3v3, 4-Goal Small-Sided Game (Funino)
Two small teams play to four mini-goals — each defends two and attacks two, choosing the better goal on every attack, with quick restarts from you keeping it flowing.
Two goals to choose from make players recognize attacking chances — create space, decide fast, pick the better option — while defenders learn to cover space across two goals and transition quickly.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones, pinnies, the four small goals, and multiple balls to keep play flowing.
- Build: Mark a field 20 by 30 yards with two small goals at each end, spaced apart — four goals in all.
- Place: Two teams on the field, each defending the two goals at its end; you at the side with the ball supply.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Recognizing attacking opportunities, creating space, quick decisions between two goals, movement off the ball, switching play, covering two goals defensively, communication, teamwork, and fast transitions.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
Each team defends its two goals and attacks the other two — play starts on your pass-in, a goal counts in either attacking goal, and rounds run 3 to 5 minutes.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Divide into two teams — 3v3 or 4v4, adjusted to your numbers — and give each team the two goals at its end to defend. No goalkeepers, and every player stays involved in the play.
Coach says
These two goals are yours to protect — you score in the far two. No keepers — everybody plays!
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk the start — play begins with a pass-in from you, and a team scores by finishing into either of its two attacking goals. Push quick transitions between attack and defense.
Coach says
I play it in, you take it from there — and remember, two goals to pick from. Take the open one!
3Play▾
Coach does
Feed balls in and keep the restarts quick to maximize touches. Watch for players recognizing open space and switching play fast, quick decisions and movement off the ball, and defenders communicating to cover both goals.
Coach says
Switch it — the other side's open! Move, give them an option!
Look for: The switch — a player spotting open space at the other goal and moving the ball there quickly.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
Play 3-to-5-minute rounds and rotate players between them. For later rounds, limit players to 2 or 3 touches, require a pass into a zone you name before scoring, assign one designated defender who can't score, set a time limit to score after winning possession, or add a neutral player for a 4v3 attacking edge.
Coach says
New round — three touches, tops! And I'm adding a joker — they play for the attack!
If it's not working
If the attacks keep dying before a shot, add a neutral player who joins whoever has the ball — a 4v3 edge until the goals start coming.
Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.