3v3 Training Manual

developed by Peter Prickett

powered by
CONTENTS
Who are we?

Why 3v3?

11 Air Pitch 3v3 Games

11 Fundamental 3v3 Games

11 Advanced 3v3 Games

WHO ARE WE?
3v3 World has been organising #fastfeetfun 3v3 football
tournaments in Europe since 2004. We were the first to use pitch
boundaries to limit the ball from rolling out of play and increasing
effective game time, touches, and, most importantly... Goals!

Every player in our tournaments are practically guaranteed to

score at least one goal, regardless of their skill level, gender, or
disabilities.

Nearly 20 years later, we have developed a network of National

3v3 partners in 8 European countries, with 3v3 USA and 3v3
Canada launching in 2023.

We work with National and Regional Football Federations to

promote the 3v3 format and small-sided training and games in
general, as we believe that this is essential for both inclusion and
development of the youngest players.
3V3 GEAR - BAZOOKA
The BazookaGoal was designed to give all
football coaches a more efficient tool for
small-sided training. We know that you need
goals that are easy to carry, quick to set up,
and heavy enough not to topple over in strong
winds.

We launched our Solid Frame Pop-up Goal in

2011 and it is now being used by most top Pro
clubs around the world as well as thousands
of grassroots clubs and academies. We are
now also Official Partner with regional FAs
across the country.

All our products can be custom branded with

your logo or your sponsor's logo.

Get yours on www.bazookagoal.com or

contact us on sales@bazookagoal.com.
3V3 GEAR - AIRPITCH
The AirPitch was developed to create a more
effective small-sided training and game
environment. These inflatable pitch
boundaries can be set up in minutes and will
stay up for more than 1 2 hours without the
need for continuous airflow. We guarantee
more efficient play time, more touches, and
more goals for players of every level.

The AirPitch is made out of heavy-duty

quality PVC material and is safe to fall on
(and fun to jump on) for even the youngest
players. Thanks to its modular design, you
can use any type of goals, and there is no
limit to customising options like size, color,
and logos.
WHY 3V3?
Simple maths.

For players to improve they need the opportunity to get

large numbers of touches of the ball and the opportunity
to make decisions.

The most touches a player can get is alone with the ball,
but there are no true decisions to made.

In one versus one there are more decisions to make and a

large number of touches, but there is the risk of a major
mismatch. Furthermore, decisions are limited to dribbling
and defending (possibly shooting).
WHY 3V3?
Increasing to 2v2 introduces passing and
combinations with high levels of ball contacts.
However, in terms of the fundamental shapes and
movements of the game we remain limited as the
angles and distances between players can only be
linear.

When we reach 3v3 the fundamental shapes of the

game emerge. The number of possible types of
combination increase, while the opportunities to face
opponents in 1v1 situations remains high. Therefore,
3v3 allows for the most opportunities to touch the ball
as individuals while also affording fundamental
football decisions to be made.
3V3UK
since 2017 3v3UK has been arranging local and national
3v3 tournaments around the country. We have held
tournaments at some of the biggest clubs such as Man
Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Wolves as well as many at
grassroots clubs.
3v3UK also partners with the England future lionesses
programme and runs their talent ID days around the
country to find the best female talent. See more
details at www.futurelionesses.co.uk
We host regional and national events.come and play in
one! book in at www.3v3.co.uk

To grow 3v3UK we now have a licence option that

allows local clubs or individuals to operate their own
3v3UK business in their area. Find out more on the
website.

3v3UK is the country's leading 3v3 provider and aim to

bring 3v3 to all players.
AIR PITCH GAMES
split pitch

In this 3v3 game each team has distribution of

two players in their defensive half and one in the
attacking half.

When the team is out of possession they are locked into

their half.

When out of possession the player who passes or dribbles

into the attacking half joins the attack to create a 2v2.

Progressions:
All players can enter the attacking half to create a 3v2.
This also leaves a player free on the counter attack

Helps with:
Transition

Passing and movement combinations

Attacking overloads/defensive underloads

Attacking creativity
Side On Split Pitch

In this 3v3 game each team has distribution of one player in

the left side of the pitch and one player on the right side of
the pitch.

