3-1 futsal formation
The 3-1 is a futsal formation with three players behind the ball (a fixo and two alas) and one pivot ahead. In soccer terms the pivot is the striker. It suits teams with a player who can hold the ball with a defender close, and it is the shape the Futbol Island futsal lessons start with.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
3-1 (futsal) diagram
3-1 counts the four outfield players from the back to the front. The goalkeeper is counted separately, so a futsal team has 5 players on the court.
Who plays where
- Goalkeeper. Protects the goal. The keeper is counted separately from the 3-1.
- Fixo. Supports behind the ball in the middle. The safe pass when the way forward is blocked.
- Two alas. The wings. They offer width on either side and run forward to join the pivot.
- Pivot. Provides depth ahead, toward the goal. Holds the ball, turns, or lays it off.
Strengths of the 3-1
- Three players behind the ball make it safe to keep possession.
- The pivot is a clear target for a pass forward.
- The roles are easy to name, so players learn to read each other.
Weak spots and how to cover them
An opponent can stand in the lane to the pivot.
How to cover it: Use the fixo to keep the ball, move it to the other side, then look again. Lesson: 3-1: Meet the Court Roles.
The pivot can be alone and marked.
How to cover it: An ala runs past as the third player when the pivot lays the ball off. Lesson: Pivot Lay-Off: Find the Third Player.
Three players in a line at the back are easy to press.
How to cover it: The alas stand at different heights, and the keeper helps as a spare player. Lesson: Keeper at Feet: Create the Spare Player.
How the 3-1 moves
When your team has the ball
With the ball, the alas widen and the pivot stays high or checks short. When the pivot gets the ball, an ala runs forward to support.
When the other team has the ball
Without the ball, the pivot drops toward the halfway line and the three behind form a triangle in front of the goal.
Who it suits
Teams that have learned the 2-2 and have a player who likes to play with their back to goal. These are changing jobs: everyone learns to attack, defend and help teammates.
Questions about the 3-1
What does 3-1 mean in futsal?
Three-one counts the four outfield players: three behind and one ahead. The goalkeeper is separate. Futsal has five players per team, one goalkeeper and four outfield players.
What does the pivot do in futsal?
The pivot provides depth ahead. The pivot reads the marker and chooses: turn toward goal if there is room, or lay the ball off to a teammate.
What is the difference between 3-1 and the diamond?
Very little. Both have a fixo, two alas and a pivot. In a 3-1 the alas start deeper, close to the fixo. In a 1-2-1 diamond they start a little higher. Many coaches use both names for one shape.
Lessons that teach this shape
- 3-1: Meet the Court Roles (Futsal lesson)Meet five players and the 3-1 roles; choose forward depth or support behind as pressure changes.
- Pivot: Turn or Combine (Futsal lesson)The pivot reads the marker and chooses a turn or lay-off.
- Pivot Comes Short: Replace the Depth (Futsal lesson)Read whether the marker follows the pivot before running into the space behind.
- Defend the Pivot: Entry or Goal Side? (Futsal lesson)Deny an entry pass when its angle is visible, then recover goal-side when the ball changes side.
Keep reading
- Futsal lessons for kidsEvery futsal lesson, grouped by topic
- 2-2 (futsal) formationBeginners. Two pairs are easy to learn.
- 1-2-1 Diamond (futsal) formationTeams that pass and move well.
- Soccer positions explained for kids9 positions and the numbers 1 to 11 explained, each with a diagram
- All soccer formations16 formations for 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal, each with a diagram
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.