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Futsal · Level 8: Expert · Sub-level 8.5

Building a Season

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

This sub-level teaches the shape of a competitive futsal season from the manual's chapter 16, kept to calendar and structure rather than physical loading. The four phases: a preparation period, a competition period and two transition periods. The preparation period as six weeks in three sub- periods: a basic sub-period of two weeks with ten to twelve long sessions and no matches, a specific sub-period of two weeks with fewer sessions, four to six matches and rising intensity, and a pre-competition sub-period of two weeks where session quantity drops and intensity peaks. The competition period: reaching peak performance and holding it, alternating high-intensity weeks with medium-intensity weeks to recover, and a second competition period that repeats the first while fixing weak points and reinforcing strong ones. The transition periods: performance allowed to fall so players recover in body and mind, a light programme rather than total rest, and a long break handled by ten to twelve days off then a return to the specific sub-period. And the training week: built around the next match, the last match, how far the season has run, fatigue and burn- out and the number of sessions, with the last match's lessons used as a bridge to the next; tests 6-10 add load and recovery, the day after a match, two matches in a week, injury prevention basics, and tapering before a big match.

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 1The shape of a seasonTake a test

  1. The manual's season model is built from a preparation period, competition periods and two transition periods, which it sums up as four major phases.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  2. The manual says the following model applies to a senior team competing in a national championship.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  3. The manual says season planning should take into account the level of the competition, which determines the number of matches and training sessions, among other factors such as player category and resources.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  4. The manual says the preparation period lasts six weeks and can be divided into three sub-periods: basic, specific and pre-competition.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  5. The manual gives the order as basic first, then specific, then pre-competition, each sub-period bringing the players closer to match readiness.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  6. The manual says the competition period is the phase in which players should reach optimal performance capacity while trying to maintain it as long as possible.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  7. The manual says to alternate high-intensity weeks with medium-intensity weeks to allow for recovery during the competition period.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  8. The manual says the second competition period repeats the first in structure, and additionally works on improving weak points and reinforcing strong points.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  9. The manual says the duration of the competition period depends on the competition schedule.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  10. The manual's season model places a transition period after the first competition period and another after the second, each a phase where performance is allowed to drop for recovery.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

Test 2The preparation periodTake a test

  1. The manual says the basic sub-period lasts two weeks with 10-12 sessions of 80-100 minutes and no matches.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  2. The manual puts each basic-sub-period session at 80 to 100 minutes, so 45 minutes or a full two hours both fall outside that band.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  3. The manual marks the basic sub-period as quantity +++ and intensity +, so a full calendar of lower-intensity sessions is exactly right.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  4. The manual says the specific sub-period keeps 6-8 sessions, adds 4-6 matches and increases intensity.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  5. The manual says the pre-competition sub-period reduces quantity to 4-6 sessions of 60-80 minutes while intensity rises to its highest.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  6. The manual marks the pre-competition sub-period as quantity + and intensity +++, so the load thins out while each session gets harder.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  7. The manual gives 80-100 minute sessions in the basic and specific sub-periods and 60-80 minute sessions in the pre-competition sub-period, so session length comes down as matches approach.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  8. The manual lists the psychological objective of the basic sub-period as creating and uniting the group.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  9. The manual's basic sub-period is defined as 10-12 sessions with no matches; matches first appear in the specific sub-period.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  10. The manual has intensity climbing as the specific sub-period runs on, rather than sitting flat or spiking on the first day.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

Test 3From basic to pre-competitionTake a test

  1. The manual says the preparation period is a fundamental period for improving the physical condition of the players and the team as a whole.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  2. The manual names the specific sub-period's tactical objectives as defensive tactics, offensive tactics and dead-ball situations.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  3. The manual describes the specific sub-period's technique objective as numerous, varied repetitions, with rhythm.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  4. The manual says the competitive mentality should be approached through training and matches, in the specific and pre-competition sub-periods.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  5. The manual says the pre-competition sub-period's matches should correspond to the frequency of matches in the competition schedule.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  6. The manual moves from quantity +++ and intensity + in the basic sub-period to quantity + and intensity +++ in the pre-competition sub-period, building a physical base before the highest-intensity work.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  7. In the basic sub-period the manual holds tactical work to defensive positioning and basic sequences; a whole set-piece playbook or full-pitch marking scheme is for later.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  8. The manual builds intensity across the preparation period, from intensity + in the basic sub-period to intensity +++ in the pre-competition sub-period, so the hardest work comes last, not first.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  9. The manual uses quantity +++ and intensity + for the basic sub-period, meaning a high number of sessions run at a comparatively low intensity.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  10. Going into the pre-competition sub-period the coach cuts how many sessions are run; matches and tactical content are not what the manual thins there.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

