Throw-outs and 1v1s from out wide

The goalkeeper’s throw-out is a key element in futsal and can be an influential factor in deciding the outcome of a match. Due to the size of the pitch, goalkeepers are able to throw the ball out to team-mates positioned deep in the opposition’s half. The following exercise focuses on throw-outs and works on both defensive and attacking goalkeeping actions.

Basic sequence

Variation 2: The goalkeeper must play a low pass into the pivot after intercepting the pass

Variation 6: The attacker can set up a team-mate to finish the attack

Organisation

Use a full court.
Mark out an attacking zone at either end of the pitch between the goal line and the 10m line.
Arrange 3 goalkeepers as follows: place a goalkeeper in each goal and a third goalkeeper on the halfway line.
Position a pivot in the attacking zone at either end of the pitch.
Place 2 wide attackers on the halfway line.

Explanation

The exercise starts with one of the goalkeepers positioned in a goal in possession. They are tasked with throwing the ball out to the pivot or one of the 2 wide attackers, all of whom must receive the ball in the attacking zone.
After throwing the ball out, the goalkeeper must run over to the touchline before being able to return to defend their goal.
The goalkeeper positioned in the opposite goal tries to intercept the goalkeeper’s throw-out or defends their goal in a 1v1 scenario against the attacker.
If the goalkeeper claims the ball, they must combine with the pivot positioned in the attacking zone at the opposite end of the pitch, who engages the goalkeeper in a 1v1 scenario. After claiming the ball, the goalkeeper can throw the ball out to the pivot if they catch it inside the penalty area or play a pass using their feet if they claim it outside of the penalty area. The goalkeeper may also shoot directly on goal.
The goalkeeper positioned on the halfway line acts as a defender and can intercept the throw-out (without using their hands). If the goalkeeper intercepts a throw-out, they play the ball to the pivot attacking the goal defended by the goalkeeper who has just thrown the ball out.

Variations

Variation 1: The forward has to attack the pass, controlling the ball before it hits the floor.
Variation 2: If the goalkeeper catches the ball, they must play a low pass into the pivot.
The goalkeeper positioned on the halfway line can use their hands to intercept aerial passes.
Variation 3: The goalkeeper can use their feet to keep play going.
Variation 4: The goalkeeper’s passes must be played from no further than 9m from goal.
Variation 5: Depending on the type of pass that the goalkeeper receives to restart play, they either throw an aerial ball or play a pass on the floor using their feet.
Variation 6: The attacker can decide whether to engage the goalkeeper in a 1v1 scenario or set up a team-mate for them to finish.