Futsal · Defending

1v1 defending: angle and patience

Close down quickly, show the attacker wide and wait for the heavy touch, staying on your feet.

A1D1GK
Start / 6
Time
12 min
Players
3–10
Age
U11+
Area
Half court
Equipment
6 futsal balls1 goal2 cones3 bibs

Setup

  1. A defender (D1) with the balls near the edge of the area, an attacker (A1) at halfway.
  2. A goalkeeper in goal. Two cones on halfway as a counter-goal for D1.

How it runs

  1. D1 passes to A1 and closes them down.
  2. A1 tries to score in the goal; D1 shows them wide and tries to win the ball.
  3. If D1 wins it, D1 dribbles through the cones on halfway for a point.
  4. Five goes each, then swap roles.

Coaching points

  • Sprint while the ball travels, then slow down with short steps for the last 2 m.
  • Stop about an arm's length away; don't dive in.
  • Side-on, knees bent, weight on the balls of the feet.
  • Stand on the inside so the only way forward is towards the touchline.
  • Stay on your feet: no sliding. Tackle on the heavy touch, not before.

Common mistakes

  • Arriving at full speed and getting beaten by one touch.
  • Standing square, so the attacker can go either way.
  • Lunging or going to ground.

Say it: “Close, slow, show, wait.”

Make it harder

  • A1 can also score by dribbling over the end line beside the goal.
  • D1 starts further away and has to close more ground.

Make it easier

  • A1 must stay in a 10 m wide channel.
  • A1 is limited to walking pace for the first three seconds.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.