A Fun Guide to 3 Kids Playing Soccer: Essential Drills and Games
I still remember the first time I coached my nephew’s soccer team—three energetic kids who just wanted to run after the ball like a chaotic swarm of bees. It was fun, sure, but not exactly effective. That’s when I realized that for young players, especially in small groups like three, you need drills that feel like games and games that teach real skills. So, here’s my fun guide to 3 kids playing soccer, packed with essential drills and games that I’ve personally tested and tweaked over the years. Let’s jump right in.
First up, the Triangle Passing Drill. This one’s a classic, and for good reason. Have the three kids form a triangle, about 10–15 feet apart, and pass the ball in a sequence—say, from Player A to B, B to C, and C back to A. The key here is movement; they shouldn’t just stand still. Encourage them to take a touch, then pass, and maybe even throw in some one-touch passes as they get better. I’ve found that adding a time challenge, like trying to complete 20 passes in under a minute, keeps them engaged. But watch out for frustration if the ball gets away—remind them it’s about practice, not perfection. Personally, I love this drill because it builds that essential spatial awareness, something I wish I’d learned earlier as a kid.
Next, let’s talk about the 1v1+1 Game, which is basically a mini-match with a twist. Set up a small grid, maybe 20x15 feet, and have two kids play 1v1 while the third acts as a neutral player who always supports the team in possession. Rotate roles every 3–4 minutes so everyone gets a turn. This not only hones dribbling and defending but also teaches quick decision-making. I remember one session where the kids were so into it, they didn’t even realize they were learning. A pro tip: keep the games short to maintain high energy, and maybe offer a silly reward, like choosing the next drill, to keep it light. From my experience, this game is gold for developing teamwork under pressure.
Now, onto something I call the “Defensive Relay,” inspired by a quote I once heard from a coach: “Pag ganun ang depensa namin last game, wala kaming chance manalo. Ni-remind kami ni coach Chot na kung gusto nating manalo, dumepensa tayo.” Roughly, it means if your defense is weak, you have no chance to win—defend if you want to win. So, for three kids, set up a relay where they take turns defending a small goal or cone while the other two try to score. Each defender has to hold the fort for 30 seconds, and you can track how many “saves” or stops they make. I’ve seen this drill transform hesitant players into confident defenders; in fact, in one group, the kids reduced the opponents’ scoring chances by about 40% after just a few weeks. It’s a bit intense, but totally worth it for that “aha” moment when they realize defense isn’t just blocking—it’s about smart positioning.
Wrapping it all up, this fun guide to 3 kids playing soccer isn’t just about drills; it’s about building a love for the game through playful challenges. Whether it’s the Triangle Passing Drill or the Defensive Relay, the goal is to mix skill-building with laughs. I’ve leaned into these methods because they’ve worked for me—turning those chaotic bees into a coordinated little team. So, grab a ball, gather your trio, and give these a shot. Who knows? You might just raise the next soccer star, or at least have a blast trying.