Courtesy: Soccer Nation


Play Futsal

by Mario Mrakovic

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Youth Player Development: Top Reasons to Play Futsal

U.S. Soccer wants to make a difference in the future and uses the word “technique” over formerly (over) used word “skills” frequently. The game of Futsal improves players’ touch and technique more than any other soccer related activity. It is universally recognized as the number 1 soccer training method. Countries like Brazil, Spain, Italy and France have been using Futsal methods in their youth programs for quite some time and the results speak for themselves.

5 REASONS WHY PLAYING FUTSAL IS SO GREAT:

1.Futsal increases quickness, speed, balance and agility since it is played on a slick, flat, fast surface vs. grass or turf that slow down the pace of the ball. The players because of it have to move with or without ball much faster. So the answer how did Messi get so fast, has to be in the fact that he was exposed to dynamic action of Futsal while growing up when being fast becomes second nature. Futsal simply cannot be slow. Futsal increases your speed of thought and decision making. Since the game is so quick and dynamic, it gives you very little time to think and you have to adjust your mind frame to it. So many players trying Futsal for the first time say how the Futsal game is so hectic and “too fast”. Once they go back to the soccer field, they say how the soccer game is “too slow”. It is as if you are comparing playing a video game at beginner level vs. advanced.

2. Futsal improves your touch on the ball due to the ball that is traditionally 30% smaller, but 30% heavier than regular soccer balls. Because of it, the touch on the ball requires better control and feeling for it. It helps you learn when to do softer touches, vs. when to lock your ankle. Futsal ball and Futsal environment enable and force players to learn how to use the quality and proper touches on it. Futsal sessions are realistic series of rapid technical skill sequences of ball control, dribbling, passing and shooting. All the coaches always want players that are poised and comfortable on the ball – Futsal does just that!

3. Futsal allows active and constant participation. You get your touches at Futsal, and you get them often. There is never time off in Futsal. Watching the players during the play at ANY snap shot, one thing is always common and different from soccer games or arena games – players’ eyes and body language. There is never a moment that players relax and fade out of the game. They are consistently involved in the play with or without a ball physically and mentally. Futsal provides the highest adrenaline rush because of its’ rapid pin-point passing, high scoring and non-stop action.


4. Futsal makes you understand the game and positioning much better than any other training concept. Because of its most popular soccer teaching formation of 4v4 + goalkeeper, players are always in a series of a triangle, square, rectangle or diamond shape. The always changing formation environment dictates that the players communicate verbally with one another and that they work together towards better individual and team positioning. Since the third part of a regular soccer game - transition game, is so short and almost non-existent, players at this point of the game have to position themselves and think as both offensive and defensive players. All players become much better and more aware of the variety of playing systems and tactics. Highly dynamic and functional activity sharpens the players’ tactical awareness of the play. Futsal makes you a better thinker, a faster thinker and a MUCH SMARTER player.

5. Futsal is fun! It provides you with a freedom of play. The game itself allows a player to use a ball as a toy and have fun with it. The best moves on a traditional soccer field come from – Futsal. Free play at Futsal provides an environment tailored for players to express themselves using their imagination, invention and improvisation. Players learn how to make and solve their own puzzles, creating their own method to self-teach. Mastering the skills will only enhance performance and the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game. The small number of players and small goals with goalkeepers provide a perfect environment for a maximum player development and growth.

The game is full of passion, filled with restless fun and joy!

The game of Futsal is uniquely entertaining and exciting. These are my top 5 reasons why it helped so many soccer superstars achieve greatness. It has so many main reasons why the Futsal program has had such an incomparable success.

As U.S. Soccer pushes strongly towards all the young players acquiring a better technical foundation, Futsal provides everyone a better soccer body language. Its’ format and its’ approach assure you the best technical foundation and understanding of the game, as it leads you naturally towards most advanced skills and tactics.

Mario Mrakovic is the Director for San Diego Futsal and the Grass Roots Development Director for San Diego Surf Soccer Club.

For More Information on Futsal, please visit the United States Futsal Federation (U.S.F.F.)


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com