Futsal Session (Junior): Futsal Academy - Level 1 - Session 13

Warm Up - Footwork (15 mins)

Activity Name: Pairs Ball Mastery

Description: Arrange players in pairs and have them by a set of cones. Players should be stood 1-2 strides apart. Have 1 ball between the pair. Players work on various ball mastery skills and combine them with futsal specific skills...examples..

- 4 soccer boxes then toe poke to partner.

- 4 toe taps then sole roll forward to partner.

- 4 pull-pushes and then scoop to partner. 

- 4 boxes, sole delay backwards and then pass through gate.

- 1 ball each sole roll across body and then roll ball forward with sole of the other foot to partner (players must use same foot as their partner - right roll across body, left roll forward to partner).

- Be creative and come up with other combinations. Make sure the skills are done at pace. Challenge players by making it a competition...a point every time the ball is switched from one partner to the other.

Variations - On command 'dribble' whichever player has the ball dribbles and tries to go through as many gates as they can. The player without the ball chases their partner and tries to stop them. It they get possession of the ball roles switch. Go for a minute and then return to skills.- On command 'switch' player without the ball stays and the player with the ball dribbles to find a new partner and continues the skill they were doing with a different partner.

If you have an odd number of players coach should join in.

2 v 2 Flying Changes (20 mins)

Activity Name: Flying Changes

Description: Arrange players into 2 teams and have them set up to play 2 v 2. Each team should have a group of players with a futsal ball and a group of players without a futsal ball. Choose one pair to come on with the ball and the opposite pair come on without a ball to defend. The two pairs play until the ball goes out. If the ball goes out the following happens:

• If it goes out on the sideline both pairs go off and two new pairs come on. The coaches decides which pair dribbles and which pair defends from the players coming on. This should be done quickly to keep the game moving.
• If the ball goes out on the end line (either a goal, missed shot, or clearance) the pair attacking that end line stay on (regardless of which pair kicked it out) and the next pair from that endline come on with a new ball and attack. Example Team 2 have the ball, they beat the Team 1 defenders and shoot on goal. The shot goes wide, The Team 2 pair stay on and the next pair from Team 1 come on with a ball and go 2v2 against the players from Team 2 who have remained on the court.

IMPORTANT:

- Implement a time restriction. If the ball has not gone out of bounds within 10 seconds shout "both teams off" and have 2 new pairs come on. Let the oncoming pairs know which pair should bring the ball.

Implement a 3 wins rule. If a pair from one team stays on against 3 consecutive pairs from the other team have them take and enforced break and bring on a different pair.

- The game is called flying changes as everything should be done quickly. Please make sure rotations are fast. One major element of this game is helping players with quick transitions - defending to attack and attack to defense. Reinforce this in the activity.

• Players should use different two player combinations and runs (give and go, diagonal runs, J runs).
• Quick transitions - try to catch the other team out when the ball changes possession.
• Good communication - verbal and visual.
• Incorporating futsal technique - scooping, sole delay, toe poking.