Floorball 3V3 IFF: the Small Court setup, never seen before in Italy
- Alessio Casamassima
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
Floorball keeps evolving and trying out new ways to play. One format that’s getting more and more attention internationally is 3v3 floorball, in the official version regulated by the International Floorball Federation (IFF). Here’s a quick look at the main differences compared to the Small Court version played in Italy.
For all rule‑related information, please refer to the official website IFF
In Italy, the Small Court format — or ‘3-on-3’ — has been played for years, with its own proper league called Serie B. It runs alongside A1 (the full-size international‑rules league) and A2 (a more ‘smart’ version, still 5‑on‑5 but with two non‑stop 20‑minute periods). For anyone new to the sport, it’s worth remembering that in Italian floorball the leagues are completely independent from one another, unlike in most other sports, so there’s no promotion or relegation system. In short: A1, A2 and B aren’t connected at all — they’re separate championships. To make things even more interesting, the IFF (the International Floorball Federation) has also introduced a brand‑new format in recent years, designed to make the sport faster, more spectacular and more ‘TV‑friendly’. When we talk about 3v3, we’re not referring to a simple training variation — it’s a full discipline with its own dedicated rulebook and official competitions like the 3v3 World Floorball Championships. A format built to be quick, accessible, and perfect for showcasing players’ technical skills at their best.
Smaller field, faster action
The first thing you notice is the size of the rink: it’s 22 x 11 meters, much more compact than a standard court. For comparison, a full-size field is 40 x 20 meters, and the traditional Small Court is 24 x 14. This isn’t a random choice — less space means more duels, faster transitions, and more decisions to make in just a few seconds.
The goalie area is also much smaller (1 x 2.5 meters), and there’s no distinction between a small and a large crease. And here they’re strict: only the goalkeeper is allowed inside that area, and any intrusion — whether by an opponent or a teammate — is penalized. This ‘revolution’ has two main effects: the goalie’s movements and exits are heavily limited, and the play in front of the net becomes less chaotic and extremely fast.
Floorball 3v3: everyone plays, all the time
Just like in the Italian Small Court format, each team plays with three field players and one goalie. Rosters can be larger (up to 10 players), but the idea stays the same: everyone takes part, everyone attacks, everyone defends.”
Substitutions are rolling and unlimited, just like in classic floorball. With this pace, frequent line changes are essential to keep the intensity high and manage energy properly. In 3v3 there are no slow moments — every mistake costs you immediately.
Short games, never simple
Games are played in two 10‑minute halves, with a 2‑minute break. The clock is semi‑running, so it doesn’t stop all the time — only for key situations like goals or penalties. This makes every match incredibly intense: 20 minutes where anything can happen. Just a few seconds of distraction can completely shift the momentum. In full‑size floorball, periods are three 20‑minute stop‑time segments; in the traditional Small Court format, it’s two 20‑minute non‑stop halves.
No hit‑ins, no stoppages
One of the most interesting differences compared to traditional floorball is the absence of hit‑ins (sideline restarts). When the ball goes out of the rink, play resumes immediately: the goalie of the team in possession grabs a new ball from a bag placed above the net and puts it back in play without stopping the clock.
Free‑hits, on the other hand, are always taken from two marked spots on the center line, with opponents at least 2 meters away. It doesn’t matter where the foul happened. Again, the goal is clear: nonstop action, high pace, and pure entertainment.
Goalie under constant pressure
Let’s take a moment to focus on the goalkeeper — the player who has to change their style the most in this format. In 3v3, the goalie is absolutely central. Even more than in the traditional Small Court game, shots come from anywhere and with almost no warning. You need quick reactions, game reading, and a strong personality. On top of that, the goalie must always be ready to restart play, checking who has possession each time.”
“And here’s a fun fact: the goalie can score, as long as the ball goes straight into the opponent’s net after their throw. And if they leave the crease? They become a regular field player, with the same limits and responsibilities. Considering how tiny the 3v3 crease is, their freedom of movement is reduced to the bare minimum.
Penalty shots: one strike, no frills
Another big change that really shakes up floorball is how penalty shots work. Forget hockey‑style shootouts — in 3v3, penalty shots are taken from a fixed spot 5 meters from the goal. You only get one attempt: a clean, single strike. No carried shots, no drag shots, no long fakes. Once again, the idea fits perfectly with the whole 3v3 philosophy: simplicity and speed.
IFF 3v3 vs Italian Small Court
Italian Small Court (3 vs 3) | IFF 3v3 | |
Field dimensions | 24 x 14 m | 22 x 11 m |
Game Time | Two 20‑minute halves | Two 10‑minute halves |
Goalkeeper area | Two goal areas (Large: 3 × 4.5 m; Small: 1 × 2.5 m ) | Single area: 1 × 2.5 m |
Sideline restarts | Depending on where the ball went out | Goalkeepers restart play |
Free‑hits /Penalties | From where the foul occurred | Only from two fixed spots on the center line |
Penalty shots | Moving shot (shootout style) | A stationary shot from a spot 5 meters from the goal |
Goalkeeper | Cannot score* (in Italy, yes starting July 2026) | Can score |
Conclusions
In a sports landscape that’s increasingly focused on speed and entertainment, the IFF’s 3v3 format was created with a clearly TV‑friendly mindset. Its dynamic nature makes it extremely appealing for major international tournaments and, looking ahead, an ideal candidate for a future Olympic debut, where immediacy and spectacle are essential.
Despite this push toward the future, Italy has chosen to stick with the traditional Small Court format for now. This strategic decision preserves an important development pathway for younger players: in a more ‘street‑style’ environment, less dominated by heavy tactics, emerging talents can refine their technique and raw instinct, gradually preparing for the challenges of the full‑size game.
Interestingly, this approach is already paying off: even without a national league based on the new IFF rules, Italy currently sits in eighth place in the 3v3 world ranking (here’s the updated standings). This result highlights the strength of the Italian movement, capable of performing at a high international level thanks to a solid technical foundation built over time — proving that the Italian Small Court format remains an outstanding training ground.
👍