Football lessons
All 96 Futbol Island football lessons for kids: positions, team shape, passing, defending and restarts in 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal, each with a short quiz. On the island each lesson plays out on a real pitch with moving players; here you can read the coach’s words and the quiz questions.
Play the lessons on the island7v7 lessons (18)
- Meet Your TeamRecognize the goalkeeper and three lines of teammates, then adjust your midfield role as the ball changes sides.
- A Formation Gives Us OptionsUse the jobs of the back line, midfield and forward to find a missing wide or supporting option.
- Goal Kick & Build-Out LineOn our goal kick, the other team waits behind the build-out line. Once the ball is kicked and moves, they can come and press.
- Look, Then Turn or ReturnLook for pressure before receiving. Turn into room or give the ball back.
- Carry or Pass?Watch which route the defender leaves open.
- Make Room for Your TeamSpread into useful space so the player on the ball has another route.
- Step Out of the Blocked LaneMove so the defender is no longer between you and the ball.
- A Wall Pass, or Keep ItUse a teammate to go around pressure, but check whether the return is still open.
- Your Keeper Can HelpPass back to your keeper when the way is clear. The keeper must play it with their feet, not hands. If it's covered, pick another teammate.
- Stay Between the Ball and GoalMove with the attacker while keeping yourself between the ball and your goal.
- See the Ball and the RunnerLook between the ball and the runner. Share the marking job as the attack moves.
- Lost It? Protect the MiddleAfter losing the ball, protect a route to goal; approach when a teammate can cover.
- One Forward: Be Close Enough to HelpIn three-two-one, the only forward keeps a short passing connection with the two midfielders.
- Three Backs: Make the Outside RouteWithout wide midfielders, an outside back can create width, then return inside when the forward route closes.
- Give Your Teammate Room to DribbleThe sole middle midfielder leaves room for a wide teammate to try a one-against-one, then reconnects after the dribble.
- Watch What Happens After the ShotA wide midfielder reads a loose rebound or a goalkeeper’s controlled ball before deciding whether to approach or recover.
- Which Line Matters?In many 7v7 leagues (like AYSO), you can't be called offside until you pass the far build-out line. Past it, offside counts, so time your run.
- Start with Your FeetSome leagues (like England's FA for younger players) restart from the sideline with your feet. Dribble it in or pass it in: pick the open route.
9v9 lessons (27)
- 3-2-3: Know Your UnitUnderstand nine players, three outfield units, and cover behind an advancing defender.
- Receive: Turn or ConnectCheck the space before receiving; a turn and a return solve different pressure.
- Move Out of the Passing ShadowMove to change the passing lane, then read the defender again.
- Two Against One: Carry or PassWatch whether the defender approaches the ball or stays with the teammate.
- Find the Other SideMove the ball through support when the nearby routes close.
- A Return Pass Is a ChoiceTime a support run and use the return only when the defender leaves its lane open.
- Build With the GoalkeeperUse the goalkeeper to connect around pressure, then change the plan if that lane closes.
- One Presses, One CoversApproach the ball with support behind; adjust cover when the attack moves.
- Win It: Look, Then ChooseAfter gaining possession, use a clear forward advantage or secure the ball.
- Lose It: Recover or ApproachRecover toward goal when pressure cannot arrive; approach when cover is ready.
- Two Options for a RestartOn our goal kick, two defenders split wide so the keeper always has an open short pass.
- Track the Runner, Keep the CoverTrack movement away from the ball, then share the runner only when cover is ready.
- 3-2-3: Connect the Two BlocksTwo midfielders share the links between a back-three block and a front-three block.
- 3-2-3: Two Midfielders Face ThreeA wide forward helps the midfield pair against three opponents while the outside back supplies the vacated width.
- 3-2-3: Back Three, Fourth RunnerA wide forward recovers with an advancing outside back when three defenders already have three forwards.
- 2-3-3: Who Becomes the Third Protector?With only two defenders, the central midfielder supplies the missing central protector against three high forwards.
- 2-3-3: Keep the Midfield Three AheadAfter a short goal kick, the keeper supports two backs without sacrificing the central link in a midfield three.
- 3-3-2: Split the Two Striker JobsTwo strikers share showing and depth against three defenders, while wide midfielders supply the missing front-line width.
- 3-3-2: Add an Attacker, Rebuild the ThreeA wide midfielder joins two strikers while the other midfielders support, then rebuilds the midfield three after loss.
- Three Backs Against Two PressersThree-two-three gives us three backs against their two strikers. Our two central midfielders stay ahead of the first line.
- Front Pair: When Can Midfield Join?Three-three-two has two strikers facing three backs. A wide midfielder can join the first pressure only when the other midfielders protect behind.
- Front Three: Protect the Central ScreenOur three-two-three front line faces two backs and one central midfielder. The wingers can reach the backs while the striker protects the central screen.
- After the Restart: Rebuild the Back ThreeAfter our right back takes a throw-in, they hurry back so we have three defenders again before joining the attack.
- 3-1-3-1: Help the Single HolderThree-one-three-one has one holder behind three attacking midfielders and a striker. When the ball is lost, the central attacking midfielder can help that single holder.
- 3-4-1: Turn Four Midfielders into Front OptionsThree-four-one starts with four midfielders and one striker. After a regain, the two wide midfielders can join the lone striker while the central pair connects behind.
- 2-4-2: Protect the Far ChannelTwo-four-two has only two backs but four midfielders. If the backs handle the near winger and central striker, the far wide midfielder can cover the remaining outside run.
- Short Corner: Borrow One of Two OutletsWhen Blue plays a corner short, a spare player helps our defender, so every runner in the middle stays marked.
