FUTSAL FOR SCHOOLS

OUR VISION

To make Futsal the nations indoor game of choice for young players

OUR MISSION

To ensure every young player experiences Futsal as part of their development

Contents Page

WHAT •What is Futsal

•What are the benfits of Futsal

WHY •Why Play Futsal - Long term development

•Intertwined with DNA and twin tracks with Football

WHERE •What facilities and equipmet is needed

HOW

•How to layout futsal with a class of 30

•Rational for the same structure for each lesson

•Basic Futsal rules - which are non-negoiateable

•Explaination on how to use substitutions

•Lesson plans (6 Weeks)

•Staying on the ball

•Pass or Dribble

•Find a Pivot

•Feinting

•Dualities

•Find a Friend

•How to use the Resouces

•Futsal Terminology

•Sample lesson timings

•Basic Formations and Positions

•Laws of the game

•Assessment Criteria (if needed for end of term progress data)

•Match Day preparation should you organise a friendly or enter a comeptition

WHEN •When to integrate Futsal into the School cuurciulum.

Long-term Player Development is at the core of any sport. Progress is essential to the

motivation and development of all child that take part ensuring they continue to do so

throughout their education and beyond.

Futsal is unique in its approach being adaptable to the environment, small spaces both

indoor or outdoor while maintaining the constraints of the game. Often invasion games

historically focus on technical and tactical detail to improve children. Yet futsal is an

advocate of developing the other three corners. The game itself will develop the

technical and tactical. Positive substitutions are a big part of the game and something

we encourage through all experiences of playing futsal. Promoting social and

psychological development while encouraging an appreciation of their own fatigue levels

to perform at their best.

Futsal is great for learning

Netball Court

CourtCourt

Futsal can be played anywhere

Badminton Court

School Hall

Futsal can be played anywhere with a flat

hard surface. It can be played all year round.

Hardcourt outside, Tennis /Netball court

summer

Tennis Court

Consider:

Substitutes standing in the sub zones. Spot a line for them to stand in. Add a bench in the channel for them to sit on.

Rotate round teams for different challenges.

Ideal for differentiation

No GK’s – the constraint change due to the rules for GK’s

Class of 30 pupils in a Sports Hall

Dealing with 30 pupils using a Netball Court – (30.5m x 15.25m)

Tips:

Bib the pupils up as they

arrive to save time.

Put a list up to differentiate the

pupils so they know where to

go as they arrive

Use the lines you have where

possible – volleyball, netball,

indoor football, badminton,

etc.

Get them playing as soon as

possible – 70% ball rolling

Same Structure – Different Challenge

Non-negotiable

Game related practices were possible..

The same layout means pupils become familiar with the game and what success looks like. Quicker and less stress to layout, giving greater opportunity to spend their time in worthwhile and challenging activities. This provides the security which promotes confidence to be more creative in their learning.

The structure can be released into a game 4 v 4 with no GK’s – rewarding a chosen focus to consolidate/check their learning.

Equipment: Everything you will need:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 or 6 colours)

6 mini goals

12 cones (balls to sit on as

goals)

The same equipment works for ALL Arrival

activities, Progressions and End games

Five players on court – rolling

substitutions

Played to lines. Ball is returned to play

with a ‘Kick In’. Controlled by 4

seconds to re-start play

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Rules

• Players must come on and off the court through the designated gate.

• Players must wear a bib when sat on the bench to signify they are a substitute and only take it off prior to replacing a player on

SUBSTITUTIONS

STAYING ON THE BALL

Tactics

Substitute used to keep tempo and energy levels. • Substitute to get the right blend of players on court – Right, Left,

Backman, Wingers forward/pivot • Fly-GK!!!!!

Challenge

Substitution are a positive to recover to be able to go again and be at your best.

• Players to recognize when fatigue is about to start – substitute just prior to this.

ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

PROGRESSION 2

SET UP

Use badminton court boxes. Ball between

two. Keep it on the court. Whoever knocks

the ball out loses a point. Progress to 2v2,

3v3 and progress to line ball (Directional).

