 3v3 soccer tournament
Setting up a 3v3 soccer tournament is easy. It can be adapted for indoor or outdoor venues. The main consideration is finding a place where there are enough fields to hold several games simultaneously and enough parking to accommodate teams, spectators and tournament officials.
Each 3v3 team has a maximum of five players – three starters and two substitutes. There are no goalkeepers. Teams may be organized according to divisions based on age and gender.
The playing field is 40 yards long and 30 yards wide for players aged nine years and older. Players eight and under play on a field 30 yards long and 20 yards wide. Each goal should be 4 feet wide and 8 feet high and in a goal box that is 6 feet long and 10 feet wide.
Each game is divided into two 12-minute halves with a three-minute halftime. A running clock is used in each half and the game is decided at the conclusion of the second half or if a team reaches 12 goals, whichever comes first. If there is a tie at the end of regulation, a sudden-death overtime period will be held to determine the winner.
3v3 tournament resources
PlayDriven is dedicated to helping tournament officials in all sports make their tournament a success. If you want information on how to organize a 3v3 soccer tournament in your community, our website offers tons of resources to help you put it all together.