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Practice games

3 Goal Game

One team attacks two small goals, the other the big goal, and they swap every five minutes.

Game 22 min 8 to 14 players Half pitch 2016 to 2018

Shooting and Scoring Win It, Keep It, Score Be brave

3 Goal Game set-up, from the Irish FA Grassroots Resource Booklet

Set up

  • Mark a 40 by 30 grid with 2 small goals at one end and 1 big goal at the other.
  • Two teams.

40 by 30 grid. 2 small goals and 1 big goal. Two teams.

How to play

  • Teams play a directional game. One team attacks the small goals and defends the big goal. The other attacks the big goal and defends the small goals.
  • Whoever is defending the small goals always starts with the ball.
  • Swap every 5 minutes.

Make it easier

Make it harder

  • The team attacking the big goal must make 3 passes before they can score.
  • First-touch finish only.
  • All in, no conditions.

Three things to say

  • Encourage 1v1s and attacking at speed.
  • Running with the ball, changes of direction and speed.
  • Type, timing and weight of passes.

Colts habit

Be brave: take the defender on.

Both feet

Practice-foot goals count double.

Heads up

Look for the free small goal.

Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.

Keeping score: Each child keeps their own count and tries to beat it next time. Nothing is compared between children.