Bib pupils up as they arrive into their teams (differentiated).

OBJECTIVE

Learn how to protect the ball using the sole

of the foot to control the ball.

Pressure is good to create space and opportunities – welcome the pressure!

PROGRESSION 1

TECHNICAL

Use the sole of the foot

Roll the ball away from pressure

Use both feet

Use body and arm to protect the ball Flick ball off opponent to regain possession – Kick-in, Comer

SPICE IT UP

Create an overload or underload

Add short episodes of games – 4 minutes

each

Create a scenario – FA Futsal Cup Final

Interventions to check/support learning

Hook a player

Substitutions

Small group

Whole group

Equipment:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 colours or 6 colours)

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on

cones as goals)

End Game:

Players are locked in 1v1, 2v2, 1v1 Out of possession,

In possession one player can make a 3v2 in the middle

zone. Start with just backman. Stop the ball in the end

zone for a goal, progress to unlocking and involving

the goal for a game. Restart in defensive zone kick in, defender inactive to start.

Common Errors -

Physical

Let them play the games – play

under loaded 2 v 3 for 2

minutes, reverse challenge.

Differentiate – 1 v 2/3 and

reward more goals if successful.

Add a scenario 2-0 with 2

minutes left – high energy

pressing

Psychological

Ask pupils to decide on a

formation and review its success

– 4 minute episodes.

Reflect on the type of passes

need to be successful in keep it

on court and line ball – do they differ?

Social

Add safe zones to build

confidence when dribbling.

Challenging them to do a trick unopposed in the safe zone.

As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets

and for my club. It was tremendous fun, and it really

helped me become who I am today." Lionel Messi

Under pressure will use in step of foot Pupils will look to pass when under pressure Pupils receive the ball with the dominate foot regardless of defenders’ position Pupils will often want to escape pressure with dominant foot and side

PASS OR DRIBBLE

ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

PROGRESSION

SET UP

Use Netball court divided into thirds.

Attacking players with a ball. Bull-dog

dribble from one end to the other without defenders stealing the ball. point.

OBJECTIVES

Learn how to dribble with the ball in tight

areas or run with the ball when there is

space.

Decision Making - dribble to draw

defenders or pass – when is it best to pass?

TECHNICAL

Use the sole of the foot

Dribble the ball at speed in touching distance to draw defenders.

Use both feet to pass the ball

Use outside of foot to pass when planting to not break running stride Drive through the middle of the court to give more passing options

SPICE IT UP!

Create an overload or underload

Defenders link arms/hold a bib in pairs or 3’s.

One team are on 5 fouls with 4 minutes left –

dribble or pass more?

Beat and score adds to the goals - ie beat 2 players and a score equals 3 goals.

Dribble or run with the ball

from one end to another.

Defender/s in the middle.

Defenders try to win the ball

then dribble to the attacking

line to get back into the game

or join the defenders in the

middle if ball goes out of the

area.

Last player - wins

Add goals – when a defender

wins the ball try to score to get

back into the game to win or

dribble over the line.

Give a defender a ball to slow

them down.

Add a floating player to bounce

pass off when dribbling end to end.

Interventions to check/support learning

Hook a player

Substitutions

Small group

Whole group

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on cones as goals)

Equipment:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 colours or 6 colours)

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on

cones as goals)

End Game:

Players are locked in 1v1, 2v2, 1v1 Out of possession,

In possession one player can make a 3v2 in the middle

zone. Start with just backman. Score in the Goals.

Restart in defensive zone kick in, defender stands the

opposite side of the goal to the kick-in. Player decides to dribble or pass into middle zone to create overload.

Common Errors -

Psychological

Strategies to win the game of

bull-dog. Defenders in one line

or two/three.

Recognise when to go or stay.

What shape can the two middle

players create to make it easier

for the backman with the ball.

Social

Use of substitutions to install

communication, respect for

others.

Equal time – is this fair?

Who is going to organise

Substitutions?

