There is a number of benefits in Futsal that translate and help young soccer players to develop and improve their technical skills.
Why Should You Play Futsal?
In our last two blogs, we've introduced the topic of Futsal and the rules of Futsal.
If you read those, you probably came away with a good idea of how Futsal works. There is a missing piece that's probably the most important part.
That is how it helps young soccer players develop and thrive.
The nature of Futsal creates an environment where players are heavily challenged to develop skills that are transferable to a regular 11v11 game.
Futsal places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure.
Many of the top world-class soccer players played Futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their footballing development.
Some of the most exciting flair players like Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldihno got some of their technical ability from playing Futsal. Futsal is a good place for young wingers to learn some moves to embarrass opponents.
Midfielders also gain significant improvement from playing Futsal. Two of the greatest center midfielders ever Xavi and Iniesta credit their close control to years of playing Futsal as young players.
With that being said, let's get into some of the specific attributes that help players improve.
Improvement in One v. One Situations
Futsal as a game naturally brings players into regular 1v1 situations with their opponent. Coming into these situations often will encourage players into quick decision-making as to how they overcome these scenarios.
This could be through beating the opponent with a skill move, or through clever passing to a teammate.
Confidence on the ball, receiving a pass under pressure, and decision-making in 1v1 situations, are all important fundamental skills that are developed in a game environment in Futsal. All of these are fundamental in 11v11 soccer as well.
Speed Of Play Increases Intelligence
The small space requires players to not only play quicker but also to make fast decisions. In futsal, you only have a split second to decide what to do with the ball before you are put under pressure.
There is no place to hide for any player. This encourages players to move on and off the ball, create space, and support teammates. After a while of playing Futsal, once a player takes this to a soccer game everything becomes so much easier.
More Touches Of The Ball Brings More Repetition
Compared to a regular 11v11 game, Futsal has fewer players playing, and less space. This brings the opportunity for more touches on the ball. These additional touches can help every player improve on their ball control and decision-making.
More Repetions=More Decision-Making Opportunities=More Intelligence
Passing and Shooting Improvement
Sharp passing is crucial. Since there is limited space passes have to be very quick and accurate, to be able to be effective. After a while passes will become more accurate with the correct amount of weight on them.
Finishing in Futsal is tough, very tough. The goals are small so shots have to either be very powerful or placed in the corner where the goalie can't save them. If a player can become a lethal finisher in Futsal, then finishing in a regular size goal will become a walk in the park.
Keep in mind that Futsal can’t replace actual soccer training. Futsal helps young players increase their technical skills significantly, but it can’t replace the tactical skills they need to learn by actually playing traditional football.
The perfect opportunity is in the wintertime when the weather doesn't allow outside play. There are multiple Futsal leagues in the Northern Virginia area. So, when the time comes around instead of wasting time in the wintertime, players can take their games to the next level!
How We Can Help:
At FuturElitez Soccer, we build Elite soccer players by transforming their minds through impactful coaching and mentoring beyond the soccer field! Not only do we emphasize this with our players, but we put out information for everyone to see such as our blogs, Instagram and TikTok.
We try to put out a message to help everyone live their life to the fullest! If you enjoyed this read, it would mean so much to us if you could share this with a friend/family member. Thank you in advance for always reading our blogs on a weekly basis.