Abstract: Objective: To explore the relationship between age and field size of the training in 3 vs.1 pass-and-control training to provide theoretical basis for training. Method: 112 male juvenile soccer players from 3 primary and secondary schools were divided into four groups (U10, U12, U14 and U16). Each group was further divided into seven teams with four players each. Subjects in each team were arranged to do 3 vs.1 pass-and-control training alternately in 8 m, 10 m, and 12 m square fields. Data of passing quality, passing speed, passing route, receiving and confrontational strength were collected and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the success rate of passing and the average number of successive passes of U10 were significantly lower than those of U12, U14 and U16 (P ＜0.01). The movement time of U10 in 8 m square field was significantly shorter than that in10 m and 12 m square fields (P ＜0.01). The movement time of U12 in 8 m and 10 m square fields was significantly shorter than that in 12 m square field (P＜0.01). The contact angle of U10 was significantly smaller than that of U12, U14 and U16 (P<0.01), and the rate of passing the ball to the open space in all groups was more than 60%. The distance between the ball grabber and the ball at the moment of passing increased significantly in the order of 8 m, 10 m, and 12 m. Compared with U14 and U16, the distance between the ball grabber and the ball in U10 and U12 at the moment of passing was obviously short. Conclusion: The 12 m square field is too big for players of U12 and U14 and can not effectively improve their passing skills. U14 is an important period for players to develop passing and controlling skills in 3 vs. 1 training. For players of U14 group, their 3 vs 1 training in 8m square field during 14~16 years old is more effective than that in 12 m square field.

Key words: soccer, 3 vs. 1 training, pass and catch, age stage, field specifications