“Football & Futsal have a lot in common ... There are different

tactics & moves, but there is the same essence of mastering the

ball, combining & making quick decisions.” Andres Iniesta

Pass the ball too early with no pressure or late. Use dominate foot to pass even when needing reverse across body. Pupils receive the ball with the dominate foot regardless of defenders’ position Pupils will often want to escape pressure with dominant foot and side

Physical

When a team losses possession

they have 4 second to get back

into the locked in areas.

If a shoot misses the target that

player must touch the goal or

corner – recovery runs and

more opportunities to counter-

attack.

ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

Find a Pivot

SET UP

Use Netball court thirds. Bib the players up

into team as they arrive 1v1, 2v2/3, 4v4,

5v5 – differentiated groups. Handball, 6

passes is a goal. 6 goals setup ready for the

end games and lines used to signify an end zones.

OBJECTIVES

Learn how to pass the ball to break lines in

various ways – angle, weight, height. Select

when to penetrate or maintain possession of

the ball in game situations.

PROGRESSION

TECHNICAL

Scan before receiving the ball (see where pivot and team players are)

Use a variety of passes to find the Pivot.

Use both feet to pass the ball

Encourage players to play forward when maintaining possession

Challenge players to find the Pivot in different ways – scoop, diagonal pass, dribbling to

draw defenders.

Handball – 6 passes is a goal.

Each team can decide on the

number of passes for a goal

(they can be different).

Find the bib player for a goal

– rotate player.

Progress to using the ball on the floor.

Directional – goal for

receiving ball in the end

zone.

When successful keep

possession and attack

the other way.

Backman become pivot.

Interventions to check/support learning

Hook a player

Substitutions

Small group

Whole group

SPICE IT UP

Create an overload or underload

Introduce 4 second law for Handball

Must play forward after a back pass

Ball on cone for Pivot to hit (within 2 touches)

Equipment:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 colours or 6 colours)

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on

cones as goals)

End Game:

Players are locked in 1v1, 2v2, 1v1 Out of possession,

In possession one player can make a 3v2 in the middle

zone. Must find the pivot to score in the goal (allow

pivot to drop into middle zone). Add balls on cones either side of the goal to introduce back post finishes.

Common Errors -

Psychological

Add safe zone in the central

area player can only stand in

the zone for 2 seconds. If player

receives the ball the defenders

can enter.

Timing of movement

Social

Select team captains to develop

leadership skills:

- Who looks to be the pivot

first?

When should they progress to adding goals/ ball on cones

Playing Futsal always makes me smile. It challenges me, constantly developing my technique, fitness and intelligence. Obsticles are ever present with limited time to find solutions. - Raoni Medina (Engalnd Futsal Captain)

Under pressure will use in step of ball Look for pivot after they receive the ball – too late. Only play one touch with dominate foot Breaking line pass or finding the Pivot is often only executed with dominant foot

Physical

If the Pivot misses the target,

ball or goal they must sprint

back to touch their goal line.

A new pivot now the highest

player.

Introducing recovery runs and

the importance of attacks

ending.

FIENTING

ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

PROGRESSION

TECHNICAL

Plant foot side for a strong base to push off

Look at defender’s eyes to trigger when to move

Run past the shoulder of the defender to commit them to win in behind or check back to

receive to dribble

Pivot – check off diagonal, Winger – check off to take ball to the middle, Backman – run forward (clear) check to offer a safe pass.

Tag – try to steal as many

bibs as possible in 30

seconds.

Play one team against

another. Team with the most

bibs wins.

Add sub zones for a rest 4

seconds.

Introduce a ball for each team.

Player with ball cannot be

tagged – keep ball up to 4

seconds. Team with the most

bibs wins after 1 minute.

or

Only the player with ball can

be tagged.

Progress to game locked in

Interventions to check/support learning

Hook a player

Substitutions

Small group

Whole group

SPICE IT UP

Man to man marking, can only be tackled

by nominated marker.

Win the back of a defender – rewarded with

a goal

Accumulate the passes to a goal ie 3 passes and score is 4 goals

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on cones as goals)

SET UP

Use Netball court thirds. Bib the players up into

team as they arrive although only needed as tags

for arrival activity. Set 6 goals ready for the end games and lines used to signify end zones.

