ORGANISATION:
Penalty Area with 2 full size goals as shown in Diagram 1. 44x30yrds, this should be increased for more advanced players.
4 gate goals (marked with yellow training poles above) are next to the goals at either end.
4 additional gates (marked in blue cones above) are placed inside the gate goals as markers from where the players enter the field of play.
2 GKs (one in each goal)
Balls are positioned at both sides of the playing area by the gates where the players enter.
INSTRUCTIONS:Teams alternate between attacking and defending. The attacking team always attacks with 3 players and the defending team defends with 2 players. The defending team passes the ball across to one of their opponents gates to initiate play and both defenders enter. The receiving gate sending in 2 players and an additional play enters from their other gate. This creates the 3vs3 scenario. Once the ball goes out of play or a goal is scored, play starts with a pass in from the other side (i.e. the defending team becomes the attacking team).
Initial pass across from the red (defending team) and both Red 1 and 2 enter.
The blue team receives the ball and pass between each other until there is an opportunity to shoot on the full size goal of their opponents. (Diagram 2)
Blue player 3 shoots on goal.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Four Halloween-themed games sneak a full warm-up, finishing, rondo and small-sided game into one junior football session this week.
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.