Top tips for coaching indoors

Use an arrival activity

The first five minutes of an indoor session can be difficult. Your players are desperate to get going, and there can be a change-over period with another group. That's why it's helpful to have something they can do immediately.   

A solution could be giving each player a ball. Ask them to dribble around and practice their skills. You could split them into pairs and provide a ball to play 1v1.  

Most players would rather get straight into games. Try "Wembley doubles" at each end. Or, a big game where they can let off steam. 

Play to lines  

Most sports halls have netball and badminton court markings. Use these to your advantage and save yourself from covering the hall in cones.  

Playing to the lines adds control and order to the session. It encourages players to keep the ball close to their feet and change direction. 

Badminton courts are great for a 2v2. Utilise the tramlines as goals for players to stop the ball to score. If the ball goes out, they can stop it on the line and pass it back in. 

Or, you could play a 3v3 on a third of a netball court. 

Use a futsal ball 

A regular football or a softer furry ball are commonly used when playing in a sports hall. These can be difficult to control as they are particularly bouncy on the hard surface. 

Instead, try a futsal ball. It's denser and doesn't bounce as much, meaning it's easier to control. The ball will also spend more time on the floor and roll smoothly when passed along the ground. All these factors increase the chances of developing passing, receiving and dribbling skills.  

Play simple games  

Playing games of 2v2 or 3v3 is quick to set up and easy to understand. And, if you keep the games short, there are several benefits:  

• Games are often close and competitive.  
• If a team wins comfortably, the losing team can get into another game quickly.   
• You can use breaks as chances to offer short bits of advice to small groups or individuals.  

Play futsal  

"When are we playing a match?". This is often the first question asked at training. Feel free to put your players into games from the start or for large parts of the session. 

Futsal is a great game and development opportunity. You don't need to know much about it to let them play.   

Make sure it’s 5v5, played to the lines of a netball court and use a futsal ball. This might mean two teams play while one rests. But you could play for three-minute rotations.  

You will quickly see the progress in ball control and decision-making. 

Why not try the online Introduction to Futsal course for more information on futsal?