"In Futsal you need to think quick and play quick so its easier for you when you move to normal football." - Pele
The idea of Futsal being ideal development tool has been around for the past 15 years or so. Ronaldinho was seen as the ideal proponent of the game due to his mesmerising skills and tricks. Coupled with the fact that the Brazilians have been playing their own version of the game (Futebol de Salao) for years, it's understandable that the bandwagon was jumped on.
I had my first ever experience of Futsal this past weekend. My U10's were playing in the regional section of a national tournament and they loved it. From my experience, it was great to see a version of the game that was fast-paced, competitive and end to end. Even after only 7.5 minutes of action some of the players were breathing heavy due to the break-neck speed of the game.
What I took mostly from the tournament was how certain rules and conditions can lend themselves to the larger sided game. Here are 3 that I see having a big impact on the players for the remainder of the season
Fast Re-Starts
Futsal requires players to re-start the game within 4 seconds. This could be from a free-kick, kick-off, kick-in (no throw-ins) or from the Goalie's hands (there are no goalkicks in Futsal). These means the game remains in motion for almost the entire time and players don't get chance to switch off. From a defensive stand point, players must get ready to pressure the ball and mark opponents. Offensively, players must look to find space quickly to receive the ball.
I have lost count of the games I have coached at youth level when the team taking the set-piece has waited for everyone on the field, team mates and opposition, to get themselves set before taking the re-start. While very thoughtful, a quick throw-in can catch the opponents off guard and allow for a quick scoring opportunity. I attempted this with my 7v7 games today, asking the girls to take a throw within 5 seconds of picking the ball up. It led to a faster paced game. All players on the pitch were immediately looking for space to receive the throw and begin an attack. They also took this mentality to the occasional free-kick they were given, with one leading directly to a goal.
Goalkeeper Distribution Choices
There are no goalkicks in Futsal. Goalkeepers must play the ball out of their hands with either a roll or a throw. This means that there is also no retreat line, regardless of age. It is quite a contrast from the 7v7 game, where 'keepers have the space to play a short pass out from the edge of the box. No retreat line leads them to having to make an important decision - roll it short or throw it long based on how the opponents have set up.
My Goalkeeper was able to recognise this. As the opponents tried to box us in around the penalty area, she simply threw it over their heads to the player who was furthest forward. When they reacted and started dropping back, she rolled it short to the player closest to her. It was great decision-making on her part.
While the retreat line has it's benefits, eventually it disappears from the game. This can be quite a shock to the system for players not used to having opponents so close to them when the 'keeper has the ball. Futsal gives them an introduction to this situation, while still allowing them the opportunity from success (it's easier for most youngsters to clear opponents with a throw than a kick).
Click here to see how our U8-10 Teams are progressing through the season and the sessions we use with our video diary series, only available via a Foundation Age Coaching membership
Increased Confidence on the Ball
In Futsal, players play with a ball that has a reduced bounce. This goes for both when the ball hits the floor and a players' body. As a result, it is very hard for players to mis-control the reception of a pass. For younger players, this is a dream.
From my own experience, the players I am working with this season are quite new to the game. As a result, we are still working on their body mechanics when the ball comes to them. Some of them do well, some look like they have lead in their shoes at times as the ball cannons off their foot.
In Futsal, the ball means that when it comes to them, it virtually sticks to their foot. Even if it comes off a part of the foot that isn't overly cushioned, it doesn't travel too far and gives players and opportunity to get that 2nd touch. I have one player who is playing a year up and is young for her actual age group. Yesterday she was picked up the ball, dribbled past 3 players and got a shot away. While dribbling, she manouvered the ball with the inside, outside and sole of her foot. With a regular ball, those touches woud have been too heavy to keep it that close to her feet. It was a big confidence boost for her as she showed a willingness to do the same in today's 7v7 games.
Resources