What is Funino in Soccer, and How Can It Advance Youth Players Faster Than Typical 3v3?

In youth soccer development, small-sided games are widely recognized as one of the best ways to accelerate skill growth and game intelligence. While traditional 3v3 soccer is an excellent tool for young players, an even better alternative has emerged: Funino. Developed by Horst Wein, Funino (pronounced “Foo-neen-yo”) is a small-sided game designed to improve decision-making, creativity, and game awareness at an accelerated rate compared to standard 3v3 formats.

What is Funino?

Funino is a 3v3 game with four small goals instead of two. Each team attacks two goals and defends two, which are positioned wide apart at each end of the field. The game is played without goalkeepers, encouraging players to think quickly and make better attacking and defensive decisions.

Key Rules of Funino

• Field Size: Roughly 20x30 yards (adjustable for age and skill level).
• Four Goals: Two goals at each end, spaced far apart.
• No Goalkeepers: Players focus on movement, passing, and finishing.
• Scoring Rule: Players can only score inside a designated zone, such as 10 yards from the endline or the final third of the field, promoting close control and finishing.
• Directional Play: Teams must attack two goals and defend two, forcing constant decision-making.

How Funino Advances Players Faster Than Traditional 3v3

While typical 3v3 games (with one goal at each end) benefit young players, Funino adds unique elements that accelerate development in ways traditional small-sided games cannot.

1. Enhances Decision-Making

Players have one attacking option in a regular 3v3 match: move toward the only goal. In Funino, players must choose between two scoring options, increasing their ability to read the game, recognize space, and react to defensive pressure. These increased scoring options lead to quicker and smarter decision-making under pressure.

2. Develops Spatial Awareness

The four-goal setup forces players to constantly scan the field for the best space to attack. The constant scanning directly translates to better vision and awareness in larger-sided games, helping players become more composed and intelligent in possession.

3. Encourages Creativity and Problem-Solving

With two target goals to score in, players are encouraged to fake, dribble, and change direction rather than forcing a direct attack. The game naturally rewards creative movement and intelligent positioning.

4. Promotes Positional Play

Funino teaches young players about creating and using width, a fundamental concept in full-sided soccer. Since the goals are spread apart, teams must pull defenders out of position and exploit open spaces—just like in 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 soccer.

5. Increases Game Speed and Transitions

The structure of the Funino forces constant attacking and defending transitions. Players learn how to adjust between offense and defense quickly, improving their reaction time and overall speed of play.

6. Boosts Confidence and Involvement

In traditional 3v3, dominant players can sometimes take over, leaving less-skilled players with limited touches. Funino’s setup naturally spreads out the play, giving all players more involvement and increasing their confidence with the ball.

Why More Youth Programs Should Adopt Funino

Funino is ideal for U6-U12 players because it teaches fundamental soccer skills in a game-like environment while keeping them highly engaged. Many European academies and top development programs have adopted Funino as a training staple due to its proven impact on player growth.

By incorporating Funino into training sessions, youth programs can create more intelligent, creative, and adaptable players while keeping soccer fun and engaging. If your club or league hasn’t tried Funino yet, now is the time to introduce it and watch your players develop quickly!