OBJECTIVES

Learn how to change direction in different

ways to create space in a variety of areas on

the court.

Space - to receive the ball to dribble, get a

shot off, to win in behind a defender. How do

these differ?

Equipment:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 colours or 6 colours)

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on

cones as goals)

End Game:

Players are locked in 1v1, 2v2, 1v1 Out of possession,

In possession one player can make a 3v2 in the middle

zone.

Reward a goal for a successful feint and receive the ball

to maintain possession or create a forward passing optio/shot.

Common Errors -

Psychological

Ask substitutes to record the

number of check offs, run past

defenders shoulder or just a

check?

Compare scores after a 2

minute game against the actual

score – is there a correlation – if so why, if not why?

Social

Rotate positions every 2 minutes

so everyone has a chance to play

Pivot, Winger left, right, backman

and sub.

Afterwards decide on preference

and select starting 4 – justify why players are in the positions.

“You just get more everything, touches, shots, goals, saves.

Movement has to be better, you have to be creative. It's massively

helped in my 11-a-side games.’’ Futsal National League player

Players push off dominate foot regardless of their position on the court Check off too early and blame the player on the ball for not releasing it Players rarely run past defender’s shoulder before deciding to check back Players have predetermined movements regardless of defender’s reaction

Physical

Man marking – double up to

stretch a player or leave a

player unmarked.

Or/and

When a team score they switch

end – reaction and speed to

recalibrate.

Or/and

Every player must be in the

attacking half to score

DUALITIES

SET UP

OBJECTIVES

Learn the fundamental passes to combine in

pairs – Bounce, Parallel and diagonal passes.

Recognise when and where to run to support player and break defensive lines.

ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

PROGRESSION

TECHNICAL

Pass safe side

Draw defenders to exploit space in behind them

React to defenders’ shape to show for bounce or parallel pass

Use scoop technique for parallel pass

Timing of movement to combine determines success

SPICE IT UP

Create an overload or underload

Bounce pass around a defender to freeze them

for 4 seconds.

Play Bingo or Noughts and Cross using Bounce,

Parallel, Diagonal pass combinations

Interventions to check/support learning

Hook a player

Substitutions

Small group

Whole group

Ball between 2/3 as

they arrive. One

rolls the ball to his

partners ball, his

partner must scoop

it over the moving

ball without

colliding.

Vary distances

Red team in the middle with

a ball each. Blue team on

the outside.

Introduce – bounce pass

(support square), Parallel

(Scoop)

Progress to an end game

locked in, encourage

diagonal pass

Use Netball court thirds. Bib the players up

into team as they arrive although only needed

as tags for arrival activity. Set 6 goals ready

for the end games and lines used to signify end zones. 6/7 balls per third

Equipment:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 colours or 6 colours)

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on

cones as goals)

End Game:

Players are locked in 1v1, 2v2, 1v1 Out of possession,

In possession one player can make a 3v2 in the middle

zone. Score in the goals.

Reward a goal for a successful combination. A bounce

pass or parallel pass around a defender freezes them for 4 seconds. Capitalise on the overload.

Common Errors -

HELP YOUR FRIENDS

Psychological

Experiment with different

formations.

Which formation enabled more

passing options? Which was

most affective? Which was the

preferred formation?

Are players disciplined in their positioning?

Social

Add a rule where players call

what pass they are intending to

execute – to develop

communication skills.

Did this help with the success of the combination?

‘The constraints of Futsal develop intelligent games players. More touches, more decisions and less time. This leads to more errors, but more

opportunities to learn and experiment’ – Head of PE in England

Under pressure will use in step of foot Pupils will look to pass when under pressure Pupils receive the ball with the dominate foot regardless of defenders’ position Pupils will often want to escape pressure with dominant foot and side

Physical

Change the size of the area to

stress the players physical

demands.

Ensure the substitutes have a

selection of balls ready to

maintain tempo to reduce rest

periods on court.

