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Futsal · Level 7: Upper-Advanced · Sub-level 7.3

The Fixo

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 15 October 2026 · markdown

This sub-level teaches how the deepest defender is played against a real attack rather than drawn as a line on a board — organising the line of three and refusing to pass runners on, covering behind a high press when the opponent goes direct, starting the attack from the back and joining it, the last-defender decision when a dribbler runs at the area, forcing the ball for the pivot wide and not between the lines, and choosing a scheme to defend the pivot and a numerical disadvantage; the manual's standardised term for the fixo is "defender"; tests 6-10 add the fixo's passing range, the fixo as organiser, the fixo's long shot, the fixo in different systems, and interceptions and tackles.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Organising the block and the last lineTake a test

  1. The manual says the traditional term "fixo" is used in some nations but means different things in different languages, so it adopts the plainer label "defender".

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · recall

  2. The manual places the defender behind every outfield team-mate and ahead of only the goalkeeper, as the team's last line of cover.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · recall

  3. The manual says a block is generally three out-of-possession players in a highly advanced line, working to slow the ball down and keep it high up the pitch by obstruction or pressing.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2) · recall

  4. The manual states an effective high-block needs man marking and, as a general rule, no passing on, which takes determination to track the marked player rather than hand them over.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.2) · recall

  5. The manual warns that passing an opponent on creates a weakness in the block or press that the opponent can exploit, because pressure in futsal has to be continual.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2) · applied

  6. The manual says a mix of aggressive and passive blocking unsettles the opponent through uncertainty about which style they are about to face, forcing slower decisions.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2) · recall

  7. The manual explains that not knowing whether the block will be aggressive or passive forces the opponent to think more carefully, and act more slowly, often hesitating and losing control.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2) · applied

  8. The manual says blocking is generally a precursor to pressing, but not always, so the two actions should be treated as linked yet separate.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2) · recall

  9. The manual says a block is wasted if the team does not follow up by pressing the ball and cutting passing lines; after the first blocking action they must press with immediacy.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  10. The manual says marking distances must be tight enough to challenge a pass and force the ball carrier into the easiest pass, which can then be shut down quickly.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

Test 2Covering behind the pressTake a test

  1. The manual notes the high-block/press influences the in-possession team, who revert to direct attack to evade it.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

  2. The manual says pressing high makes opponents attack directly, which requires more caution to be exercised by the last defender to suppress the counter-attack.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

  3. The manual says the goalkeeper supports the high press, acting in more advanced positions as the final and additional defender.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

  4. The manual says that when the in-possession team places a forward (pivot) in the defenders' Zone 1, quick forward pressure on the ball is needed to keep the press effective and stop play being stretched.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  5. The manual says that when defending close to their own goal, the pressing team should seek to reduce the risk of making mistakes when applying the press.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  6. The manual gives the overall philosophy of recovery as three core principles associated with such defensive actions: delay, deny and dictate.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6) · recall

  7. The manual says that on losing possession, an absolute recovery, where every player must get goalside of the ball, is the primary aim.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6) · recall

  8. The manual says that even when absolute recovery is not possible, at least one player must initiate slowing the ball's progress, buying time for team-mates to get goalside and organise.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6) · applied

  9. The manual says applying pressure from behind on an opponent attacking at speed is a hindrance even without getting goalside, as the carrier starts thinking about where the challenge is coming from.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6) · applied

  10. The manual says the player applying initial ball pressure should scan the positional recovery of team-mates and remember their positions, to direct the pressure to a side or the middle, or simply to delay.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6) · recall

Test 3Starting the attack from the backTake a test

  1. The manual's drill variation says the central defender who initiates the move must make a run up the court once they have passed the ball.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

  2. The drill has the initiating defender run up the court after the pass, turning the build-up into an extra body forward; staying back forgoes that overload.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  3. The manual says composure is vital to avoid losing possession, since even accomplished players are less effective under direct pressure and a rushed touch is punished.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · recall

  4. The manual says the slightest movement towards the ball carrier forces their head down for control, so their mind and vision become occupied with retention rather than passing or shooting.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  5. The drill's coaching point says the in-possession team's deepest-lying player should adjust position to provide cover against a possible counter-attack when the ball goes into the pivot.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · recall

  6. The manual says players' abilities in passing and control are vital to keeping the ball, so a measured pass that retains it beats an aimless long clearance out of defence.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · applied

  7. The drill bars a pass over the halfway line so the initiating defender must dribble the ball through pressure himself, training him to carry out before the forward release.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  8. When the deepest player joins the attack, cover against the counter is lost unless a team-mate rotates back into that deep position, mirroring how the drill asks players to occupy a vacated key role.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  9. The manual says the key constraints of futsal, pitch size, player numbers and the ball, force a possession-based game, and without it an attacking style will not hold.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · recall

  10. The manual says that if attacking play is frequently interrupted by losing possession through basic, unforced errors, an attacking philosophy will be hard to establish.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · applied

Test 4The last-defender decisionTake a test

  1. The manual says that with this defensive approach it is vital to have a clear covering system, and the last defender or the goalkeeper usually provides the cover in one-on-one situations.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.4) · recall

