Futbol Island

Futsal lesson · Intermediate

Kick-In: The Third Player Runs

Use the first receiver to release a different runner instead of repeating the same touchline pass.

What the coach says

  1. At a kick-in, the first pass can release a third player. Prepare the support angle and the run before the four-second count begins.
  2. The pivot checks short, taking a defender with them. The fixo is available behind, and the right ala keeps the far side occupied.
  3. The forward lane is screened. Which first pass starts the third-player connection?
  4. The kick-in goes back to the fixo. The taker re-enters and runs up the outside of the defender, while the pivot holds the marker inside.
  5. The defender follows the pivot inside. The taker continues into the outside channel and gives the fixo a new forward target.
  6. The defender followed the pivot. Which next pass uses the third player’s run?
  7. The third player receives outside the press. The pivot turns into support, the far ala offers width, and the fixo protects the next transition.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    The forward lane is screened. Which first pass starts the third-player connection?

    • Pass back to the fixo
    • Pass forward up the line

    Coach’s explanation: The fixo is free behind. From there, the next pass can find the runner.

  2. Question 2

    The defender followed the pivot. Which next pass uses the third player’s run?

    • Pass into the outside run
    • Pass into the pivot

    Coach’s explanation: The original taker is now beyond the first screen. The change of angle makes the second pass possible.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? Here the best first kick-in pass goes forward to the PIVOT.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's false. A defender screens that lane, so the kick-in goes back to the fixo.

  4. Question 4

    The fixo has the ball. What does the kick-in taker do next?

    • Runs inside next to the pivot
    • Runs up the outside of the defender
    • Stays on the touchline and waits

    Coach’s explanation: The pivot drags the defender inside, so the outside channel opens for the taker.

  5. Question 5

    Kick-in on the right now. The defender followed the pivot. Which pass finds the run?

    • Long pass across to the left ala
    • Pass into the pivot
    • Pass to the outside runner

    Coach’s explanation: The defender went inside with the pivot, so the outside runner is free.

Play it on the island