3v3 Soccer

3V3 soccer is not a new thing. It has been around for quite some time. In Harrison Arkansas, a town the size of Miami, OK, they had teams from every age group play in 3v3 tournaments around the states. One of the results of this sport was the Harrison High School team winning the state title twice in a row for both female and male varsity.

The Miami high school Wardog soccer team showed a tremendous improvement after the dedicated 3v3 teams became freshmen. When the Fuzzies (teams in 3v3 pick strange names) became freshmen it was the first time the high school team made play offs and they have made it every year since. The high school team picks up one or more 3v3 players each year. This year several 3v3 players became freshmen and the results will most definetly show during the season.

Miami has always put out great soccer players. Athletes have always left to play on Competative teams in Tulsa and other places because there was not enough quality athletes in a particular age bracket here in Miami. 3v3 however, being made up of small teams allowed Miami coaches to put together their best athletes and showcase Miami players at tournaments.

The "Fuzzies" from Miami Oklahoma were laughed at when they arrived in Orlando Florida for the National 3v3 tournament. "What kind of name is that?" "Where the heck is Miami Oklahoma?"

After the first couple of games, the best teams in the United States were hoping they did not have to play against the Miami Oklahoma "Fuzzies".

3v3 soccer is played on a small field with small goals. There is no goalie and the goal box itself is something to contend with. No player is allowed to touch the ball in the box. For example, if a defender touches the ball in the box it is a goal for the other team. If an offender touches the ball in the box it is a goal kick for the other team. There are no through-in's. If the ball is out it is simply placed on the line and kicked in to play. There are three players on the field for each team and subs are called in frequently. All three players are moving constantly and even the best athletes raise their hand to come off the field. The games are short, usualy consisting of two 12 minute halves. Scores can get up to 16-12 easily.

The big plus is that athletes touch the ball more, pass the ball more and run more. Shooting at the smaller goal hones in their acuracy. This allows them to grow as a soccer player more efficiently. A mediocre player can change dramaticaly in the course of a 3v3 season.

The big draw back of the sport is that the nearest tournament is in Tulsa. I have had teams play in Vail Colorado, Chicago and Orlando but prefer to travel a five hour radius touching tournaments in Dallas, Little Rock and Kansas city.

In-closed at the top of this page is a link to a 3v3 site. Any other information or questions on this sport can be addressed to the editor.