Futsal · Set pieces · Passing & receiving

Kick-in basics

Take a legal kick-in within 4 seconds while two teammates move to get free from a defender.

A1A2A3D1
Start / 5
Time
12 min
Players
4–12
Age
U8+
Area
Half court
Equipment
6 futsal balls (size 4, low-bounce)3 bibs

Setup

  1. Groups of four near a touchline: a kicker, two receivers and one defender.
  2. The kicker places the ball on the touchline.

How it runs

  1. The kicker has 4 seconds to pass the ball in once it's placed.
  2. One receiver runs away into space, the other checks short towards the ball.
  3. The defender stays 5 m from the ball until it's kicked, then marks a receiver.
  4. If the kick-in takes longer than 4 seconds, the defender's team gets it.
  5. Six kick-ins, then rotate roles.

Coaching points

  • Ball still and on the line; standing foot on the line or outside the court.
  • Count the 4 seconds in your head and decide early.
  • Receivers move as the kicker gets ready, not after.
  • Pass along the floor to the receiver's far foot.
  • Receivers call for it.

Common mistakes

  • The ball moving, or placed inside the court.
  • Receivers standing still.
  • The kicker waiting too long and running out of time.

Say it: “Ball still, count, pass.”

Make it harder

  • The defender marks actively from 5 m.
  • Three seconds instead of four.
  • The receiver plays it straight back to the kicker, who steps on to the court.

Make it easier

  • No defender.
  • Coach counts the 4 seconds out loud.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.