What is Futsal
Originating from South America, Futsal is an exciting, fast paced Football based game that encourages quick passing and skilful, creative play. Futsal uses a smaller than standard size ball (up to U12 size 3 and U13+ size 4) with a reduced bounce. It is played on a hard surface similar in size to a 5-a-side court with goals the same size as those used in Hockey or Handball.
Why Futsal
Futsal places major emphasis on the use of skill and individual ability in high pressure situations. Many world class Footballers played Futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their Football development in a major way. Without a doubt it is by far the most effective tool when looking to develop and refine fundamental Football skills. The coaching team at Tom Craddock Football Academy are vastly experienced in coaching Futsal and Football which allows us to offer a unique approach to player development. Extensive coaching and playing experience has seen us come into contact with beginners through to International players both in the Premier League and abroad. Throughout this experience we have seen common weaknesses and skill gaps which we believe can be addressed through a development programme incorporating Futsal.
Benefits of Futsal
For young players there are endless benefits to be gained through a Football development programme which incorporates Futsal. The small pitch makes it hard to find space, the touchlines prevent easy escape from tight situations, and the smaller heavier ball supports close control and technical development in a multitude of ways.
“In a 40 minute Futsal match, a player will touch the ball once every 29.5 seconds… that’s just over 80 possessions per player per match. This compares to only 30 to 40 possessions per player in a 90 minute football match.”
Research suggests that Futsal players receive the ball up to six times more often than if they were playing conventional 11-a-side Football. This results in more frequent practice of skills such as passing, dribbling, tackling, sprinting, shooting and directional changes amongst many others. All aspects of TECHNICAL ability are enhanced in learning to maintain possession and deal with the ball when under pressure from defenders. TACTICAL understanding improves as players find themselves in several different positions throughout a game when attacking and defending. As a result of this, high demands are placed on the ability to think, anticipate, and react quickly. Additionally, the distances covered are shorter compared to Football meaning PHYSICAL aspects such as multi-directional movements, sprinting and protecting the ball are increased considerably. Due to the constant technical, tactical and physical demands there are PSYCHOLOGICAL challenges that continually need to be met. This helps build resilience and a drive to succeed which is of major importance as young players mature. The challenge of playing different positions places emphasis on working as a team through effective communication, helping others, and understanding the roles and responsibilities of teammates. This SOCIAL aspect is vitally important in our development programme as these aspects cross over to many different walks of life.