Seven Reasons Why Futsal Develops Great Youth Soccer Players
When you watch Brazilian soccer stars like Vini Jr., do you ever wonder how they got so speedy and graceful?
One main answer is simple: futsal! Most famous South American players and plenty of Europeans—from Messi to Ronaldo—got their start playing futsal, long before they ever ran up and down a grass soccer field.
Check out a few:
You say, Ok, sounds good, but…
What is futsal?
Futsal is a soccer-like sport invented around 1930 in Uruguay, just after the tiny South American country won a World Cup and two Olympic gold medals for soccer.
It’s a fun, fast-paced indoor or outdoor game played on a smaller, flat court (about basketball court size), that combines soccer’s basic idea with basketball’s small teams and quick, exciting pace.
Since the space is small, players must learn to do stylish, quick moves with the ball, or face losing it! Games are full of turnovers and exciting moments. There is no resting in futsal. All that makes it great for training fast, agile players.
Head Coach Walter Altamirano playing futsal on the street as a child in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Seven key reasons why futsal is so good at developing youth players:
A different ball:
A futsal ball is smaller, heavier, and much less bouncy than a regular soccer ball. That really helps young players learn ball control, because the ball stays closer to their feet.
More time with the ball:
In a futsal game, young players each touch the ball about six times more than in an outdoor soccer game on a big field. So each one gets way more practice. For small children, that translates to improved motor skills—better coordination and agility.
Teamwork:
The game's fast-paced nature requires constant communication and collaboration. As a result, young players develop essential social skills and a sense of teamwork. It’s hard to be either a ball hog or ball-shy with only 5 players on the court! Everyone is needed.
Fitness:
Futsal is nonstop. Even though the space is small, players never stop moving. So it builds young players’ cardiovascular fitness and endurance very quickly. Especially in the winter, it’s a great way to keep kids active and not fall prey to the Winter Couch Potato syndrome.
More precise defense:
In futsal, there are no slide tackles. Defenders must learn to be quick mentally and physically, stealing the ball and intercepting passes. They learn how to turn the ball over to their team, instead of just booting the ball out of bounds (like so many outdoor youth players.)
Awareness and Decision Making:
Futsal helps children learn decision-making in a constantly changing environment.
To succeed in futsal, players must learn “field vision”—being aware of the other players and where the ball is at all times. They must keep their heads up and be ready. One big thing that separates beginners from advanced athletes is learning to have a plan for the ball before receiving it. Will they try a move or pass? To whom? This is a difficult skill that futsal really helps.
Bravery/Confidence:
So many kids learn and practice moves like the Maradona or stepovers, but are afraid of actually using them against a defender. In futsal, players can’t be afraid of the defense–it’s always right there in front of them in a small space. The only way around them is using a move, or passing. So players have to try new moves, switch it up, and use their creativity. They gain confidence to have “ousadia”—the Brazilian term for “daring”.
Look at all the moves Vini Jr. uses in just a few minutes:
At JOÜK, we believe the blend of skill development, teamwork, and sheer fun that futsal offers is a winning combination. For this reason, we offer futsal training year round, and make it a foundation of our program.
Come join us and see the benefits for your child first hand!
* Female soccer player icon created by Freepik - Flaticon
* Male soccer player icon created by Futuer - Flaticon