To be a great soccer player, you must have excellent technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. Techne’s objective is to guide you on how to improve in all areas of your game. While your performance in full-sized matches is the ultimate focus, incorporating futsal and small-sided games (indoor soccer if you live in a place that offers this) into your yearly training is crucial to developing yourself into a well-rounded player. There are several reasons why you should embrace this type of playing.
Note: Futsal is a variation of soccer played on a smaller, hard court, typically indoors, with five players per team, including the goalkeeper. It uses a smaller, low-bounce ball compared to standard soccer. The game emphasizes skill, control, and quick decision-making due to the limited space and fast pace, making it an excellent tool for developing technical and tactical abilities in players. Futsal is governed by FIFA and has its own set of rules, which encourage creativity and fluid play.
1. Improved Ball Control and Technique
Futsal, or any soccer played on a hard-surface court or in the street, demands exceptional ball control. The limited space and rapid pace of the game force players to master tight ball handling and quick touches, qualities of great ball control. Small-sided games similarly emphasize close control and encourage players to think creatively in confined spaces. These skills translate seamlessly to the full-sized soccer pitch, where quick, precise movements often make the difference between success and failure.
2. Faster Decision-Making
In both futsal and other small-sided games, players have less time and space to make decisions. This environment sharpens your ability to assess situations quickly and execute the best options under pressure. The repetition of such scenarios helps you develop your soccer IQ, enabling you to read the game more effectively during full-sized matches.
3. Increased Touches on the Ball
In a standard 11v11 soccer game, you might go several minutes without touching the ball. By contrast, futsal and small-sided games guarantee frequent involvement due to the smaller playing area and fewer players. This increased number of touches accelerates skill acquisition and keeps you engaged throughout the session.
4. Enhanced Fitness and Soccer Agility
The constant movement required in futsal and small-sided games demands high levels of fitness and agility. You must transition rapidly between attacking and defending, which improves your stamina, speed, and ability to change direction quickly. All of this will improve your fitness for soccer! These physical benefits are essential for excelling in the dynamic environment of a full-sized match.
5. Better Understanding of Positioning and Spacing
Small-sided games encourage you to experiment with positioning and spacing, as every player's contribution is magnified in a smaller area. This understanding of where to position yourself to create or close down space helps you develop a deeper tactical awareness, a crucial skill for all positions on the field.
6. Encourages Creativity and Confidence
The reduced pressure of small-sided games and futsal fosters an environment where you can feel free to take risks and try new skills. Whether it’s a clever dribble, an unexpected pass, or a daring shot, these games encourage creativity and can help build confidence in your abilities. Also, futsal and small-sided games are fun to play! They bring variety to your soccer experience and can remind you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place! When you enjoy what you’re doing you’re more likely to stay committed and work harder. Building confidence as a soccer player is so important!
Incorporating futsal and small-sided games into soccer training isn’t just a supplemental activity; it’s a cornerstone of effective player development. These formats help you hone their technical skills, make faster decisions, and understand the game on a deeper level, all while fostering creativity and a love for the sport. Whether you're a coach, a parent, or a player, consider making futsal and small-sided games a regular part of your soccer journey. The benefits are clear, and the results will shine on the field.
