Futsal: Screen and Roll Between the Back and the Winger
In futsal, just like in basketball, a player without the ball can stand still so the defender runs into them, freeing the ball carrier. Students train a legal screen by the back player on the winger's defender and the two options that follow: dribble at goal or pass to the screener rolling to the back post.
How to play
- Demo: where to set the screen, why it must be still with arms in, and the winger's two options (4 min).
- 2v1 without a goalkeeper: the back sets the screen, the winger dribbles out and chooses between a shot and a pass to the rolling screener (6 min).
- 2v2 with a goalkeeper: the screener's defender decides whether to help or stay home, and the attackers read that choice (8 min).
- 4v4 with goalkeepers: a goal from a screen and roll counts double; an observer counts legal screens (10 min).
- Debrief on illegal screens spotted and how to avoid them (2 min).
Rules
- The screener stands still with arms close to the body; moving into the defender is a foul.
- The defender goes around the screen, never pushes through it.
- No sliding tackles or tackles from behind.
- The goalkeeper comes out low and never dives at the feet of an attacker at full speed.
Variations
Easier
Screen on a passive defender who lets it happen.
Standard
Screens against live defenders and double goals.
Harder
The defense may switch on the screen and the offense must exploit the mismatch.
Adaptations
- Students with visual impairments: ball with a bell and 2v1 work with a defender who calls out their position.
- Students with an ankle injury: set screens in the no-goalkeeper phase, avoiding sharp cuts.
- Students less confident dribbling: take the screener role, rolling and shooting first-time.
Learning goals
- Set a legal screen in futsal.
- Choose between dribbling and passing based on the defense's reaction.
- Tell a legal screen from an obstruction foul.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal balls: 5
- pinnies: 15
- cones: 12
- goals: 2
Teacher tip
If you don't have futsal goals, use two cones 3 meters apart. The typical mistake is the screener stepping into the defender; stop play and have them plant their feet before the defender arrives.
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