Futsal 2-on-1 Attack with a Goalkeeper

Two attackers break from half court to beat one defender and score on the goalkeeper. Students work on dribbling at the defender, timing the pass, the off-ball run of the teammate and the far-post shot.

How to play

1. Use one goal with a goalkeeper and three lines at half court: two attacking lines 8 meters apart and one defensive line by the post. With 25 students, run two stations at both goals (3 min).
2. On the whistle, the defender steps to the middle and the two attackers move up with the ball; they have 10 seconds to shoot.
3. The ball carrier dribbles straight at the defender; the teammate spreads wide to offer a pass or cuts behind if the defender turns their back.
4. Rotation: the ball carrier becomes the defender, the defender goes to the opposite attacking line and the other attacker returns to their own line. Switch goalkeepers every 6 plays.
5. Play 12 minutes keeping score at each station; the last two minutes are 2-on-2 to check what was learned.

Rules

• Shots are taken from outside the goal area marked with cones.
• The defender may only tackle with the foot, no slide tackles.
• Nobody shoots until the goalkeeper is set.
• Lines wait behind the starting cones, out of the shooting path.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: act as the passer who starts the play, or as goalkeeper with a smaller goal and a foam ball.
• Students with autism: explain the rotation with a drawing and keep them at the same station.
• Lower fitness levels: may start closer to goal to shorten the run.

Learning goals

• Dribble at the defender to commit them before passing.
• Run wide to open a passing lane.
• Shoot across goal away from the goalkeeper.

Equipment for a class of 25

• futsal balls: 6
• goals: 2
• cones: 10
• pinnies: 4

Teacher tip

Ask goalkeepers to stay on their feet instead of diving. If attackers always shoot without passing, make a goal after a pass worth double.

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