Futbol Island

Futsal lesson · Find your connection · Beginner

3-1: Meet the Court Roles

Meet five players and the 3-1 roles; choose forward depth or support behind as pressure changes.

What the coach says

  1. Gold attacks the far goal and protects the goal behind our goalkeeper.
  2. Futsal has five players per team: one goalkeeper and four outfield players.
  3. Three-one counts the four outfield players. The goalkeeper is separate.
  4. The fixo supports behind the ball.
  5. Two alas, or wings, offer width on either side.
  6. The pivot provides depth ahead, toward the goal we attack.
  7. These are changing jobs. Everyone learns to attack, defend, and help teammates.
  8. The left ala has the ball. Compare the pivot ahead with the fixo behind.
  9. Which available teammate gives a forward route toward goal?
  10. Use the pivot’s forward position.
  11. Return to the ala so we can compare a new defensive picture.
  12. An opponent moves into the lane to the pivot.
  13. The forward lane is covered. Which teammate offers a clear route now?
  14. Use the fixo to keep possession.
  15. The shape gives options. Read the opponent before choosing which role to connect with.
  16. After the return, the left ala widens and the pivot checks short. The fixo has new receiving angles.

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

    Which available teammate gives a forward route toward goal?

    • Pass to the fixo behind
    • Pass to the pivot ahead

    Coach’s explanation: The pivot provides forward depth with a clear passing lane in this picture.

  2. Question 2

    The forward lane is covered. Which teammate offers a clear route now?

    • Pass to the fixo behind
    • Pass to the pivot ahead

    Coach’s explanation: The pivot remains ahead, but the lane is covered. The deeper fixo offers a clear supporting route.

  3. Question 3

    The fixo is hiding. Tap the space where the fixo plays in the 3-1.

    • Ahead of the ball, in the middle
    • Behind the ball, in the middle
    • Deep in the right corner

    Coach’s explanation: The fixo stays behind the ball, so there is always a safe pass back.

  4. Question 4

    True or false? In 3-1, the goalkeeper is one of the three.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's false. 3-1 counts only the four outfield players: the fixo and two alas, then one pivot.

  5. Question 5

    The right ala has the ball. A defender blocks the pivot. Which pass is safe?

    • Long pass across to the left ala
    • Pass back to the fixo
    • Pass to the pivot ahead

    Coach’s explanation: The fixo is behind the ball with a clear lane, so we keep the ball and try again.

Play it on the island