Futsal 4v4 with the Four-Second Restart Rule
A small-sided futsal game that enforces the four-second rule on kick-ins, corners, free kicks and goalie restarts, with a teammate counting out loud. Students work on quick restarts, checking runs to support the ball and respecting the rules.
How to play
- Setup (2 min): two half courts, four teams of 5 (4 plus a goalie) and one student from the resting team as the counter with a stopwatch.
- Explanation (2 min): kick-ins are taken with the foot, with the ball on the line, and every restart must happen within 4 seconds; if not, the ball goes to the other team.
- Restart practice (3 min): in teams, kick-ins to a teammate who checks to the ball; the counter counts out loud and on their fingers.
- Game (5 min): 4v4 with the rule; every restart taken in under 2 seconds that ends in a shot earns 1 bonus point.
- Rotation (1 min): the resting team comes in and the counter changes.
- Second game (5 min) and wrap-up (2 min): repeat with the other teams and talk about how quick movement helps teammates restart on time.
Rules
- The counter counts out loud and on their fingers; their call stands.
- On a kick-in, the defender stands 5 yd from the ball.
- No tackling from behind and no slide tackles.
- The goalie also has 4 seconds to throw the ball out.
Variations
Easier
Allow 6 seconds for restarts and have the defender back off to 6 yd.
Standard
Four seconds on every restart with a bonus point for quick ones.
Harder
Also, the goalie may only play the ball with their feet in their own half once per possession.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: is the official counter with the stopwatch or takes their team's kick-ins from a chair.
- Hearing impairment: the counter holds up fingers and the teacher uses a visual signal when time is up.
- Lower fitness: spends more time as goalie or counter.
Learning goals
- Restart play quickly to take advantage of a disorganized opponent.
- Offer support runs to the teammate taking the restart.
- Respect the calls made by the student counting.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal ball: 3
- goals: 4
- pinnies: 10
- stopwatch: 2
Teacher tip
At first many teams lose the ball by being too slow: stop the game and rehearse a restart with two players checking in. Rotate the counter every game so everyone experiences being the official.
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