SET UP

OBJECTIVES

To improve communication skills and

recognise the value of

talking/listening to help out

teammates. Establish leadership roles to action tactics in break out groups.

ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

PROGRESSION

SPICE IT UP

Add a countdown clock to help maintain tempo.

Add a bib/spot on each third - in 1v1’s drop the

bib/spot for the defender to collect immediately.

Try the same end game on two halves of a futsal

court.

AFL – Interventions to Check learning

Hook a player

Substitutions

Small group

Whole group

Equipment:

20 Futsal balls

20 Spots

30 bibs (2 colours or 6 colours

6 mini-goals

12 cones (balls on cones as goals)

Start with games 1v1,2v2,2v3, 3v4, 4v4 as the pupils

arrive get them straight into playing the game. Bib them

up as they arrive.

Red/Blue team need to win all 3 games to win overall.

Players can move between each court via the

substitution zones. A team must win all 3 games to win

overall

3 minutes each attempt. Allow time for group

discussions in between to change, adapt

tactics/personnel. Ie - 3 best defenders on one court, 5

on another, 4 on the final court, 3 substitutes must come

on every minute.

Use Netball court thirds. Bib the players up

into teams as they arrive in their teams. Set

6 goals ready for the end games in each

third and mark lines for end zones. 6/7 balls per distributed in each third.

Potential end of topic assessment lesson

Common Errors -

Psychological

Challenge the players to

consider what if scenarios. 2-0

up on one court, 0-2 down on

another. What would you do?

What players, tactic/strategy is

best to defend a score line and

chase for a goal?

Social

Build resilience – restrict a player

to one touch (Stretch).

Challenge a player to impact all

3 games.

Play all 3 games in silence, how

will the communicate the scores

in each game?

“During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was Futsal. The small playing area

helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played Futsal I felt free.

If it wasn't for Futsal, I wouldn't be the player I am today." Cristiano Ronaldo

Players stay on one court despite having freedom to move anywhere. Players are unaware of the score in the other games – yet this is vital to win the game. Body shape does not allow them to see on rushing players from other thirds No roles are established so disorganised in the first game

Physical

Stagger to start times so the

other players can watch their

teammates and differentiates

the work to rest ratio.

Decreasing numbers on one

court – ie 2v2 or 2v3 to

challenge the physical demands

in this scenario.

How to use the resource

SET UP

Every practice ends with the same set up –

netball court thirds 4v4, sub zones, with small

goals. This is to maintain consistency, so the

pupils are familiar with the set-up and

organisation. It can help with differentiation as

they can go to the court they were in last week

and move up and down when required. The

focus will vary depending on the Topic, to

challenge with opportunities for repetition to

develop.

Final SET-UP diagram

This picture shows how the

sportshall/outdoor court will look at the end

of the session – locked in games and 4v4

game. The scheme of work is designed so all

activities and progressions fit inside this

layout for a class of 30 pupils.

1v1 in the defensive zone, 2v2 middle zone

and 1v1 attcaking zone. This gives a structure to build from using a 3-1 formation.

SPICE IT UP

This can be used to increase or decrease

tempo/challenge or as a differentiation tool for

small group.

Give the pupils the ownership to select a way of

spicing the session up?

There are variations which can be repeated in other

sessions.

Be careful to the challenge/scenario does not move

away from the objective.

Intervention

Plan how and when to support and check

learning.

Individual – hook them or wait for

them to be substituted

Unit/small group – speak to a third

Do they all need the information

/support – Whole class

Objective

What the pupils are

going to be

challenged with in the

lesson.

Progressions

Progressing the

challenge linked the

main objective. Minimal

disruption regarding

equipment.

Arrival Activity

Every session needs

an arrival activity to

maximise learning and

reward pupils getting

changed early. All

games are simple,

minimal set-up. All

linked to the

objective. Bib up as they arrive

Technical

This is the detail to look

to develop the pupils to

be successful in meeting the objective.

