Four-Goal Futsal
A 5-on-5 futsal game without goalkeepers where each team defends two small goals and attacks two others. Students learn to play with their heads up, switch play to the weak side and defend by closing down the most dangerous space.
How to play
- On a court of about 30 x 20 meters, set two small goals on each end line near the corners. Make 4 teams of 5 or 6 in pinnies; two play and two wait (3 min).
- The team with the ball may score in either opposing goal; a goal only counts if shot from inside 8 meters, marked with cones.
- Encourage teams to attack down one side to draw the defense, then switch quickly to the other side, where one goal will be less covered.
- Play 4-minute games. The waiting team comes on against the winner; in a tie, the team that has been on longer comes off.
- Play 4 games (about 16 min) and pause for 30 seconds during one of them to ask where the open space was.
Rules
- No goalkeepers: nobody may stand still in front of their own goal for more than 3 seconds.
- Kick-ins replace throw-ins, with the ball stopped on the line.
- No tackles from behind and no slide tackles: defend on your feet.
- Keep the ball below hip height.
Variations
Easier
Play 5-on-4 in favor of the team that is behind, with wider goals.
Standard
5-on-5 four-goal game with an 8-meter shooting line.
Harder
Goals only count in the goal opposite to the last attempted pass, forcing a switch of play.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: play with a foam ball in a protected side zone where only one opponent may defend from a distance.
- Students with visual impairments: use a ball with bells or a high-contrast ball, and a peer guide calls out where the goals are.
- Lower fitness levels: shorten games to 3 minutes and allow free substitutions.
Learning goals
- Switch the point of attack toward open space.
- Defend as a team by closing the most threatened goal.
- Dribble with the head up to see both goals.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal balls: 2
- small goals: 4
- pinnies: 12
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Use a futsal ball, which bounces less and is easier to control. If you have no small goals, make 2-meter goals with two cones.
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