What do Ronaldinho, Messi, Zidane, Kaka, Fabregas and Cristian
Ronaldo all have in common? They have great ball skills. These great
players don't even think about what to do with the ball, it comes to
them naturally. This is a result of lots of touches on the ball and lots
of practice. Do you know what else these great players have in common?
They all played futsal.
Futsal is the official FIFA version of indoor 5 a side soccer. The sport is played on a hard flat court roughly the size of a basketball court with a ball that is smaller and heavier than a regulation soccer ball. Substitutions are made "on the fly" and a fast tempo is maintained by limiting kick-ins, corners and goal kicks to four seconds. Although still in the early stages of its development in North America, futsal is hugely popular in countries like Italy, Brazil, Spain and Argentina.
The fast flow of futsal enables young players to improvise, be creative and use individual skills such as ball control and feints. It doesn't allow for "kick and run" tactics as the playing area is too small and too crowded. It requires players to think and act quickly many times over on the futsal court, often only having enough time for one touch. Players must be resourceful with their one touch and use any and all parts of the foot to pass, redirect, flick and shoot the ball.
Futsal continuously places players in challenging decision making situations, which forces players with the ball to use proper technique to make quick passes. Players without the ball are encouraged to make their way into the space and create passing options. Futsal's quick passing environment is one of the finest teachers of the quick pass and move or "give and go". Did you ever notice how Messi and his Barcelona FC attacking teammates effortlessly respond to quick short passes? They all played futsal.
Playing beautiful soccer is developed by playing futsal.
Futsal is the official FIFA version of indoor 5 a side soccer. The sport is played on a hard flat court roughly the size of a basketball court with a ball that is smaller and heavier than a regulation soccer ball. Substitutions are made "on the fly" and a fast tempo is maintained by limiting kick-ins, corners and goal kicks to four seconds. Although still in the early stages of its development in North America, futsal is hugely popular in countries like Italy, Brazil, Spain and Argentina.
The fast flow of futsal enables young players to improvise, be creative and use individual skills such as ball control and feints. It doesn't allow for "kick and run" tactics as the playing area is too small and too crowded. It requires players to think and act quickly many times over on the futsal court, often only having enough time for one touch. Players must be resourceful with their one touch and use any and all parts of the foot to pass, redirect, flick and shoot the ball.
Futsal continuously places players in challenging decision making situations, which forces players with the ball to use proper technique to make quick passes. Players without the ball are encouraged to make their way into the space and create passing options. Futsal's quick passing environment is one of the finest teachers of the quick pass and move or "give and go". Did you ever notice how Messi and his Barcelona FC attacking teammates effortlessly respond to quick short passes? They all played futsal.
Playing beautiful soccer is developed by playing futsal.
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