In the mid 80's Micro SoccerÒ (a 3 v 3 game) found its way on to the playing fields of North America.

In the early 90's the USYSA put forward its official and recommended 3 v 3 game.

The difference between the two? The USYSA game does not have a goalkeeper. Micro Soccer does (on an equal time, rotating basis).

Here are the two versions courtesy of www.ByteSizeCoaching.Com:

Micro SoccerÒ

Objective:

• To give each player plenty of opportunity to kick the ball in a 3 v 3 game.
• To gain a fundamental understanding of the game of soccer.

Organization:

• Field size 20 x 30 yards.
• Six-yard "boxes," marked by cones or lines, within which each designated goalkeeper may handle.
• Center line marked by cones/lines.
• Each player takes a turn in goal for two to three minutes.
• When ball goes out of play, game is restarted by:
  • Sideline - throw-in (or pass-in - opponents must stay 5-yards away.)
  • Endline - goal kick or corner kick (5-yard rule) depending on which player last touched ball.
• After a goal, re-start with either goal kick or center kick (if center, opponents must retreat to own six-yard line).
• In practice with numbers greater than six, either have two 3 v 3, or if less than 12, have three teams with a separate practice operating and rotate in and out of the 3 v 3 game.

Teaching:

• If this is the introductory session for Micro Soccer , you will need to show just what a Throw-In is, but don't get bogged down on the correct technique of the Throw-In just yet (this is covered in Mack 1 & 2 in subsequent sessions).
• Encourage at least one player to go fully wide on goal kicks or when goalkeeper has ball in hands.
• Encourage goalkeeper to move off line to support attacks or to intercept through balls (this will take time, too!).
• Encourage players to pass, dribble and communicate with each other.
• On throw-ins, encourage non-throwing attacker to look for a forward shooting chance - and not to go too close to thrower.

Target:

• To outscore opposition.

3 v 3

Objective:

• To give each player plenty of opportunity to kick the ball in a 3 v 3 game.
• To gain a fundamental understanding of the game of soccer.

Organization:

• Field size 20 x 30 yards.
• Goal is 3-yards wide.
• No goalkeepers.
• Goals only count below knee height.
• When ball goes out of play, game is restarted by:
  • Sideline - throw-in (or pass-in - opponents must be 5-yards away).
  • Endline - goal kick or corner kick (5-yard rule), depending on which player last touched ball.
• After a goal, re-start with center kick (opponents must retreat within two paces of own goal).
• In practice with numbers greater than twelve have two 3 v 3, or if less than 12, have 3 teams and a separate practice operating and rotate teams in and out of the 3 v 3 game.

Teaching:

• Encourage at least one player to go fully wide on goal kicks.
• Encourage attacking teams to always have a rear-supporting player.
• Encourage players to pass, dribble and communicate with each other.
• On throw-ins, encourage one of the non-throwing attackers to look for a forward shooting chance - and not to go too close to thrower.

Target:

• To outscore opposing team.

So what's the difference?

Not much. Both games give plenty of kicks to all players and great opportunities to score goals.

The concern of the USYSA was a child could become discouraged and lose self-esteem if they were the last player who concedes the goal.

The concern of the advocates of Micro Soccer is that the no-goalkeeper rule takes the game away from the players and puts it firmly back in the hands of the coach …if the coach (in his wisdom or otherwise) positions the best player as the sweeper for extended periods (to get results!).

Either way, with or without goalkeepers, 3 v 3 soccer is great fun and a great development tool.

What do you think? Send an Email to the editor and give us your opinion (tw).