3v3 Soccer

3v3 Soccer is a variety of soccer (association football) played between two teams. Each team may only have 3 players on the field at a time (hence providing the name, "3 v 3", "3 versus 3", or "3 on 3"). This style of soccer is more commonly referred to as a "small-sided" game, as compared to a full game with larger teams. The field used is smaller than a regulation soccer pitch, instead typically 30 yards wide by 40 yards long, although these dimensions vary quite a bit when the game is played indoors due to the varied styles and sizes of indoor pitches. It uses a much smaller net than fullsided soccer. In most 3v3 there is no keeper, although one variant, 3v3 Micro Soccer, does use a keeper.

"3v3 Soccer" is claimed to be the fastest growing form of soccer in the World. [ [http://www.icaboodlesites.com/3v3/?page=thegame The Game Of 3v3 ] ] Its greatest popularity is in the United States, where hundreds, and perhaps thousands of Tournaments take place each year, however it is also now begun to catch on in many other countries. Nike helped to popularize it with its international Joga3 Joga Bonito Tour back in 2006, in which teams qualified at local events around the World, culminating in a big 3v3 World Cup played in Brazil. [http://inside.nikesoccer.com/zine/article/brazil-and-back-a-joga3-story/]

It is a much faster paced, and higher scoring game than traditional full sided soccer. The speed of the attack, the use of triangulation, and the strategies bring aspects of Hockey into the game. The quick shift from one end of the field to the other after a goal is scored, or upon loss of possession is reminiscent of Basketball. It requires the blending of individual skills with teamwork.

Its gain in popularity is largely because every member of the team gets equal playing time, and equal touches on the ball. All players on the field are a part of the play. Because of the speed of the game, and the fact that players are constantly in motion, there are frequent substitutions. A typical player may be rotated on six times or more in one game. There are no permanently assigned positions as there are in full sided soccer, giving each team member equal status and equal importance. This helps to develop individual skills.

Currently there are three major tours in the United States, Colorado based Kick-it 3v3 (used to be called Got Milk 3v3) [ [http://www.3v3soccer.com/ Kick It ] ] , Utah based 3v3Live [ [http://www.3v3live.com/index.php 3v3 Live Soccer - Short Sided Soccer ] ] , and Florida based Challenge3v3 [ [http://www.challengesports.com/index.html Challenge Sports 3v3 soccer tournaments USA ] ] . There is also a new player on the block, California based US 3v3 Soccer [ [http://www.icaboodlesites.com/3v3/ US3V3SOCCER US 3V3 SOCCER LEAGUES SMALL SIDED GAMES USYOUTHSOCCER ] ] is promoting 3v3 soccer throughout California and the West. Canada also finally has its own home grown tour attempting to promote 3v3 there. Ontario based Ultimate 3 on 3 Soccer [ [http://www.ultimate3on3.com/ ULTIMATE 3 ON 3 SOCCER SHOWDOWN - ABOUT US ] ] is the first Canadian based 3v3 Soccer Tour.

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