Small sided games football

1. 3v3 four goal game

Scanning and quick decisions

Set up

A 25x20 yard pitch with two mini goals on each end line. 3v3, attack either goal. Rolling balls in from the side keeps the game alive.

Coaching points

Head up before the first touch, switch target goal when one is blocked, support at an angle rather than behind.

Make it harder

Award two goals for scoring in the goal the defence just left, so players learn to switch play early.

2. 4v4 no keepers

The classic development format

Set up

A 30x25 yard pitch, 4v4 with mini goals and no keepers. Play four rounds of three minutes, rotating teams if you have spares.

Coaching points

Diamond shape so there is always a forward and a back option, first touch out of feet, press in pairs.

Make it harder

Add a two-touch limit for one round, or a rule that a goal only counts after everyone has touched the ball.

3. 5v5 with end zones

Playing forward with purpose

Set up

A 40x30 yard pitch with a 5 yard end zone at each end. 5v5, a point for receiving a pass inside the end zone under control, two points for a goal.

Coaching points

Time runs into the zone, hold the pass until the runner is on the move, defenders drop and squeeze together.

Make it harder

Restrict the end-zone entry to a first-time pass to raise the timing demand.

4. 6v6 halves game

Team shape and transitions

Set up

A 50x35 yard pitch split in half, keepers in each goal. Teams must have at least three players in the attacking half before a goal counts.

Coaching points

Push up together when the ball goes forward, recover the shape when it turns over, keeper starts the next attack.

Make it harder

Remove the halfway restriction once the shape holds and count goals from a first-time finish double.

5. 7v7 match-day rehearsal

Applying the session in a full format

Set up

A 60x40 yard pitch with keepers, 7v7 in your match-day shape. Play two ten-minute halves with a short talk in between.

Coaching points

Same roles as Saturday, restart properly from goal kicks and throws, let play run and coach between periods.

Make it harder

Give each half one theme — pressing high, or building from the keeper — and review it in the break.

6. 2v2 corner game

Duels and 1v1 courage

Set up

Four small 15x12 yard pitches running at once, 2v2 on each. Ninety-second games, winners move up a pitch, losers move down.

Coaching points

Attack the space behind, second player offers width immediately, defend the ball side first.

Make it harder

Play one round where only dribbling through the goal line scores, so players commit to taking players on.

7. 4v4+2 possession game

Keeping the ball with overloads

Set up

A 30x30 yard box, 4v4 with two neutral players who always join the team in possession. Ten passes scores a point.

Coaching points

Use the neutral players as the free man, open the body to receive, move after passing.

Make it harder

Drop to one neutral player, or reward a switch from one side of the box to the other with a bonus point.

8. 3v3 continuous transition

Recovery and repeated intensity

Set up

3v3 on a 30x25 yard pitch with a third team waiting on the side. Whenever a goal is scored or the ball goes out, the resting team comes straight on.

Coaching points

Finish quickly, react to losing the ball instantly, use the rest to plan the next entry.

Make it harder

Set a 30-second attacking limit so teams cannot slow the game down.

9. 5v5 rondo to goal

Linking possession to finishing

Set up

A 40x30 yard pitch. Teams must complete five passes before they can attack the goal. Keepers in.

Coaching points

Keep the ball moving while you count, break out on the fifth pass, attack the space in front of the keeper.

Make it harder

Cut the requirement to three passes when the ball is won in the opponents' half.

What are small sided games in football?

Small sided games are matches played with fewer players on a smaller pitch, usually 3v3 up to 7v7. Every player gets more touches, more decisions and more shots than in an 11v11 game, which is why they are the core of grassroots training.

What pitch size should I use for each small sided game format?

As a guide: 3v3 on 25x20 yards, 4v4 on 30x25, 5v5 on 40x30, 6v6 on 50x35 and 7v7 on 60x40. Make the pitch longer to encourage direct attacking play and wider to encourage possession and switching.

Is 4v4 the best small sided game for young players?

4v4 is the most widely recommended format for U7-U10 because the diamond shape gives every player a forward, backward and sideways option, and everyone stays involved. Use 3v3 when you want more duels and touches, and 5v5 upwards once shape and spacing hold.

How long should a small sided game last?

Use short rounds of two to four minutes with 60-90 seconds between them. Short games keep the intensity high, give you natural moments to coach and let you rotate teams so the games stay competitive.

How do I use small sided games to coach a specific topic?

Change one rule rather than stopping play. End zones encourage forward passes, a two-touch limit speeds up play, four goals encourage switching, and a minimum-pass rule builds possession. Set the rule to the topic and let the game do the coaching.

How many players do I need to run small sided games?

Six is enough for 3v3, and with nine you can run a continuous 3v3 transition game with a resting team. With 12 or more, run two pitches side by side rather than making the game bigger, so touches stay high.