Futsal Press Cards: High, Mid or Low Block
A futsal game where each team draws a card that sets where it must press: in the opponent's half, at midcourt or in its own half, and adjusts its defense and counterpressing to match. Students work on defensive strategy, coordination and decision-making.
How to play
- Setup (2 min): split the court into three zones with cones; four teams of 6 (5 plus a goalie) and a deck of cards: high, mid and low.
- Explanation (2 min): a high press defends from the opponent's area; mid, from the center line; low, wait in your own half and break out on the counter.
- Round 1 (5 min): each team secretly draws a card and plays with that pressing height; after losing the ball, they must press or retreat according to their card within 3 seconds.
- Scoring: a goal is 1 point; winning the ball in your card's zone is 1 bonus point.
- Time-out (2 min): each team tries to guess the opponent's card and plans how to attack it.
- Round 2 (6 min): draw new cards and the other two teams play or opponents switch; the resting teams watch and tally steals by zone.
- Wrap-up (7 min): a final game where each team picks its own pressing height and then explains why.
Rules
- Teams must stick to their card's zone; the observer calls it out if they don't.
- Press with your body; no grabbing or pushing.
- If someone falls, stop play and restart with a drop ball.
- Substitutions happen in the sub zone, as in the official rules.
Variations
Easier
Use only two cards, high and low, and the teacher calls out the pressing height.
Standard
Three secret pressing heights with points for steals in your zone.
Harder
Cards change mid-round when the teacher blows the whistle twice.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: acts as the coach who hands out the cards and leads the time-out.
- Autism: gets a card with a picture of the zone and a buddy who signals when to step up.
- Lower fitness: their team can use the low card more often, which requires less nonstop running.
Learning goals
- Adjust pressing height to match a team plan.
- React after losing the ball with a quick press or retreat.
- Read the opponent's plan and suggest ways to attack it.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal ball: 3
- goals: 2
- pinnies: 18
- cones: 12
- cards: 12
Teacher tip
A high press is exhausting: alternate rounds and don't let a team draw high cards back to back. Let them debate during the time-out, but keep it to a strict time limit.
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