3v3 Soccer Tips

3v3 is a skills game, hence my focus on 1v1 skills that teach touch, because touch is key in 3v3. If players can’t receive the ball and control it quickly, they waste valuable time collecting the ball, which allows the defense to come closer and reduces the time for scanning the field for options. Controlling the ball quickly makes your team faster and more effective. I’ve attached examples of exceptional control: Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldinho and Cruyff...



Learn to perform 1v1 moves fast or on the move so the defense doesn't catch you from behind.

When in Doubt, kick it Out.

On defense, contain and wait for separation; don't stab.

Forwards shouldn’t stand behind their opponent’s back player for a cross. If the back player stops the ball, your forward is now out of the play. Instead, be ready to collect any rebound off the back player.

Let the ball go out if your momentum will take you off the field. Trying to keep the ball in while you leave the field sets up a 3v2 scenario for the other team.

For really young teams, your back player should stand offset of the goal, so a missed back pass doesn’t accidentally roll in.

Shots on goal from opponent's free kicks or kick-ins that aren't touched twice can be allowed to go directly into your goal rather than risking a missed touch that accidentally deflects into your own goal. If they kick the ball in, it's a goal kick. If your player touches it, it's an own goal.

Refrain from shots or crosses from your opponent's corner as intercepted balls mean a 3v2 scenario for your opponent.

If you see a foul, continue playing (or kick the ball out) until you hear the ref's whistle. (I've seen players stop playing and allow a score because they expected a whistle that never came because the ref didn't see the foul.)

For 2v1 backdoor plays, dribble wide to open the back door.

If a forward loses the ball, they must RUN back on defense.

Forwards don’t stand wide when the other team kicks off or your opponents can simply dribble up through the middle.

On defense, if a player is chasing a ball and coming toward you, if you can time your lunge to get to the ball first, cut to either side. Some players kick the ball into the opponent’s legs and the ball bounces behind the defender.

Recruit Fast, Focused Players. [Great players often play-up, so don't forget to search older age brackets.]

If two defenders are on you, what does that mean? A teammate is open!

On sideline restarts, your back player should not take the kick, especially sending a crossing pass. I've seen far too many balls intercepted and shot on open goals.

Don't get down if your opponents score. 3v3 Soccer is a fast-paced, high-scoring game.

Each 3v3 tour has its own set of rules with some differences. Be sure your players know the differences.

Good Luck!