Futsal & Pickup Soccer Guide
What is Futsal?
Futsal is played on a hard court like a basketball court or another hard surface (it can be played almost anywhere, which is one of the benefits) and it can be played indoors or outdoors.
It has similarities to 5-a-side and indoor soccer (sometimes called Arena soccer). Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of which is the goalkeeper.
Why is Futsal beneficial for young players?
The ball is smaller and heavier than a standard soccer ball and it does not bounce very much; this encourages players to keep the ball on the ground.
Futsal helps to quickly develop skills which are required for soccer, such as balance, motor ability, agility and co-ordination, ball mastery, accurate and quick passing and receiving, perception insight and awareness.
Children learn through repetition and practicing in small areas and this occurs naturally in futsal because the court/area is much smaller than a soccer field. Because the game is fast and action packed, fitness is improved while learning and having fun and this is why young players love it. It is exciting, lots of goals are scored and the game doesn’t have complex rules like offside.
Many of the best players in the world (particularly in South America) have a background in futsal at younger ages and that is no surprise as it is one of THE best ways to improve technical skills and decision making under pressure. As a parent, you should do your best to find a way to get your son or daughter involved in futsal and it will massively enhance their development.
Looking for a good quality futsal ball?
Senda Belem Futsal Ball (various colors)
What is Pickup Soccer?
Pickup soccer is a game where players of all skill levels and ages are encouraged to play without the pressures of a coach. Pickup games often have players of different ages, genders and abilities.
You don’t need to play pickup soccer on an actual soccer field and you don’t need official goals. Very often, pickup games are played in small areas of space with just cones or even items of clothing put down in place of goals. The idea is that the game is spontaneous and fun and importantly, players are free to try new skills and moves.
Again, lots of professional players credit large parts of their development to pickup soccer, playing with friends in the street or at the local field. It is a place for experimentation and joy, without the need for a coach to supervise or control things.
Encourage your son or daughter to play pickup games with friends. As a parent, you may need to help organize and transport children to a field or place to play, especially if you live in a busy neighborhood where street soccer isn’t possible or safe to play.
