The Coaches' Room
3v3•U7•Coaching & Sessions

15x10 for 3v3 feels tiny – are you using bigger pitches?

Asked by ClaireT
574 views 2 replies
We marked a 15x10 out tonight to show the coaches what it will look like and it felt really small once six kids were on there. I know thats the recommended size but there is some room to go bigger. Has anyone tested both? Im wondering whether going straight to a bigger pitch defeats the point a bit, or whether some groups just need the extra space.

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

Verified Coach avatar

@CoachRyanC

UEFA C Coach

Grassroots session design

Why are Verified Coach details private?
I’d start at 15x10 and only move it if the game is telling you there is a reason. It is meant to feel busy. Six players in a small area creates lots of touches, 1v1s, changes of possession and chances to score. If we make the pitch much bigger just because the first few games look crowded, we can take away some of what the format is trying to give them. That said, the guidance allows some flexibility, so I would not treat 15x10 as a magic number for every group. Try it for a few games. If the ball is genuinely never staying in play or the children cannot get any football going, add a little space and compare it. I’d change the pitch because of what the players need, not because it looks untidy to the adults.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 2 replies

S

SchoolGate7

Coach

We went slightly wider after two sessions because the ball genuinely never stayed in. Not huge, just enough that a child could get their head up before three people arrived.
P

Parksy

Parent

Interesting because ours went the other way. First night looked ridiculous, then once the players understood the restarts and stopped all standing on the ball it opened up without us changing the pitch. I would probably give it a few goes before moving cones.

YOU MAY ALSO FIND THESE HELPFUL

HAVE A QUESTION TOO?

Ask about your own situation.