Futsal Thirds with Overloads
The court is split into three zones with a fixed number of players in each, creating overloads: 2-on-1 in the build-up, 2-on-2 in the middle and 2-on-1 in attack. Students work on passing through the lines and timing a player's move into the next zone.
How to play
- Split the court into thirds with cones. Make 4 teams of 6 (including a goalkeeper); two play while the other two do ball-control drills on the sideline (3 min).
- Each team lines up with a goalkeeper, 2 defenders in their defensive third, 2 midfielders in the middle third and 1 forward in the attacking third. This creates 2-on-1 in each end and 2-on-2 in the middle.
- The ball must go through the middle third before reaching the forward; no pass may skip a zone.
- When the ball reaches the attacking third, one midfielder may move up to make it 2-on-2 and support the forward. After the play, they return to their zone.
- Play 5-minute games; then teams switch between the court and the sideline. Each team plays 2 games and changes zones for each one (about 20 min).
Rules
- Players stay in their zone, except the midfielder who joins the attack.
- Kick-ins with the ball stopped on the line.
- No tackles from behind or slide tackles.
- Goalkeepers restart by throwing the ball, always into their own third.
Variations
Easier
The forward may drop into the middle third to receive, creating a safe passing option.
Standard
Fixed zones with one midfielder joining the attack.
Harder
Defenders may also join the attack, but the team must always keep one player in each third.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: play in the defensive third, where there is less running, with a foam ball if needed.
- Shy students: start in the middle third next to a teammate they trust.
- Lower fitness levels: players on the sideline may sub in for them at any time.
Learning goals
- Move the ball with passes through the opponent's lines.
- Use the numbers advantage when building out from the back.
- Join the attack at the right moment and return to position.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal balls: 3
- goals: 2
- pinnies: 24
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Explain the zones on a whiteboard before starting; without that picture, students get lost. Rotate positions so nobody always plays defense.
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