Test 4The competition period and the transitionsTake a test

  1. The manual says emotions and the pressure of competition build up during the competition phase.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  2. The manual gives the competition period's physical objective as maintaining levels, with technical and tactical work aimed at improving everything about the game.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  3. The manual says transition periods are periods during which performance decreases, allowing players to recover physically and psychologically from the efforts of competition.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  4. The manual says the transition period also allows improvement in the fitness of players coming back from long-term injury and those who suffered a loss of form towards the end of the season.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  5. The manual says that given 2-3 weeks of absolute rest may reduce performance significantly, a programme should be drawn up for players to maintain their condition through progressive activities.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  6. The manual's alternative to a long lay-off is a light, progressive programme, not a weekly hard session and not the competition load kept running.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  7. The manual says in the event of a prolonged break of more than four weeks, take 10-12 days of rest and then continue with the specific sub-period.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  8. The manual says in the event of short breaks, continue with the competition period, reserving the 10-12 day reset for breaks longer than four weeks.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  9. The manual says 2-3 weeks of absolute rest may reduce performance significantly, so a light maintenance programme is recommended instead.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  10. Beyond repeating the first competition period, the manual names two added aims for the second: improvement of weak points and reinforcement of strong points.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

Test 5The training week and the long viewTake a test

  1. The manual's weekly-schedule list for the competition period leads with the match to come, the match just gone, and how much of the season has been played.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  2. Beyond the fixtures, the manual's list names players' physical condition, guarding against fatigue and psychological burn-out, and how many sessions there are.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  3. The manual's advice is to carry what the last match taught into the coming week's work, as a bridge toward the next one.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  4. The manual lists how much of the season has been played among the factors shaping the weekly schedule, alongside physical condition and the need to avoid fatigue and burn-out.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  5. The manual says season planning should take into account the category of player, the level of competition, the players' levels and motivation, the infrastructure and equipment, the coaching team available, and the club's financial resources.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  6. The manual joins each match to the weeks on either side of it, so treating one as an isolated event, cut off from the training around it, is not how it frames the calendar.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  7. The manual says to establish the main features of the physical plan in close coordination with the technical and tactical objectives while maintaining motivation, the psychological element.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · recall

  8. The manual lists the number of sessions among the inputs the competition-period weekly schedule must be built around.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 16 · applied

  9. The manual says there is room for improvement for all players at all levels, and a complete player or finished article simply does not exist.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 15 · recall

  10. The manual says a self-guided journey promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility, which it calls key characteristics of a futsal player.

    Source: FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 15 · recall

Test 6Load and RecoveryTake a test

  1. Load combines the amount of work (time, sessions) and its intensity. Both have to be planned together.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Training creates fatigue; recovery is when the body repairs and improves. Without it, players get tired, not fitter.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. When fatigue does not clear and performance falls, the load is likely too high for the recovery the player is getting.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. Alternating the load lets the body recover enough to get the benefit of the hard days. The manual's competition weeks alternate high and medium intensity too.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. Recovery happens mostly outside training: good sleep, proper meals and enough to drink.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. Load is individual. A player back from injury or after a tough match feels the same session very differently.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. A quick check on fatigue and soreness is simple information the coach can use to lighten or keep the day's work.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Monday to Wednesday are all hard, Thursday is very light and Friday is hard again. The light day lets the players recover before the next hard session.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. The plan starts from the calendar, then the load pattern, and is fine-tuned day by day with feedback from the players.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Recovery starts with the cool-down and continues with food, fluids and sleep, which is when most repair happens.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 7The Day After a MatchTake a test

  1. A match is the hardest effort of the week. The next day's work is kept light so the body can recover.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Gentle activity helps the body recover faster than complete rest, and a short review links the match to the week ahead.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. Players who played little still need a proper workout. Many coaches give them a harder session while the starters recover.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. The manual advises waiting for a calmer moment so the review stays honest; many coaches use the next day.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. During a match players may not notice a knock. The next day, soreness shows what needs attention.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. The hardest work goes where the players have recovered from the last match and are still far enough from the next one.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. The week peaks in the middle and eases before the match, so players arrive rested and sharp.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Sunday's match is the heaviest load; Monday is marked and very light. Load then rises on Tuesday and Wednesday and eases before the weekend.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. Recover, build, peak, then sharpen: the week follows the players' recovery and prepares them for the next match.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. The session helps the body recover, uses the match for learning and keeps effort low.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 8Two Matches in a WeekTake a test

