Futsal Power Play 5-on-4
The attacking team replaces its goalkeeper with a fifth field player in a different pinnie and attacks 5-on-4 against a defense with a goalkeeper. Students work on patient ball movement, filling spaces with a numbers advantage and organized defense when outnumbered.
How to play
- Use half the court with one goal and a goalkeeper. Make 4 teams of 5 in pinnies; one team attacks with 5 field players and another defends with 4 plus a goalkeeper. The other two teams wait on the sideline (3 min).
- Set the offense in a 2-1-2: two back, one in the middle and two near the posts. Show how the ball moves side to side until it finds the open player.
- Each possession lasts 20 seconds. The offense scores 2 points per goal; the defense earns 1 point if it steals the ball and dribbles it to the half-court line.
- After 6 possessions, offense and defense switch roles. Then the other two teams come on (4 blocks of about 4 minutes).
- At the end, ask students where the open player was on most of the goals.
Rules
- The extra field player wears a different-colored pinnie and may not touch the ball with their hands.
- At least 3 passes are required before a shot.
- Defenders may not slide tackle or tackle from behind.
- If the ball goes over the end line, the offense restarts from the middle.
Variations
Easier
Play 5-on-3 plus a goalkeeper so the advantage is clearer.
Standard
5-on-4 plus a goalkeeper with 20 seconds per possession.
Harder
The offense plays two-touch and the defense may press the whole court.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: play the back position on offense, which involves less running, or play goalkeeper on a smaller goal.
- Students with autism: give them a card with their position drawn on the court.
- Lower fitness levels: may swap with the sideline teams after each possession.
Learning goals
- Move the ball patiently until a teammate is open.
- Fill spaces to take advantage of the extra player.
- Defend while outnumbered by closing the middle.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal balls: 2
- goals: 1
- pinnies: 25
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
The offense usually rushes; count passes out loud so they learn to be patient. Remind defenders that the player farthest from the ball is the one who helps.
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