Recovering Defensively After the Shot

Use the full futsal court and two goalkeepers. Split the 12 outfield players into two lines of six, one beside each goal. Every outfield player has a ball. Mark an end zone at both ends of the court, about ten metres from the goal.

The first player dribbles toward the opposite goal and tries to score. As soon as he reaches the end zone, the first player in the opposite line sets off with a ball toward the other goal. The player who has shot turns immediately and recovers, trying to catch the new ball carrier and prevent a goal. The same continues alternately in both directions.

Rotation: the recovering player ends his defensive turn when the next attacker shoots, the ball goes out of play or the goalkeeper gets the ball. He collects his own ball and returns to the back of his original line, going around the outside of the court. If an attack breaks down before the end zone, the coach gives the opposite line the signal to start. The players waiting in line recover. Give the whole group a break after a few rounds.

In the second phase of the drill, give the opposite line the signal to start only at the moment of the shot. The recovering player gets closer to the ball carrier and practises defending from the side.