How to use the resource

PHYSICAL

Stretch and challenge ideas of ways to

develop Physical attribute disguised

through playing the game of Futsal

COMMON ERRORS

These are areas to focus the untrained eye to help and support the players based on experience

using these games.

Observation skills are essential – when watching a new sport it is challenging to be able to

identify what the players need to progress. These are some ideas to help with this process.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

Ideas to Stretch and Challenge players

that need to improve their decision

making in game related practices –

linked to the lesson objective.

SOCIAL

Ways to build social skills in the

session – confidence, teamwork, self-

esteem, leadership and

communication skills are the main focus here.

In-Possession

Out of Possession

Transition

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Typical 1 hour lesson

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9:00 - Register - changing 9:10 - Arrival Activity 9:20 - Introduce the challenge – explain where it fits in the whole game 9:30 - Progress the lesson with making it more like a game 9:40 - Futsal Game – with rewards if they select and use the lesson theme successfully in the game – ie used the sole of the foot – reward with an extra goal if it leads to a goal. 9:55 - Plenary - dismiss

Two basic yet effective formations.

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There are more formations such as 2-2, 4-0 and

strategies such as a full court press, half-court press.

Man to Man marking

requires a lot of

energy and mobility

but can be very

effective.

3 – 1 Formation

A popular formation

if you have a strong

Pivot who can hold the ball up

Pivot –

(No.9 Forward)

Strong – holds the

ball up.

Wingers – inverted

(Right/Left Footed)

Good in 1v1 situation

attacking/Defending

Goal Keeper

Distribution is as

important as stop

stopping

Backman/Sierra/

Fix –

Best defender – dictates play

Futsal Positions

• Maximum of 10 players per squad • 5 v 5 – GK and 4 outfield players • Positions – defender, 2 wingers, forward/pivot • 4 second rule – GK can only have the ball

once per possession in their half for 4 seconds.

• GK has 4 seconds to distribute the ball unless in oppositions half.

• No Goal Kicks – GK throws from hands anyway and any height – no kicking from hands.

• 4 second to restart the game with ball stationary on the court line (balls width away), corners, kick-ins etc.

• 5 meters away from the ball for free-kicks, kick-ins.

• Decide on formation: • In possession – 3-1 • Out of possession – man to man or retreat to

half-way line then Man to man or zonal • Substitutions sit on bench during the game –

wearing a bib • When substituting, Stand up remove bib, call

the player to be replaced (when the next appropriate opportunity arises), quick sprint off court, exchange bib (sit down with bib on and rest, player on – get in position)

• Time out – one per half for each team (let the referee know before the game), decide on whether to only have one per team in the fixture.

• How long each way – stop clock or running clock (suggest 15 mins each way running clock or 10 mins stop clock) try to experience both in the season.

• See Futsal Laws

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Things to consider:

When should Futsal be played?

AUTUMN TERM

Positives

Links nicely with football as the season start for all winter sports.

Weather conditions mean fixtures are cancelled yet progress is maintained with Futsal

If Football is first term, this works well not stepping on other winter sports such as rugby

as this is Futsal not Football. The trade-offs work for all sports as its an invasion game.

Negatives

Squeezing Futsal into a busy curriculum

Use of the Sports hall – fighting alongside – Badminton, Basketball, Netball, indoor nets,

Volleyball, indoor Hockey, etc. Pupil voice is good for raising awareness and ownership

to integrate the sport.

SPRING TERM

Same as above – although a more congested term as everything over-laps this term. First

term – potential cup competitions, 7’s, Summer sports preseason.

January – February Half-term is cold and icy – futsal is a welcome break.

SUMMER TERM

Positives

Sports Hall becomes available as all summer sports are outside. This is unless iot is used

for Exams!!

Futsal can be played on Netball Courts, Tennis courts, Play ground – hard surfaces and

the weather is better.

Preseason for Football as often Football misses out on this starting so quickly in

September

Negatives

Less opportunity at present to find competitions to enter.

Transporting Futsal goals outside

AFTER SCHOOL or LUNCHTIME CLUB

This is a great way to start to build confidence in the delivery and test the popularity of the sport.