Moving from Under 6s to Under 7s: A Coach’s Guide to 3v3 Football

Moving from Under 6s to Under 7s introduces children to their first structured match format. Under 7s typically play 3v3.

The important coaching message is not “make training more formal”. It is almost the opposite: use the small format to preserve the freedom, movement and frequent contact with the ball that children enjoyed at Under 6s.

This guide explains what changes, what should stay familiar and how to prepare players during the first four weeks.

Check your competition: confirm your league's format, venue arrangements and safeguarding procedures before matchday, as these vary between competitions.

What changes when children move into Under 7s?

Under 7s enter a 3v3 format designed to keep every child close to the action. Expect arrangements along these lines, and confirm the detail with your competition:

• three players on each side;
• no goalkeepers;
• no substitutes, so every child plays;
• no match official, with one adult facilitator per pitch;
• a size-three ball;
• short games of six to ten minutes; and
• flexible pitches between 10 × 15 metres and 15 × 20 metres, with 15 × 10 metres given as the recommended setup in the national dimensions guide.

Rather than building one squad around one match, the intention is to create several small games and rotate players between them. A standard 5v5 area can accommodate multiple 3v3 pitches.

The format also uses simplified restarts. Players may pass or dribble in from goal-line, sideline, corner and free-kick restarts. This gets the ball moving again quickly and gives the player in possession a useful choice.

Read the 2026/27 youth football pitch sizes and formats guide for the full pathway.

What should stay familiar?

Under 7s should still feel like children playing football—not adults acting out a miniature professional match.

Keep familiar arrival games, lots of individual contact with the ball and simple challenges. Avoid introducing fixed positions or lengthy tactical explanations just because matchdays now have a defined format.

At this age, “organisation” means children know where to play and how to restart. It does not mean they must hold a rigid shape.

What will players notice?

The small pitch puts every player near the ball. That creates more chances to dribble, score, stop a goal and react when possession changes.

Some children will immediately chase the ball. Others may stand back because they are unsure when to join in. Both responses are normal. The coach’s job is to keep the game flowing and help children notice the space around the group.

Players will also experience several short games rather than one long fixture. Moving between teammates and opponents can feel unfamiliar, so explain the carousel simply before play begins.

Three priorities for the first month

1. Give every child frequent contact with the ball

Use one ball per child during arrival activities whenever possible. Include turns, stops, changes of direction and little scoring challenges. This builds confidence before children enter a game where the ball is shared.

2. Keep explanations short

Show one action, give one instruction and let them play. If the activity is confusing, simplify the space or rule instead of adding another speech.

3. Restart play quickly

Practise the pass-or-dribble choice in training. When the ball leaves the area, place another ball nearby or prompt the restart immediately. The aim is more playing time, not perfect administration.

A four-week introduction to 3v3

Week 1: ball confidence

Give every child a ball and use a small free-play area. Add simple goals such as changing direction, finding space or stopping the ball on a line.

Week 2: small games

Play 1v1 and 2v2 games with easy ways to score. Keep rounds short and rotate quickly so children meet different problems.

Week 3: restart choices

Use 3v3 and rehearse only the essential restart: “Would you like to pass or dribble?” Let the player decide.

Week 4: matchday carousel

Set up two or more small pitches and reproduce the rotation you expect on matchday. Keep the explanation visible and simple: play, finish, move, play again.

Example session structure

For a 45–60-minute session, try:

1. ten minutes of one-ball-each arrival play;
2. ten minutes of 1v1 or 2v2 games;
3. two short blocks of 3v3; and
4. a brief finish asking what helped players find space or restart quickly.

Choose activities with minimal queues from the Under 7s football session plans.

The common mistake: making 3v3 too organised

Coaches can see three players and immediately assign a defender, midfielder and striker. That can reduce movement and make children afraid to leave an area.

Instead, use simple ideas: spread out when a teammate has the ball, help when they need you and react when the other team wins it. Rotate starting positions and let the game teach the relationships.

Under 7s coach checklist

Before the first matchday:

• confirm the local competition setup and timings;
• prepare enough small pitches, goals, balls and markers;
• explain the carousel to adults and children;
• practise pass-or-dribble restarts;
• plan how every child will keep playing; and
• brief adult facilitators to support safe decisions without controlling every action.

Keep the first format playful

The move into Under 7s is an entry into structured football, not an exit from play. Give children the ball, keep instructions brief and restart quickly.

If children leave wanting another game, the format has done its job.

Browse Under 7s session plans and continue with Moving from Under 7s to Under 8s.

Formats and match arrangements are set by your competition and can change between seasons. Confirm the current position with your league before the first fixture.