Futsal practice: Encouraging creative play

WHY USE IT

Supports players with their movement to allow them to be in a position to receive the ball within the tight constraints of a futsal pitch.

SET UP

Set up an area suitable for your players that represents a futsal pitch. The attacking team has three players in their own half and a target player in the attacking half. The defending team has one player locked into each half with another two restricted to moving along the halfway line. A server starts the practice from one end, while there is a goal and goalkeeper at the other.

how to play

Practice starts unopposed - the defenders can only block or intercept a pass. The server plays into the central attacker in the near half who then passes to one of the wide players. They look to combine before playing into the target player. The attacking player not involved in the passing combination makes a forward run into the attacking half and looks to receive the ball from the target player. Progress by allowing the defenders to tackle before unlocking them as well.

coaching points

Decision making; players identifying their role in the pattern of play and making correct choices. Timing of the movement from players looking to receive, plus the area in which they move into. Weight and area of pass.