Futsal-Style "Five-a-side
soccer" the best indoor Game for all ages!
BMYSA Winter Indoor Soccer
January 4, 2008 March 9,
2008 at Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Lehman , Pa)
Since 1985 FIFA
has endorsed an really well-designed indoor soccer game called Futsal.
It has proven to be very popular not only with younger players, but with
teenagers as well. We hope to evolve a more rewarding
winter indoor experience for all players -please consider joining with
us to get it rolling!
What is Futsal?
Basically it's outdoor soccer
played indoors. Futsal is a small-sided game (5v5 including the goalkeepers)
played on a small field roughly the size of a basketball court. The game
does not require the use of boards. The Futsal ball, also known as a reduced
bound or low-bounce ball, is smaller than a normal outdoor soccer ball
and heavier. There is a FIFA specification for the ball's size, weight
and bounce. The special low bounce ball, necessitates players to use their
skills, rather than the ball’s bounce to propel it. The sport is
a great skill-developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking, and
pin-point passing. These properties are specifically designed to build
confidence and develop skill and technique. When a futsal ball is received,
it 'sticks' to the foot. This builds great confidence in tight spaces
when rapid passes are being issued repeatedly. The same property which
makes the ball easy to receive makes it more difficult to strike. A futsal
ball gradually eliminates the 'lazy pass'. It is heavier and players rapidly
get acquainted with the technical aspects of bending the knee, turning
the hips, and striking the ball firmly. Repeated touches on the ball eventually
produce a motion which, when transplanted outdoors with a high bounce
ball, translates into a firmer and proportionately longer pass appropriate
for the big field.
Many programs around the world
also claim that smaller size encourages more precise striking of the 'sweet
spot' of the ball. If one works during the off-season on striking a futsal
ball, then a larger bouncier ball is struck with greater confidence and
authority in the outdoor game.
The priority in Futsal is to
motivate players in an environment that is conducive to learning. The
more pleasure kids derive from their participation, the more they wish
to play and practice on their own. While their instinct to play is natural,
their affection and appreciation for soccer must be cultivated.
Who Plays Futsal?
Players
of all ages in over 100 countries. Futsal is the official indoor soccer
game recognized by FIFA. Many of today’s world stars began their
youth soccer by playing Futsal. The Brazilians attribute their world soccer
success to Futsal. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Ronaldo and Bebeto grew up playing
Futsal and credit Futsal with developing their skills.
How does it compare to other
soccer games? It's faster, more exciting, and rewards skills more! The
rules of the
game are similar to the outdoor game. Throw-ins are replaced by kick-ins
and the goal kick is replaced by a goal clearance. Substitutions are made
on the fly, including the keeper.
What if I'm new to
Futsal?
Don't worry, there's a good
chance much of your competition is new to the game as well. ;) The first
week of each league is reserved for instruction and practice games.
Basic Rules for the
Futsal Game:
The
use of a goalkeeper. No off-sides. When the ball goes out of bounds over
the sideline (touchline), it is put back into play with a kick-in. The
kick-in can not go directly into the goal. When the ball goes out over
the end line, it is put back into play either by throwing the ball back
into the playing area, or awarding a Corner Kick. After a goal has been
scored, it is put back into play by a kick off. Kickoffs that begin each
period of play are taken from the approximate center of the field. Players
can score from anywhere on the field. The opponent must be five yards
away from the ball at the time of the kick.
In our program, all games are
5v5 including the goalie except U6 & U7. U6 & U7 do NOT use goalies.
All games will use the new “Low Bounce” Futsal ball. Questions?
You can learn more by going to http://www.futsal.com
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