  2. The manual says the defensive action against balls inside to the pivot is to force the ball wide or across the front of the first and second defensive lines, not between them.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · recall

  3. The manual's low-block coaching points say that when an attacking player dribbles with the ball, the defender should avoid retreating towards goal, which only concedes shooting space.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  4. The manual's coaching points say to anticipate the attacking player's movements to avoid being pinned and eliminated from the play.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  5. The manual frames delay, deny and dictate as the recovery principles; dictating is the defender guiding the ball carrier towards the side or the middle of the pitch that suits the defence.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6) · applied

  6. The manual says one key way to unlock tight, deep defences is to create a one-on-one on the wing, and without a system with clear cover for every situation the low-block can be "leaky".

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  7. The manual lists cover approaches as primary defensive cover, and the defender plus the opposite winger who goes into the defender's position.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.4) · recall

  8. The manual says when an attacker dribbles the defender should avoid retreating to goal and avoid being pinned, so in a two-against-one the last defender delays on his feet, keeping both options covered until help gets back.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  9. The manual says there is always danger in defending too deep, with the risk of shooting opportunities, deflected shots or dangerous free kicks leading to a goal, so concentration and reaction speed are vital.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · recall

  10. The manual says that when a low-block team regains possession, having the whole team behind the ball makes it difficult to build a move and easier for the opposition to counter-press.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

Test 5Defending the pivot and the two-against-oneTake a test

  1. Which man picks up the pivot is not fixed: it is normally the defender, but it shifts with how the team is set up without the ball and who recovers into the deep central area.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6) · recall

  2. The manual lists man marking with clear individual responsibility for the pivot's marker and no defensive help, so if the ball reaches the pivot each defender stays with their attacker to stop the lay-off.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.4) · recall

  3. The manual's listed solutions include doubling up on the pivot for immediate pressure, alongside man marking, passing on, anticipation, and isolating the pivot by denying passing lines.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.4) · recall

  4. The manual lists isolating the pivot by denying passing lines as one solution, which keeps one defender on him and cuts the service rather than adding a second body.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  5. The manual lists anticipation as a solution but explicitly notes the risk of misreading, which is why it is one option among several rather than the default.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  6. The manual says that when facing a 3-v-4 numerical disadvantage, the defending team should coordinate their movements by forming a triangle.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

  7. The manual says that when defending with a numerical disadvantage, defenders should implement a zonal marking system and anticipate the direction of the attack.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · recall

  8. The manual's outnumbered principles are zonal marking and anticipating the attack's direction; the lone defender delays and dictates where the attack goes rather than committing himself.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3) · applied

  9. The manual's cover approaches include the defender who was marking the pivot being covered, with the "opposite forward" taking over that job.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · applied

  10. The manual says teams attacking a block with a 3-1 or 2-2 will try to finish with balls to the pivot, so it is crucial to have a clearly defined, understood plan, which is fundamental to successful defensive strategies.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5) · recall

Test 6The Fixo's Passing RangeTake a test

  1. The deepest outfield player sees the whole court and is often the first to receive from the goalkeeper. Short, long, diagonal and switched passes all start from him.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. A press that gathers on one side leaves the other side open. A quick, accurate switch from the fixo moves the ball there before the defence can shift.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. A straight pass up the middle crosses the lines where defenders stand. A diagonal ball arrives from the side, often out of the marker's view, and is easier for the pivot to hold.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. A fixo who can pass with either foot plays to the left and right without turning. That saves the touch a press would use to close him.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. The fixo is the last outfield player. A lost long ball in front of his own goal can cost a goal, so the risk has to be worth it.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. A fixo who has looked before receiving can touch the ball into the position for his next pass. The pass comes quickly, before the press arrives.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. One accurate long ball can take several defenders out of the game. The fixo weighs that reward against the cost of losing possession.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Grey's 8, 6 and 5 are near 7 and 9 on the ball side, while 11 is free out on the top side. A switch to him moves the ball away from the crowd.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. The press creates the opportunity; the fixo's early look lets him use it. The switch has to be quick and accurate, or the defence slides across in time.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Moving the ball wide changes the marker's position. The diagonal pass then comes from an angle he cannot easily cover.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 7The Fixo as OrganiserTake a test

  1. From the back, the fixo sees every team-mate and every runner in front of him. That view makes him the natural voice of the defence, together with the goalkeeper.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. In a fast game, long explanations are useless. Short words like a name, 'press' or 'hold' tell a team-mate what to do in the moment.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. The fixo usually cannot leave the pivot. Naming the team-mate who should take the free runner fixes the problem without opening another gap.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. When the danger is cleared, staying deep invites the next attack. Moving up together keeps the team compact and wins space.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. Both see the play in front of them. The goalkeeper organises what happens near goal, and the fixo organises the unit further out.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. Danger often comes from runners the others cannot see. A quick look behind gives the fixo time to warn a team-mate or shift himself.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. Runs through the middle often find gaps between defenders who are not talking. A fixo who organises the block closes those gaps.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Grey's 10 is running in from the top, and white's 11 is the nearest player to his path. Numbers 7 and 10 are busy with grey's 8 and 6, and the goalkeeper must stay in goal.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. The call is worth something only if it comes early. A runner spotted in time can be picked up before the ball reaches him.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Stepping up as one keeps the team compact and pushes the next attack further from goal. If one player stays deep, a gap opens behind the others.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 8The Fixo's Long ShotTake a test

