Quick answer
Small-sided games are floorball matches played with fewer players, smaller spaces and special rules, such as 3 against 3 on a quarter of the court. They give every player more touches, more shots and more decisions per minute than full 5 against 5 games. Use them to teach one idea at a time: change a rule (for example "two touches only") and the players learn the skill without being lectured.
Key takeaways
- Fewer players means more touches. In 3 against 3, each player is involved far more often than in 5 against 5.
- Rules shape behaviour: constraints such as touch limits, bonus points and zones teach skills better than long talks.
- Keep games short (3–5 minutes) with quick rotation and a score the players care about.
- Use small goals or cones when you have no extra goals; floor tape works for boundaries.
- Always ask one question after a round: "What did you notice?"
- Small-sided games fit every level, from beginners to senior teams.
Why do small-sided games work so well?
Most players I coach learn faster in a game than in a drill, because a game forces them to look, decide and act. Drills give technique; games give judgement. Small-sided games combine both, since the space is small enough that players touch the ball constantly and the situations repeat again and again.
They also solve a very practical coaching problem. In a full 5 against 5 game, the stronger players dominate, and the weaker ones get one touch per minute. In 3 against 3, nobody can hide. Keep an eye on those who hang back and use a rule that brings them in, such as "every player must touch the ball before a shot."
Which formats should you know?
| Format | Space (approx.) | Best for | Typical length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 against 1 | 6 x 4 m | Dribbling, protecting the ball, shooting under pressure | 1 minute per pair |
| 2 against 2 | 8 x 6 m | Give-and-go, support, defending in pairs | 2–3 minutes |
| 3 against 3 | 12 x 8 m | Passing options, triangles, transitions | 3–4 minutes |
| 4 against 4 | 16 x 10 m | Positional play, wide and central options | 4–5 minutes |
| Overload 3 against 2 | Half court | Attack with an extra player, defend a disadvantage | 2 minutes, then switch |
| 5 against 5 with rules | Full court | Linking the ideas into a match | 6–8 minutes |
A full floorball rink measures 40 x 20 m, so a quarter of it is about 20 x 10 m. Use this as a guide when you split a hall into zones.
What constraints change the game?
A constraint is a rule that nudges players toward the skill you want. Here are the ones I use most:
- Two-touch limit: trains quick passing and scanning before receiving.
- Every player must touch before a shot: encourages teamwork and involves everyone.
- Goals count double after a first-time shot: trains one-timers and quick release.
- No passes back: forces forward thinking.
- Zones: one attacker must stay in the opposing zone, creating a target for passes.
- Weak-side goals only: forces use of the backhand or the less comfortable side.
- Time limits: "score in 10 seconds or hand over" builds tempo.
Which games are ready to use?
1. Four Goals
3 against 3, with each team defending two small goals (cones 1.5 m apart) at either end. Teams can score in either of the opponents' goals. It trains scanning and switching the play. Cue: "Look for the open goal before you shoot."
2. End-Zone Target
4 against 4 in a 16 x 10 m area. A goal is scored when a team passes the ball to a teammate standing in the end zone. Then roles switch. It teaches penetrating passes without the pressure of goalkeepers.
3. Rotating Overload
3 against 2 attacks a goal with a goalkeeper. After each attack, the two defenders become attackers with a new defender joining. It trains numbers-up decisions and fast switches.
4. Wall Pass Game
2 against 2 in a small box, with a neutral player on the boundary who always plays for the team with the ball. You score by passing through the neutral player and back. It trains give-and-go.
5. Winner Stays
1 against 1 at a single goal. The player who scores stays on and faces the next challenger. Keep rounds to 45 seconds. It builds confidence and a competitive streak.
Coach Erik's tip: Change only one rule at a time. If you change three, the players cannot tell what you want them to learn. Run a 3-minute round, ask "what worked?" and add the next rule.
How do you set up small-sided games with limited equipment?
You do not need a full hall. Cones, tape and bibs mark the space, and small goals can be two cones or two bottles. If you coach at home or a school, a regulation goal makes shooting rounds more realistic. The Extreme Floorball Goal (€149) is 115 x 160 cm and folds for storage. For stations around the main game, a rebounder such as the Extreme Floorball Passer (€129) lets waiting players keep touching the ball, and a Shooting Kit Tiles XL (€279) gives a goal plus 1.6 m² of tiles in one package. In that kit, the tiles are Made in Europe, and everything is designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability.
For a bigger ball supply, the Floorball 50-Pack (€89) keeps stations stocked. See also our practice plan template to place games inside a full session.
How do you plan a 40-minute session around small-sided games?
Small-sided games work best inside a clear structure. This plan fits a 40-minute youth session and uses three formats from this article. Adjust the times if your group is larger or smaller, but keep the proportions: most of the time is spent in games, not in explanations.
| Minutes | Block | Format | Coaching focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 | Warm-up with the ball | Free movement, 1 ball per player | Touches, head up |
| 6-16 | Game 1 | 3 v 3 with small goals, 2 x 4 minutes | Passing and moving after the pass |
| 16-18 | Short pause | Water, one question to the group | "What worked?" |
| 18-30 | Game 2 | 4 v 4 with one constraint, 3 x 3 minutes | Constraint such as maximum 2 touches |
| 30-38 | Game 3 | Free play, no constraint | Let them apply what they practised |
| 38-40 | Close | Circle, one thing each | Positive feedback |
Rotate teams after every round so that players meet different partners and opponents, and keep scores simple. Cue: "Play, stop, one idea, play." Watch for: stopping the game too often. A coach who interrupts every 30 seconds takes away the rhythm that makes small-sided games valuable. Wait for a natural pause and give one clear message, then let them play again.
Common mistakes
- Games that are too big. Fix: shrink the space and the numbers until players have to touch the ball every few seconds.
- Too many rules at once. Fix: one constraint per round.
- Stopping play constantly. Fix: coach in motion, and stop only for a key moment, 20 seconds at most.
- Uneven teams. Fix: rebalance after each round so the scores stay close.
- No rotation. Fix: rotate players and opponents so everyone plays with and against everyone.
- Forgetting the goalkeepers. Fix: rotate keepers in or give them their own station.
FAQ
What is a small-sided game in floorball?
A small-sided game is a match with fewer players than the usual five outfield players, often in a reduced space, with special rules to emphasise a skill.
How many players should I use?
Start with 3 against 3 or 4 against 4. These numbers give lots of touches while still allowing passing options.
How long should each game last?
Three to five minutes per round, then rotate. Short rounds keep the intensity high and the score meaningful.
Can I use small-sided games with beginners?
Yes, they are ideal for beginners. Use small teams, big goals or no goalkeepers, and keep rules simple, such as "everybody touches the ball before a shot."
Do I need goalkeepers?
Not always. Games with cone goals, or with end-zone targets, can be played without keepers. When you do use keepers, rotate them so each gets a go.
How often should I use small-sided games in training?
Include at least one per session, usually near the end, so players can use the skills they just practised.
Summary
Small-sided games give players more touches, more decisions and more fun. Pick a format, add one constraint and let the game do the teaching. Build them into every session with our practice plan template, and find more coaching ideas in the coaches hub.
