Under 7 3v3 Football Guide

1. 3v3 to end lines

Attacking space quickly

Set up

Mark a 15 x 10 m area. Teams score by dribbling the ball over the opposition end line and stopping it.

Coaching points

Head up, find the gap, go.

Make it harder

Add two small gates on each line instead of a whole line.

2. Rapid fire 3v3

Lots of touches, short games

Set up

Two or three tiny pitches. Games last 90 seconds, then teams rotate to a new pitch and opponent.

Coaching points

Keep a ball beside each goal so restarts are instant.

Make it harder

Spare players become the next team in, so nobody waits more than one game.

3. Dribble in from the line

Restarting with confidence

Set up

When the ball goes out, a player restarts by dribbling it back on. Practise this as a game rule.

Coaching points

Look up before you dribble in — where's the space?

Make it harder

Defenders must stand a few steps back while the ball comes in.

4. Two-ball 3v3

Decision making

Set up

Play 3v3 with two balls in at once. Score in either goal.

Coaching points

Scan: which ball can you win?

Make it harder

Remove the second ball for the last two minutes.

5. Shadow and score

1v1 courage

Set up

In pairs, attacker dribbles, defender follows. On the coach's call the attacker turns to beat the defender to a mini goal.

Coaching points

Big touch into space, then quick feet.

Make it harder

Swap roles every round so every child attacks and defends.

What format do U7s play in 2026/27?

England Football's FutureFit changes set 3v3 as the maximum format for U7 from 2026/27, with size 3 balls and small goals. Check your league handbook for local rules.

How do I give equal minutes with a squad of six?

With six players and three on, each child plays half the match. Change at set times — the equal playing time calculator works out the exact interval for your match length.

Is there a goalkeeper at U7?

No. The U7 3v3 format has no goalkeepers, so every player attacks and defends.

Do U7 matches have a referee?

No referee is used. A pitch facilitator can help at first while children learn to manage their own games.