Futsal lesson · Intermediate

Parallel or Diagonal?

Choose a running route that is available, rather than following a fixed pattern.

What the coach says

The fixo passes left and offers a run.
A parallel run goes down the same side.
Which route can the left wing use?
Pass down the available side.
Return the ball before pressure arrives.
The defender closes the side route.
The runner changes direction into a diagonal option.
Where is the new receiving option?
Use the new diagonal angle.
The left ala moves behind the receiver. The runner now has a return option after the diagonal pass.

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

Question 1
Which route can the left wing use?
- Pass across to the right ala
- Pass down the same side
Coach’s explanation: The parallel runner has a clear lane along the same side.
Question 2
Where is the new receiving option?
- Pass diagonally to the runner
- Pass down the touchline
Coach’s explanation: The runner changed lanes; the old parallel route is now covered.
Question 3
The fixo is hiding. Tap where the fixo goes on a parallel run.
- Across, into the middle
- Back behind the ball
- Straight down the same side
Coach’s explanation: A parallel run goes straight down the same side as the ball.
Question 4
The side route gets closed. Put these moments in order, first to last.
- Ala passes down the side
- Defender closes the side route
- Fixo passes left, then runs
- Runner cuts in on a diagonal
Coach’s explanation: The fixo passes left and runs first, so the ala has a runner to find.
Question 5
On the right, the defender closes the side route. Drag the fixo somewhere open.
- Diagonal, into the middle
- Down the right side
- Stay back behind the ball
Coach’s explanation: The diagonal run goes inside, away from the defender, so the lane is open.