Portugal’s U6‑U7 football: Futebol 3/5 on small pitch and what it means for your child
For parents and coaches who want their children to develop in an environment that combines fun, technique and early decision‑making, the Portuguese approach for the U6‑U7 category provides a clear example. The so‑called “Futebol 3/5” takes place on a reduced pitch with a small ball, without off‑side rules and in a tournament format. This setup is not arbitrary; it aligns closely with a long‑term philosophy in which players learn to act in small spaces, decide under pressure and gradually progress to a full 11‑against‑11 game. In this article we delve deeper into the specific rules, the underlying pedagogy and provide practical tools to get the most out of this young age group.
The game format: Futebol 3/5 and the small ball
In Portugal the U6‑U7 category – locally called “Petizes (Sub‑7)” – is played according to the “Futebol 3/5” setup. The name immediately reflects two important aspects: the number of players per team and the size of the playing area. “3/5” means that two teams with three to five players each (including the goalkeeper) face each other. This flexibility makes it possible, depending on the number of children present, to organise a balanced match without a team being under‑populated.
The ball used is a small ball, usually a size 3 or even a size 2, which is better suited to the short legs and the less developed motor skills of children aged five to seven. A smaller ball rolls more slowly, giving young players more control and allowing them to keep the ball longer. This supports the core objective of the Portuguese youth development: technique in a limited space.
The match concept: tournament, no league table, short encounters
For the U6‑U7 age group a tournament format is chosen. Instead of a season with a classic league table, the teams play in one or more “encontros” – a term in Portuguese for a meeting or a short match. Each encounter usually lasts between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the organisation. The short time frame holds the children’s attention and prevents fatigue, keeping the focus on fun and learning.
Because there is no classic points system, the emphasis is not on winning or losing but on participation and development. Teams are often mixed randomly or re‑assembled after each round, so every child gets the chance to play with different playmates and opponents. This variety contributes to the development of social skills and ensures that players learn to cope with diverse playing styles.
The training philosophy: technique in small space and gradual progression
The Portuguese youth development has a clear vision: children must learn early to decide under pressure and to display their technical skills within a limited space. The “kleine_ruimte” principle means that players do not have much space to dribble or run; they therefore have to learn to pass, receive and move the ball quickly with minimal movements. This creates an environment where the fundamentals of ball control, first touch and short passing are central.
The progression is carefully laid out in four steps: 5 meters, 7 meters, 9 meters and finally 11 meters. These numbers refer to the dimensions of the playing area as the players get older. For the U6‑U7 group the field is kept at a “5‑meter” size – a very small rectangular area that forces the players to work closely together. As children grow older (U9, U11, U13) the field gradually expands, increasing the space to manoeuvre and the complexity of the game as well. This gradual approach ensures that players do not switch abruptly to a larger field, but build the required skills step by step.
Another important element in the Portuguese approach is the “verkoopmodel”. Although the term sounds commercial at first glance, here it refers to a systematic way in which clubs and schools present the game to children: a clear, attractive concept that highlights the benefits of the small‑space philosophy, combined with a structured learning pathway. The model makes it easier for parents to see the added value of the training and encourages consistent participation.
Practical tips for parents, coaches and young players
1. Create a small‑space environment at home. Use a small pitch or a marked area of the garden to let the children practice short passing and quick movements. A simple set of cones or a chalk line can form a mini‑field.
2. Use the right ball. For U6‑U7 players a size 3 ball (about 62 cm circumference) is ideal. The lower weight and smaller size give the children more control and less frustration.
3. Focus on fun and process, not on outcome. Because there is no classic league table, you can emphasise the number of ball contacts a child makes, the quality of the first touch and the cooperation with teammates.
4. Vary the team composition. Regularly change the makeup of the teams so each child learns to deal with different age groups and playing styles. This promotes social interaction and helps players adapt to new situations – an essential skill for later, when off‑side and larger fields are introduced.
5. Introduce simple decision‑making tasks. Ask the children during a game to make a quick choice: for example “do you want to pass to the left or right?” or “will you dribble or pass?”. The aim is to get them used to making decisions under light pressure, without the complexity of a full tactical analysis.
6. Keep the encounters short and dynamic. Schedule the “encontros” for 5‑10 minutes, with a short break between rounds. A quick rotation keeps energy high and prevents children from getting bored or over‑exerted.
7. Observe and give targeted feedback. Instead of general comments (“well played”), you can be more specific: “your first touch was strong, now try to move the ball a little further”. Such targeted feedback helps the young player to make a clear connection between action and result.
Conclusion
The Portuguese approach for the U6‑U7 category, with its “Futebol 3/5” format, small ball, reduced pitch and tournament structure without a league table, is a thoughtful system that lays the foundation for technical skill and decision‑making in a controlled, enjoyable environment. By emphasizing small spaces, a gradual field expansion and a clear “verkoopmodel”, young players get the chance to grow step by step – from a small, intensive playing area to eventually a full 11‑against‑11 match around the U15 age. For parents and coaches this means there is a clear framework to support the development of their children, with concrete exercises, a focus on fun and a clear roadmap for the future. With the practical tips in this article you can apply the philosophy directly in your own training setting, so every child gets a solid, enjoyable foundation for a lifelong love of football.