10 Reasons every footballer should play futsal
1. SKILL DEVELOPER
The game demands quick reflexes, fast thinking, and pinpoint passing. Futsal uses a smaller, heavier, low bounce ball. Ground control and first touch are essential to success in the game.
2. BALL TOUCHES
In a statistical study comparing Futsal to indoor arena soccer with walls, players touch the ball 210% more often.
With limited space, an out of bounds and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control skills and technique are required.
3. BALL CONTROL
4. SUPPORT OF PLAY
Without a wall or rebound boards to rely on in order to escape from tight situations, you must make supporting runs when teammates have the ball.
5. SPEED OF PLAY
With limited space, constant opponent pressure and a 4 second restart rule players learn to play and think fast.
6. MORE TECHNICAL
Futsal rules encourage technical play and do not permit the aggressive physical play that soccer allows
7. FOUNDATION OF STARS
Many of soccer’s greatest players like Messi, Pele, Ronaldo, Iniesta, and Neymar all grew up playing futsal and credit futsal with developing their skills. US Soccer now requires all Development Academy players to play futsal in the offseason.
"During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal”. The Manchester United & Real Madrid forward claims the “the small playing area helped me improve my close control…if it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today”
Messi himself fondly recollects his time at the Rosario based club; “as a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club…it really helped me become who I am today”.
8. KNOWLEDGE
With four court players and all the basic options of the outdoor game in non-stop action mode, players' understanding of the game is enhanced.
9. NOT SOCCER
Futsal rules encourage technical play and do not permit the aggressive physical play that soccer allows.
