Futsal

A typical thinking is that football requires a full field, BUT this is not the case

Consider the factors of space, upkeep, maintenance, quality, and as well the inclusion of daily physed and multi-purpose use of sports, and this dictates that a full field, and if of grass, is a definite no-go as a general school need and facility plan to use, maintain and sustain

Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Tennis, and Wheelchair sport are all played on a court, and which meets the facility planning criteria of land space, multi-use, affordability, etc, and allows and includes for football/soccer

Consider the following in respect of football:-

Futsal is the official FIFA 5-a-side game and this format is the recognized youth development model for football throughout the world, and is the recognized game for skills, technical/tactical and decision making development in progression to the full 11-a-side game

Futsal is a 5-a-side game (4 field players and a goalkeeper) and is played on a fast court surface, indoors or outdoors, of size 25m – 40m in length and 15m – 20m in width, and is ideally combined with multi-sports of basketball, netball, volleyball, hockey, tennis, and especially in clubs, schools and community zones

The Futsal ball is smaller (size 4) and a little heavier than a traditional ball, and has 30% less bounce, and has touchline boundaries and does not require the use of side walls

It is on the Futsal court that many top Internationals credit their development and skills, and Brazil has the likes of Pele, Rivelino, Ronaldo, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Kaka, and others who have all come through this form of the game, as well countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, and now the Asian countries, as well Australia,New Zealand and others now following. Whilst Holland and Germany structure their development model on small side / 5-a-side games but not naming it ‘futsal’, but in effect one-and-the-same

Futsal is considered the ‘best football school’ for training and developing due to the following, and in this respect think of the worlds play trends such as Barcelona/Spain, Germany, Holland, Brazil, and so on:

- It has been proven that players develop quicker reflexes, faster thinking and pinpoint passing.

- It is a superior game in terms of establishing players’ touch and technique, and forces a player to think two or three steps ahead

- One touch is essential in maintaining ball possession on a smaller surface. Therefore, an individual’s overall ball handling skills and off-the-ball movement enhance considerably, and a player’s split second thinking improves automatically as one learns how to maintain possession and distribute the ball quickly.

- Shots must be more accurate. More shots are also taken during the course of a game, which will enhance player’s confidence, by taking on a defender and shooting quickly. A player does not have as much space or time to dribble with the ball.

FUTSAL (5-a-side Football); Youth Development & Football Training

Consider the importance and relationship of Futsal to Football:

-The “Dutch Coaching Way” manuals, courses and coaching are all based on small-sided games of 4 players (4 vs 4) and a goalkeeper, and whilst they don’t mention Futsal it is ‘futsal’!!

-Spain have Futsal and Barcelona FC have Futsal as well the Holland development/training model through their coaches of before, egMichels, Cruyff, etc,

-The most successful nation in football history (Brazil) is all about futsal as their base and model up to 16 years of age

-The ‘new generation’ of football countries all have Futsal as a youth development base (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, etc) and are all performing on the International stage with their youth now coming through

Why Play Futsal?

  • Fun- Players enjoy the challenge of playing a fast paced skill oriented game that tests their abilities.
  • Boys and Girls – whether combined or own gender, old or young, it is a fun game for all
  • Ball Touches- In a statistical study comparing Futsal types of football, Futsal players touched the ball 210% more often.
  • Ball Control- With Futsal, the emphasis is clearly on control and technique. Without control and technique you cannot expect to succeed in Futsal. With limited space, boundary lines, and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control skills are required.
  • Speed of Play- With limited space and constant opponent pressure, players learn to play fast, attack and defend.
  • Continuity of Play- Action is continuous so players are forced to continue play in support of their teammates.
  • Mandatory Support- With only 4 field players on the field and always needing the proper support positions offensively and defensively, a player will instinctively learn better spacing, passing and general tactics from playing Futsal. Players without the ball must move to space and must truly support their teammates.
  • Framing the Goal- The goal and Penalty Area are a perfect size for narrowing the angle so teams learn to frame the goal to score goals.
  • Knowledge- With four court players and all the basic options of the 11 a side game, players' understanding of the game is enhanced.
  • Encouraged Learning- The rules of Futsal encourage playing a skilled game by punishing all physical contact fouls.
  • Rewards- Futsal rewards the same basic skills, tactics and knowledge of the game as the 11 a side game.
  • Decision Making - It has been proven that players develop quicker reflexes, faster thinking and pinpoint passing.
  • Basics - It is a superior game in terms of establishing players’ touch and technique, and forces a player to think two or three steps ahead, and one touch is essential in maintaining ball possession on a smaller surface. Therefore, an individual’s overall ball handling skills and off-the-ball movement enhance considerably, and a player’s split second thinking improves automatically as one learns how to maintain possession and distribute the ball quickly.
  • Shooting - Shots must be more accurate. More shots are also taken during the course of a game, which will enhance player’s confidence, by taking on a defender and shooting quickly. A player does not have as much space or time to dribble with the ball.

Futsal

As an open-plan small sided (5-a-side) game on a court, proven the world over for fun, enjoyment and skill development, and typically the standard youth development model for most countries

It is ideal for Schools and Community and meets the project criteria of land space, affordability, quality, maintenance, as well physed inclusion, and importantly training and development for football as a preferred model used by the leading countries and coaches

It is also an ideal soccer training for the highest level players, and as FIFA’s official 5-a-side game it is an accepted sport and version of football with leagues, teams, events, competitions and opportunities from the fun and social element to the FIFA Futsal World Cup opportunity

With

Combined facilities including Netball, Basketball and Volleyball as core sports and optional inclusion for Tennis, Handball, Hockey, Wheelchair sports, etc

A Typical Multi-Sports Court providing for 4 core sports, safe and shock absorption criteria, long life and maintenance free