One player (with a thick black outline) is free to move from

one side to the other.

The other players must stay on their side.

Progressions:
Out of possession players must stay in their half. Out of
possession all players are free to move. Creating 3v2
overloads in wide positions.

Helps with:
Support play

Wide combinations

1v1s and 2v2s

Switching play
Star Man

In this 3v3 game each team has a star man.

If the star man scores that goal is worth three points.

Encourage players to take and create shots.

Progressions:
If star man gets an assist that is worth 3 points. Encourage
playmaking skills.

Helps with:
Finishing

Getting players on the ball

Individual movement

Playmaking
Values

In this 3v3 game each team allocates a points value for

each player. When that player scores their goal is worth
that number of points.
3
Teams and players will eventually think about who they
need to get on the ball and where.
1
2
Teams must tell the referee/coach the value for each
player but do not let the opposition know before the game. 1
Progressions:
Play three rounds making sure that each player has a
2
different value each round.

Helps with: 3
Positioning

Inclusion

Decision making

Problem solving
Collect Those Cones

In this 3v3 game there is a stack of cones in each corner.

Upon the completion of a certain action teams earn a cone.

Collect the cone and place it inside your team’s goal.

Teams must tell the referee/coach the value for each player
but do not let the opposition know before the game.

Yellow cone = Scoring a goal

Red cone = Playing a one two
Blue cone = Making three passes in a row
Green cone = Nutmeg

It is possible to collect multiple cones in one passage of

play

Helps with:
Placing value on game actions beyond just scoring

Rewarding teams and players who may be better at

passing than scoring and dribbling (or improve those
who struggle with passing)

Movement Support
No Dribbling! No Passing!

In this 3v3 game one team is the dribblers. They are not
allowed to pass.

One team is the passers, they are not allowed to dribble.

If either team breaks the rules it is a free kick to the

opposition.

How do these rules impact an individuals movements and

actions? How do they impact the player in possession? The
players supporting? The defending players?

Progression:
Neither team is allowed to pass. Once a player scores they
unlock the ability to pass. If they score again they can pass
that ability on to a team mate until all players can pass.

Neither team is allowed to dribble. Once a player scores

they unlock the ability to pass. If the same player scores
again they pass on the ability to another player until all
players can dribble.

Helps with:
Understanding the value of being unpredictable

Problem solving
Continuous Attacking

In this 3v3 game There are multiple rounds ending with a 3v3
situation.

Make sure each round begins immediately.

Round 1 – 1v1
Round – 2v1 (Two red)
Round 3 – 2v2
Round 4 – 3v2 (Three red)
Round 5 – 3v3

Play again but with the blues having the overload advantage.

Footballs kept in the corners ready for the next overload.

Each round is only complete once a goal is scored.

Helps with:
Transition

Overloads

Combinations
Side-line Supporters

This game is 2v2 + 2.

Red vs blue in the centre with two supporting yellow players

at the sides.

The two yellows stay as close to the sides as they can,

moving up and down to provide support.

The team in possession is effectively 4v2.

Helps with:
Forward movement off the ball

Combinations

Underlaps

Retaining possession
Keep It! Win It!

This game is 3v3 + 3. The red team and the blue team are in
possession against the yellow team.

If the yellow team win the ball they can score in either goal.
Blues and reds try to regain possession.

Five passes = 1 point. A goal = 1 point.

Switch roles after 3 minutes.

Progression:
When the out of possession team score they swap with
the team who gave away possession

Helps with:
Movement

Support

Creating angles

Transition
North and South vs
East and West

In this 3v3 game the red team can score in either the
north goal or the south goal. The blue team can score
in either the east or west goal.

Players need to be alert and react quickly. If players

can recognise space and exploit it there will be plenty
of goals to be had!

Helps with:
Transition

Reactions

Understanding space

Turning
Dribble and Shoot

A 2v2 game designed to keep the ball close and take

lots of shots.

