Futsal Formations and Tactics

To produce a disciplined performance on the Futsal pitch!

Author – Vaibhav Biradar

(Reading time ~ 3 mins)

Futsal is a modified form of football played on a smaller, typically indoor, pitch between sides of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines and not by walls or boards. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football due to the surface of the field. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

Success in Futsal is dependent on the skill of your players, the keys to winning games comes from good organization, and playing smart. This is where Futsal tactics and formation are absolutely vital. Good tactics can transform an average team to a very competitive outfit.

The formation you select should depend on the ability and fitness levels of your team members and the opposition. Regardless of whichever formation you select, there are two simple principles that are applicable to the game of futsal.

Always keep one person dedicated for attacking. A good offensive player who can release the pressure from the defense is very vital in futsal.
One dedicated player for defending. Often in futsal teams fall apart because there is no player who is just committed to defending and stays back. The “last man” plays a very important role in futsal.

It is important to remember that there are only four outfield players. Before applying any formation or tactics, it is important to get the basics right. Unnecessary complications will lead to lower efficiency on the field. Hence, work on the formations and tactics only after working out the basics like organization and communication.

Now let us get to the formations:

The Diamond

Structure: –

One of the most popular formations, this formation appears as 1-2-1.
The system has one player in defense, 2 in midfield and 1 striker.
The two midfielders can also act as wingers and give width to the system.

Advantage: –

This system helps in maintaining the discipline and organization in the system.
The midfielders can provide width to the system. One-two’s between the midfielders will help them cover ground before the final shot on goal.
The midfielders can contribute to attack as well as defense.

Caution: –

The 2 players in the midfield should be in peak physical condition. They have to contribute both in attack as well as in defense.
The players during the game can get over-committed in attack. This will leave the defense light on numbers. Hence, it is important to maintain the discipline.

The Square

Structure: –

This formation appears as 2-0-2
There are no midfielders in this formation.
This set up has 2 defenders’ and 2 strikers/attackers.

Advantages: –

It gives a good balance to the attack and defense.
Support is always available both in attack as well as in defense.

Caution: –

Communication is very important in this formation. Misunderstandings during the game can be expensive.
If the defenders leave their positions and join the attack, the system suddenly becomes very vulnerable to counters.

Method to the madness – Futsal formations and tactics.

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The Pyramid

Structure: –

The pyramid is a defensive version of the square.
It appears as a 2-1-1 on the court.
The system has 2 defenders, 1 midfielder and 1 striker.

Advantages: –

Good defensive cover as it has 2 defenders in the backline.
The one striker up top can concentrate only on attacking.
If the team has defenders who are willing runners, runs from deep can be very useful.
Even if one of the defenders joins the attack, there is always cover with the other defender staying behind.

Caution: –

The two defenders cannot rely on the midfielder alone to do all the attacking. They need to contribute in the attack as well.
The midfielder should have excellent stamina to support both defense and attack.

The Y

This is a very offensive formation with the structure of 1-1-2
The system has 1 defender, 1 midfielder and 2 strikers.

Advantage: –

The system is heavy attacking setup.
The one defender at the back is completely dedicated to defending, so there is no confusion.
The heavy offensive setup can help in playing a high press system.

Caution: –

Not playing the high press system can result in defense getting exposed.
The players in this system need to adapt very quickly if the defense is under pressure for long periods.

These formations should be chosen based on the ability of your players as well as the opposition.

Image Credits : footballnewshound.com