11v11 lessons (20)
- Our Eleven: Shape & Shared JobsUnderstand the goalkeeper and each line, then adapt midfield support as a fullback advances.
- Can You Turn?Look before the ball arrives. Turn when you have room; use your support when you don’t.
- Around the PressureThe best route can change with one defender’s move. Look through first, then around.
- Find the Open SideSwitch to use space, not just to send the ball across the pitch.
- Use the Next TeammateA third player helps when the direct pass is covered. You don’t need an extra pass when it’s already open.
- Look Behind the DefendersFind the teammate, then check the route. A cut-back is useful only when that pass is there.
- Who Goes, Who Helps?Decide together. One player puts pressure on the ball; another looks after the next danger.
- Slide Across TogetherFollow the danger as a group. Don’t leave a big gap for the next pass.
- Can We Win It Back?Challenge when the ball is there to win. If the chance has gone, get back and protect your goal.
- Leave Someone to HelpJoining an attack is a team decision. Check who will cover the space you leave.
- A Goal Kick Needs Two OptionsGive your goalkeeper choices. Read the opponent before deciding where the pass should go.
- Run When the Pass Is OnRun when the pass is on, and leave as it is played so you stay onside (Law 11). If the pass is blocked, check toward the ball first.
- 4-3-3 vs 5-3-2: Find the Checking MidfielderWhen their wing-backs block your fullbacks, an eight checks short to get free. If a defender follows the eight, pass to the fullback instead.
- 4-3-3: Fullback Inside or Outside?Fill the lane nobody holds: with the winger wide, the fullback moves inside; with the winger inside, the fullback goes wide.
- Front Five, Safety Five: Protect Two LinesWhile five attack, two midfielders screen and three defenders stay back. If a pass beats the screen, recover inside.
- Diamond vs 4-3-3: Who Closes the Fullback?Close their fullback with the nearest free player, but never leave the middle of your diamond open.
- Back Five: When Can the Wing-back Go?A wing-back presses only when the touch is slow and a center back covers the winger behind. When that cue is gone, recover.
- Back Four + Six: Pass On the Dropping ForwardWhen their striker drops, your six takes them so the center backs hold the line. If the six is busy, a center back steps out with cover.
- 4-4-2: Support the Second BallForwards at two depths and a midfielder underneath win the loose ball. If Blue wins it, recover through the middle.
- Wide Free Kick: Release the Wall at the Right TimeAt a free kick the wall waits ten yards away (Law 13). Once a short kick moves, one wall player presses while everyone else keeps their job.
Futsal lessons (31)
- 3-1: Meet the Court RolesMeet five players and the 3-1 roles; choose forward depth or support behind as pressure changes.
- 2-2: Keep Support BehindTwo pairs give width and depth; keep a supporting angle when a rear player advances.
- Look, Control & ChooseLook before receiving. Turn into room, or use support when pressure closes it.
- Make a Passing LaneChange the angle when a defender blocks the pass. Keep an angle that already works.
- Wall Pass or Keep ItRead the defender before choosing a return pass.
- Pivot: Turn or CombineThe pivot reads the marker and chooses a turn or lay-off.
- Parallel or Diagonal?Choose a running route that is available, rather than following a fixed pattern.
- Arrive at the Far PostTime support across goal, and keep another option when that route is covered.
- Delay and CoverOne defender approaches under control while a teammate protects the dangerous pass.
- Win It: Attack or Keep ItAfter gaining possession, use an advantage when it is available.
- Lose It: Pressure or RecoverRead your support before chasing the ball.
- Goal-Clearance OptionsOffer a release lane, then give the receiver an outfield continuation.
- Kick-In: Have a BackupPrepare two options before the restart, then use the one the defender leaves.
- 4-0: Share the SpaceWithout a fixed pivot, players share forward runs and replace useful support.
- Protect the Far-Post RunnerThe far-side defender checks the runner instead of joining the ball; responsibilities reverse when the ball switches.
- Two Attackers: Commit the DefenderCarry at the lone defender, then choose the route their movement leaves.
- Pivot Lay-Off: Find the Third PlayerSupport a marked pivot from a different line than the original passer.
- Move the Block, Then SwitchDraw a compact defensive unit to one side before using the far-side route.
- Pivot Comes Short: Replace the DepthRead whether the marker follows the pivot before running into the space behind.
- Counterattack: Keep a Trailing OptionArrive behind the first wave when defenders protect the goalmouth, then adapt if they step out.
- Touchline Press: Close the ReturnCoordinate a wide press with a teammate screening the inside return.
- Diamond Defense: Move as a UnitShift the block towards the ball without opening the central passing corridor.
- Defend the Pivot: Entry or Goal Side?Deny an entry pass when its angle is visible, then recover goal-side when the ball changes side.
- Outnumbered: Buy Time for RecoveryA lone defender delays the central threat until a recovering teammate can share the work.
- Corner: Read the CutbackChoose a corner delivery from the defender’s position, then read the next pressing movement.
- Defend a Corner: Share the JobsRespond to a short corner without abandoning the central and far-side threats.
- Kick-In: The Third Player RunsUse the first receiver to release a different runner instead of repeating the same touchline pass.
- Free-Kick: Keep a Safety PlayerCoordinate the restart with a player who can collect the return and protect a counterattack.
- Keeper Regain: Release Beyond the PressAfter winning possession, distinguish a nearby marked outlet from a clear receiver beyond the first press.
- Keeper at Feet: Create the Spare PlayerUse a goalkeeper’s fresh possession to draw a presser and release an outfield teammate.
- Keeper: Defend the Goal or the SpaceAdjust the goalkeeper’s depth to the attacker’s threat and whether a defender still provides cover.