Helps with:
Fast tempo

Free play

Lots of shots
basic 3v3 games
Straight Up

This 3v3 game is s straight 3v3 with a single goal at either

end.

Progressions:
Use different size goals to change the challenge for the
players.

Bazooka goals available

4 x 2.5 foot (1.2 x 0.76 metres)

6.5 x 2.5 foot (1.98 x 0.76 metres)

5.9 x 3 foot (1.79 x 0.91 metres

Helps with:
Creativity Principles of Play

Imagination Combinations

1v1s

Increased ball interactions

Four Goal Game

This 3v3 game is s straight 3v3 with a two goals

at either end.

Helps with:
Creativity

Imagination

Switching play

1v1s

Finding and using space

Combinations
Touch The Goal

The game is 3v3 beginning with the ball in the centre.

The players start touching their own goal. When the game
begins players run to the ball.

After a goal is scored the team who scored must run to

touch their goal. If they don’t it is a penalty.

No player can stand in the goal and act as a goalkeeper.

Any foul or handball is a halfway line penalty into an empty

goal.

Helps with:
Creativity

Imagination

1v1s

Increased ball interactions

Combinations

Transition
Score In The End Zone

In this 3v3 game play takes place inside a central area.

When attacking teams look to dribble or pass into the end

zone. If they succeed they score one point.

They receive a second point if they then score in one of the

Bazooka goals.

Helps with:
Playing forward

Dribbling

Creative passing

Movement off the ball

Recovery runs
One And One And One

In this 3v3 game the pitch is divided into three zones. Each
team has one player in each zone. When out of possession
(defending) players are locked into their zones.

Play begins in the blue team defensive third. The player with
the ball can dribble into the middle zone or pass into the
next zone, creating a 2v1. The player who passes or dribbles
into the attacking zone creates another 2v1.

If reds win the ball they can counter attack.

A pass is not allowed to miss a zone (defensive straight to

attacking would not be allowed).

Helps with:
Dribbling

Combining

2v1s

Forward running
Transfer

In this 3v3 game the pitch is divided into three zones. The
three teams are locked into their three zones.

Yellow aim to pass to the blues without the reds blocking or

intercepting the pass. Blue aim to pass to yellow without red
intercepting or blocking the pass.

If red intercept or block they switch with the team who gave
away possession.

Progressions:
When Red intercept they can break out and score in
either of the two mini goals

Red can send a player out of the central zone to

pressure the ball. If they win possession they can
attack the goals

Helps with:
Accurate passing Closing the defensive distances

Breaking lines Forward passing

Defending
Magic Square

In this 3v3 game both teams attack and defend two goals.

There is a square in the middle of the pitch.

A goal is worth one point but if the ball travels through the
square before the goal is scored the goal is worth 5 points.

Helps with:
Combinations

One twos

Set and spin

Overlaps

Defending compact
Target Players

In this 3v3 game both teams attack and defend two goals.
Both teams have a target player at the end of the pitch.

Teams score one point for a goal.

They also score one point for passing into a target player.

If they pass to a target player who then creates a goal the

team scores two points.

Helps with:
Forward passes

Combinations

Movement

Support
Busy Goalkeepers!

In this 3v3 game both teams attack and defend

two goals.

Both teams have a designated goalkeeper who can

use their hands but the goalkeeper has two mini
goals to defend.

Helps with:
Goalkeeper positioning

Shooting

Switching play

Recognising space
One Big vs Two Small

In this 3v3 game the red team defend the large

Bazooka goal while the blues defend the two small
Bazooka goals.

The reds have one player who plays as a

goalkeeper.

How does defending/attacking one/two goals

effect the way teams play?

Will one team have an overload advantage? How

can they use it?

Will one team have more space to counter attack

into?

Helps with:
Recognising space Chance creation

Exploiting overloads

Counter attacking

Dribbling 1v1
Protect Your Lane

In this game play begins with three 1v1s on a pitch

divided into three lanes.

The player out of possession needs to decide when

and where they should apply pressure.

Progression:
Change to just one ball but the players are still
locked into their lane.

How can they protect their goal? How can players

support the player in possession without leaving
their lane?