  1. With two matches, the matches are the main load. Training between them is mainly about recovering and preparing.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Rotation lets tired players recover while others play, so the squad performs well in both matches.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. There is no time to build fitness between matches two or three days apart. Recovery and a short tactical preparation are the priority.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. A few clear points about the next opponent can be taken in; long sessions would add fatigue.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. Hard work on top of match load leaves players fatigued and at greater risk of injury for the second match.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. Watching and discussing costs no energy, so it is a good way to prepare tactically when the legs need rest.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. Each player's state and what each match demands decide the selection, so the team is strong in both.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. The two match days carry the heaviest load. Wednesday to Friday are light, used to recover and prepare rather than to add more hard work.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. Recover, then light work, then a short, sharp preparation: the load stays low so players are fresh on Saturday.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Fatigue guides both the training and the selection, and a short briefing prepares the team tactically.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 9Injury Prevention BasicsTake a test

  1. Futsal is full of sprints, turns and shots. A body that is warmed up is less likely to strain a muscle on the first hard effort.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Load that rises gradually lets the body adapt. A sharp spike, such as after a break, is linked to more injuries.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. Futsal's sudden changes of direction stress knees, ankles and hips. Stronger muscles protect the joints.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. Playing on through sharp pain can turn a small injury into a serious one. Stopping early is the safe choice.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. Returning straight to full training is a common cause of re-injury. Load is built back step by step.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. Indoor shoes with a flat, non-marking sole give grip for turns without catching the floor. Studded boots are unsafe indoors.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. Fatigue affects technique and reactions. Late challenges and poor landings become more likely, which is one reason load is managed.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. The player's load rises slowly for three weeks and then almost doubles in week 4. A sudden spike like that gives the body no time to adapt.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. Each step adds load and contact only when the previous one has gone well, which lowers the risk of re-injury.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. Preparation before hard work and recovery after it both play a part in keeping players fit.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Test 10Tapering Before a Big MatchTake a test

  1. A taper lowers the amount of training in the days before a key match so players arrive fresh while keeping their sharpness.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  2. Short, sharp work keeps the players sharp; cutting the volume removes fatigue. Dropping the intensity too would dull them.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  3. Several days without intensity can leave players feeling heavy and slow. The taper keeps some sharp work in.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  4. New ideas need repetition to work under pressure. The days before a big match are for confirming what the team already knows.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  5. The goal is players who have recovered from the build-up but have not lost the edge that the training gave them.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  6. A short, familiar session reminds players what they do well and keeps nerves under control, with little physical cost.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  7. With matches most weeks, futsal tapers are short: the load drops over the last few days before the key match.

    Source: General futsal coaching · recall

  8. Quantity falls from Monday to Thursday while intensity drops only a little. That is a taper: less work, still sharp, so the players are fresh for the final.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  9. The volume comes down as the match gets closer while the sharpness stays, so players arrive fresh and ready.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

  10. The day before a big match the aim is freshness and confidence. Long or hard work only adds fatigue.

    Source: General futsal coaching · applied

Sources

FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025): chapter 4 (Motivation to play and develop futsal) for futsal as a player-development tool, knowledge of and in the game, portability and the transferable skills to football; chapter 5 (A modern approach to coaching futsal) for the coaching methodology, the constraint-led approach, the coaching-style spectrum from command to trial and error, and the characteristics of a futsal coach; chapter 6 (The developing player) for the six-to-twelve phase, the game-based approach, the coaching syllabus and the 25 percent ceiling on isolated technical work; chapter 7 (The youth player) for the thirteen-to-eighteen transition and the youth syllabus; chapter 8 (Coaching adults) for the recreational and elite adult; chapter 9 (The coaching session) for interventions, the Assess-Plan-Do-Review cycle, explanation and demonstration, and session planning; and chapter 16 (Planning a season) plus chapter 15 (Match preparation and conduct) for the season periods, the weekly plan and the review. Well-established general futsal coaching knowledge is used 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 as a training constraint, the time-out and half-time as intervention windows, rolling substitutions) in a coaching frame and cite the FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game. Physical preparation (chapter 14) is not a source for this level.

  • General futsal coaching50
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 1648
  • FIFA Futsal Coaching Manual (2025), Ch. 152