Soccer for Coaches - Scrimmage Games: 3 v 3 with Variations

Note: This game is nearly identical to 3 v 3. I separate them, however, as I think 4 v 4 should be reserved for old players (10 and up). For 4 v 4 you'll also want a slightly larger playing area.

For scrimmaging, we strongly believe in "short-sided" games, using just a small number of players on each team. This allows each player to touch the ball much more frequently than if you took your entire team and split it in half.

Set up a playing area of about 20 x 30 yards. At each end create a "goal" using two discs placed about 6 feet apart (no goalie is used). To keep everyone involved set up multiple games going on at the same time.

Set up teams of 4 players each. If you don't happen to have exactly 16 kids (2 games of 4 v 4), perhaps a parent or assistant coach can fill in, or just adjust the numbers slightly (maybe one game is 3 v 3).

The game is a simple format of 4 players versus another 4. However, what keeps the game interesting and useful is the large number of variations you can introduce with it:

Team that scores the most goals within a fixed time limit wins
First team to four goals wins
First team to four goals wins, but all players on the team must score at least once
First team to four goals wins, but all players must make the final pass (an assist) at least once
Each player may only touch the ball two times per possession (two-touch)
Each player may only touch the ball one time per possession (one-touch)

Add your own variations as well, and keep in mind that some of the advanced ones (one-touch, etc.) should be reserved for more advanced teams. You might want to spread out the variations among multiple practices versus doing them all at the same one. For variety, rotate your pairs around between games so that each 4-player team plays different opponents.

Finally, to focus on good ball control, a rule that a shot must be below waist level to count as a goal is always a good one with this setup. Passing, dribbling, and tackling are the key skills emphasized here, versus long powerful shots.