Futsal 1v1 Duels Starting on the Wing
One-on-one duels with a goalie where the attacker receives on the wing and must beat the matching defender to shoot or cross. Students work on dribbling with changes of pace and direction, moves to beat a defender and defending face-up.
How to play
- Setup (2 min): four groups of 6 on two half courts; on each wing, one line of attackers near midcourt and one line of defenders near the end line, plus a goalie in each goal.
- Start (1 min to explain): the teacher or the goalie passes to the attacker; the defender leaves the end line as soon as the ball is released.
- Duel (4 min): the attacker has 8 seconds to beat the defender inside a 4-yd channel and shoot; beat them and score for 2 points, shoot without beating them for 1 point.
- Defense (in the same duels): if the defender steals the ball, they dribble to the midcourt line to earn 1 point for their line.
- Rotation (4 min): attackers move to the defender line and defenders to the attacker line; halfway through, switch wings to use the other foot.
- Final tournament (5 min): line against line; keep a running score and swap goalies every 6 duels.
Rules
- Defenders never tackle from behind or slide in; face-up or from the side only.
- Every duel starts with the ball on the ground.
- If the ball leaves the channel, the duel ends and the next pair goes.
- Students wait off the court behind the cones.
Variations
Easier
The defender starts 2 yd farther back and can only shadow, not steal.
Standard
An 8-second duel with a live defender and points for beating them.
Harder
The attacker gets only 5 seconds and a goal counts only after a move.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays goalie in a smaller goal or acts as the passer who starts each duel.
- Shyness or autism: can start as a defender, which involves fewer decisions, and stay in the same line throughout.
- Lower fitness: shorter 5-yd duels and the option to sit out one round when needed.
Learning goals
- Dribble with changes of pace and direction to beat an opponent.
- Defend the 1v1 by steering the attacker toward the sideline.
- Decide whether to take on the defender, shoot or shield the ball.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal ball: 8
- goals: 2
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Coach attackers to go at the defender's front foot and remind defenders to stay on their feet. Short lines keep duels coming with little waiting time.
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