Futbol Island

Futsal lesson · Intermediate

Counterattack: Keep a Trailing Option

Arrive behind the first wave when defenders protect the goalmouth, then adapt if they step out.

What the coach says

  1. Two teammates are already in the first attacking wave. A trailing player can offer a cutback instead of joining the same goalmouth line.
  2. The defenders retreat towards the posts. The pivot arrives from behind while the fixo stays deeper against a turnover.
  3. The defenders protect the posts. Where can you offer a different finishing angle?
  4. The pivot arrives behind the first wave. The fixo stays connected to the recovering opponent rather than chasing the same chance.
  5. The central defender steps out towards the trailing pivot. Their movement frees the goalmouth lane on the far side.
  6. The defender has stepped towards the cutback. Which route now attacks the gap?
  7. The far-side player receives across goal. The trailing player holds a second-ball angle while the fixo protects the counterattack.

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 defenders protect the posts. Where can you offer a different finishing angle?

    • Arrive behind the attackers
    • Run into the goalmouth

    Coach’s explanation: Arriving behind the retreating defenders gives the ball carrier a cutback at a different depth.

  2. Question 2

    The defender has stepped towards the cutback. Which route now attacks the gap?

    • Pass across to the far ala
    • Pass back to the trailing player

    Coach’s explanation: Stepping towards the trailing player opened the goalmouth lane. Use the far-side teammate now.

  3. Question 3

    Two teammates run at the goal. Tap where the PIVOT arrives to help.

    • Behind the first wave, ready for a cutback
    • Deep, right beside the FIXO
    • In the goalmouth with the first wave

    Coach’s explanation: The PIVOT arrives behind the first wave, so there is a new angle for a cutback.

  4. Question 4

    Put the counterattack in order, from first to last.

    • A defender steps out to the PIVOT
    • Pass across to the far ALA
    • The PIVOT arrives behind them
    • Two attackers make the first wave

    Coach’s explanation: The trailing run pulls a defender out, and that opens the far side.

  5. Question 5

    Now the defenders stay home and block the far lane. Which pass is best?

    • All the way back to the FIXO
    • Back to the trailing PIVOT
    • Pass across to the far ALA

    Coach’s explanation: Nobody stepped out to the PIVOT, so the cutback lane is open for a shot.

Play it on the island