  1. The fixo is often left unpressed in the middle of the court. A firm shot from there tests the goalkeeper and can create rebounds.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Long shots are often parried. A team-mate following in can score from the loose ball the goalkeeper could not hold.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. A goalkeeper who sees the ball late reacts late. A pivot standing in his line of sight, without impeding him, makes a long shot much harder to save.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. A shot blocked near halfway leaves the fixo, the last defender, out of position. If the rebound falls to the opponents, they can break with nobody behind.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. A low shot through bodies can be deflected and forces the goalkeeper to get down quickly. High shots are easier for him to see all the way.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. Once the fixo has shot, the defence has to close him down. That pulls defenders out and opens space for passes behind them later.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. The fixo is usually the last defender. If he goes forward to shoot, someone has to take his deep position in case the shot is blocked.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Number 9 stands in front of grey's goalkeeper, between him and 5. The goalkeeper will see the shot late, and 9 is also placed to follow up a rebound.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. Space to shoot, a screen and a follow-up turn a hopeful long shot into a real chance.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Because a team-mate covered behind the fixo, the blocked shot does not turn into an open counter. The fixo then gets back.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 9The Fixo in Different SystemsTake a test

  1. The 3-1 keeps one player back and central behind the two wingers. That is the fixo, who builds the play and guards against the counter.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. A 4-0 has no fixed fixo. Whoever is deepest at a given moment does the fixo's job, and the role passes around as the players rotate.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. The 2-2 puts two players deep. They share the fixo's duties, covering each other and starting attacks from either side.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. In a rotating system, the player who ends up deepest when the ball is lost must defend as the last man, whatever his usual position.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. In a 3-1 the fixo mostly stays back. In a 4-0 he rotates with the others and can arrive in attacking positions.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. With five outfield players in attack, the goalkeeper-player usually starts deepest and has to react first if the ball is lost.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. In a 3-1 the fixo is the only player behind the wingers. If he goes forward, the team needs someone else to cover.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Number 7 has the ball as the deepest white player, while 5 has moved up the top touch line. In a 4-0 the fixo's job goes to whoever is deepest after a rotation.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. The 3-1 keeps one fixed player back, the 2-2 shares the job between two, and the 4-0 hands it around all four outfield players.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. In a 4-0 the job goes with the position, not the player. The one who drops into the deep spot becomes the fixo until the next rotation.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 10Interceptions and TacklesTake a test

  1. Reading the pass and stepping in wins the ball cleanly, often facing forward. A tackle means a duel, with the risk of being beaten or giving a foul.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Passers give away where they will play: their body shape, where they look, the foot they use. A defender who reads those cues can move before the pass.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. If the last defender steps in and misses, the attacker is through. That is why he goes for the ball only when he is sure to get there first.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. From behind, the defender can rarely reach the ball without going through the player first. That is careless or worse, and gives away a free kick in a dangerous place.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. Going to ground commits the defender completely. If the attacker keeps the ball, the defender cannot recover in time, and a careless or reckless slide is also a foul.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. With cover behind, a missed tackle is not the end of the attack. Without it, the fixo must delay rather than commit.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. A defender on his feet can recover, turn and try again. On the ground, one failed challenge ends his part in the play.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. A lies on the line of the pass, between 8 and 10. B is where 10 is standing, so 5 would arrive with 10, C is inside white's area away from the ball, and D is off the line of the pass.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. An interception starts before the pass. Reading the passer lets the defender move early enough to arrive first.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Patience sets up the tackle: the defender waits for the loose touch, wins the ball and gives it to a team-mate straight away.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Sources

FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), chapter 11 section 11.1.6 (Positional specialities) for the pivot, winger and defender role profiles in and out of possession; chapter 11 sections 11.1.4 (the attacking phase), 11.1.4.2-11.1.4.3 (counter-attack and power play), 11.2.3 and 11.2.8 (the goalkeeper in the high press and defending the power play), and 11.3.1 (playing systems) for how a role behaves inside a team shape; chapter 13 (The goalkeeper) for shot-stopping position, coming off the line, parrying wide, the split save and the goal clearance as a counter-attack start; and chapter 12 (Set pieces) where a specialism is a set-piece role. Supplemented by well-established general futsal knowledge where the manual is not pinned to a specific figure or clause. A few questions recap Law facts verified for Levels 1-2 (the four-second count, the goal clearance thrown from the area, the goalkeeper back-pass restriction, the corner that can score directly) in a role-execution frame; those cite the FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game. As with Levels 3-6, this material is judgement-based rather than a Law citation.

  • General futsal coaching50
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.3)15
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.5)11
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.1.6)8
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.6)6
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2)5
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.4)4
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 11 (11.2.2)1