Helps with:
1v1 Cover

Dribbling Balance

Body shape when defending Depth

Pressure
advanced 3v3 games
Get Round The Back

In this 3v3 game the playing area is divided into three

areas, a large central area and two end zones.

The Bazooka goals are reversed with the backs of the

goals facing the central area and the mouth open to
the end zone.

In order to score teams must enter the end zone then

finish. Players can dribble into the end zone or run on to
a forward pass.

Progression:
Have a target player in the end zone for each team.

Once the ball is received by the target player team

mates may enter the zone to support and defenders
can make recovery runs into the zone once the
target player receives the ball.

Helps with:
Playing forward Support

Dribbling Creativity

Movement Imagination
Back To Back

In this 3v3 game the goals are placed back to back in a

central square.

Players may not enter the central square. Both teams

can score in either of the goals.

Can players use and exploit the space available?

Helps with:
Movement

Finding space

Combinations

Vision

Awareness
Waves

In this 3v3 game three teams attacking in waves.

Red begin in possession attacking the blues. If reds

lose the ball or score they leave the pitch and stand
behind the goals they just attacked.

Yellows step on and blues attack the yellows. If blues

score or lose the ball they stand behind the goals they
just attacked.

Reds step on and yellows attack them. Repeat this

pattern and keep score.

Helps with:
Transition

Counter attack

Awareness

Reactions

Combinations
Back To Back Plus Two

In this 3v3 game two goals are placed back to back in

the centre of the pitch plus two large goals at each
end. Reds are attacking. They can score in goal A for
three points or goal B for 1 point. Blues can score in
goal D for three points or goal C for 1 point.

The scoring system encourages players to attack the

large central goal (and defend that goal) for added
realism. The single point in the reversed goal allows
players who may be struggling to score an easy goal or
give creative players more options.

Positioning the goals in the centre of the pitch

encourages passes down the low down the sides or
higher diagonal passes.

Helps with:
Creativity Forward passing

Imagination Defending centrally

Finishing

Movement
Feeders

In this 3v3 game both teams attack and defend two

goals.

Both teams have a feeder at the end of the pitch who is

well supplied with footballs.

Whenever the ball goes out of play (or if a goal is

scored) play begins with the relevant feeder.

Helps with:
Movement

Support

Transition
Offset

In this 3v3 game the goals are deliberately misaligned

to create different attacking angles for each team.

Teams will defend and attack in different ways based

on the orientation of the goals and their own
positioning.

Helps with:
Movement

Support

Understanding space
Push Up!

In this 3v3 game goals do not count unless the

attacking team have all of their players in the
opposition half.

Helps with:
Transition

Moving as a team

Regaining the ball in the opposition half

Transfer Combinations

In this 3v3 game the playing area is divided into three

areas, a large central area and two end areas.

Red and blue aim to play across the area, from end
zone to end zone. The yellow team look to intercept
and score in either of the side goals.

Red and blue have one player each in the central zone.
They can use these players to combine and play across.
Yellow can pressure and tackle the two central players.

Helps with:
Playing forward

Combinations

Cover

Balance
Drop Off

In this 3v3 game the playing area is divided into three

areas, a large central area and two defensive/attacking
zones.

The central zone is left vacant.

In each end zone the game is set up with two

defenders and one attacker.

The attacker may drop into the central zone to receive

a pass. Defenders can not follow.

Once the attacker receives a pass team mates can join

to attack. When a team is defending their attacker may
not leave the designated zone.

Helps with:
Playing forward

Movement

Support

Finding and using space

Funinho

The game is 3v3 beginning with the ball in the centre.

The players start touching their own goal. When the

game begins players run to the ball.

After a goal is scored the team who scored must run to

touch their goal. If they don’t it is a penalty.

No player can stand in the goal and act as a

goalkeeper.

Any foul or handball is a halfway line penalty into an

empty goal.

Helps with:
Creativity Combinations

Imagination Transition

1v1s

Increased ball interactions

Also by Peter Prickett
available on Amazon
thank you
BAZOOKAGOAL.COM