Transition to Futsal

[Anonymous]

My son (U11) tried out for and made a travel futsal team. He has played travel soccer for the past three years, but only played rec futsal in the past. Recently, we went to watch some adult teams play, and it looks like the skill set and game formation required is really different from outdoor soccer or rec futsal (the rec team was a mess - kids had a great time but lost every game). I'm concerned about my son being up to the task of this travel futsal team. We signed him up for a skills class, but I'm not sure what else we can do. He is primarily a defender in outdoor soccer, which does not seem like it will translate that well to futsal. Is there anything else he can/should be doing to prepare?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son (U11) tried out for and made a travel futsal team. He has played travel soccer for the past three years, but only played rec futsal in the past. Recently, we went to watch some adult teams play, and it looks like the skill set and game formation required is really different from outdoor soccer or rec futsal (the rec team was a mess - kids had a great time but lost every game). I'm concerned about my son being up to the task of this travel futsal team. We signed him up for a skills class, but I'm not sure what else we can do. He is primarily a defender in outdoor soccer, which does not seem like it will translate that well to futsal. Is there anything else he can/should be doing to prepare?

If he made it then there was something that the coaches saw in him that did transition to futsal that you may not be aware of. Once the training starts I'm sure the coaches will work with the players and indicate the things that they need to work on. Until training starts just have him continue to get touches on a ball, preferably on flat surface (not grass/turf) to adjust to the speed of the ball movement. Pass and receive against a wall (maybe in garage or basketball court). He'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son (U11) tried out for and made a travel futsal team. He has played travel soccer for the past three years, but only played rec futsal in the past. Recently, we went to watch some adult teams play, and it looks like the skill set and game formation required is really different from outdoor soccer or rec futsal (the rec team was a mess - kids had a great time but lost every game). I'm concerned about my son being up to the task of this travel futsal team. We signed him up for a skills class, but I'm not sure what else we can do. He is primarily a defender in outdoor soccer, which does not seem like it will translate that well to futsal. Is there anything else he can/should be doing to prepare?

If he made it then there was something that the coaches saw in him that did transition to futsal that you may not be aware of. Once the training starts I'm sure the coaches will work with the players and indicate the things that they need to work on. Until training starts just have him continue to get touches on a ball, preferably on flat surface (not grass/turf) to adjust to the speed of the ball movement. Pass and receive against a wall (maybe in garage or basketball court). He'll be fine.

oh yeah, pick-up a size 3 futsal ball. It's a different size and weight than what used outdoors and he should get adjusted to that feeling. U11 uses size 3 futsal.

[Anonymous]

Work on technical skills. Futsal is a highly technical game.

Other than that, let him have fun, Futsal, although still a competitive game, is supposed to be fun and a break from the normal game of soccer.

[Anonymous]

Futsal is only good for those who enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Futsal is only good for those who enjoy it.

What an incredibly misinformed statement from someone that knows nothing about the sport. Youth that are introduced to the sport love the fast pace action and skill development. My guess is your kid is probably a good outdoor player but couldnt hack the transition to futsal where foot skills, one touch passing, quick decision making and more are required. I know a lot of very high level players that choose not to play futsal as it doesnt come naturally to them and theyd rather just pass on futsal and play outdoor cause its what they know.

Do a little homework on the sport and youll see its the basis for training in many of the most respected soccer programs world wide. Dumb ass comment you made

[Anonymous]

So futsal is about tight space ball control on a hard court. It’s fast and favors the players with great technical skills. Lots of one or two touch passes and shots. I have seen good soccer players and soccer teams(u12 and below) struggle at futsal.

It’s a different game vs soccer but the skill will really help in soccer(if they actually practice indoors on a hard court). If your kid just shows up and plays, it really does not do much for him/her.

[Anonymous]

So futsal is about tight space ball control on a hard court. It’s fast and favors the players with great technical skills. Lots of one or two touch passes and shots. I have seen good soccer players and soccer teams(u12 and below) struggle at futsal.

It’s a different game vs soccer but the skill will really help in soccer(if they actually practice indoors on a hard court). If your kid just shows up and plays, it really does not do much for him/her.

OP here. Thanks, hopefully it will be a good experience for DS. They are practicing indoors on a hard court. He tries very hard at soccer, and is a decent player with good technical skills. However, he is not as aggressive as he should be, and is highly anxious overall, which slows down his decision making in some instances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Futsal is only good for those who enjoy it.

+1

[Anonymous]

My 11 year old and 14 year old sons love Futsal. They do have excellent ball skill which really is on display on the court.

I like watching it better than outdoor soccer because of the fast pace. It is also possible to come back from a significant # of goals ...and the 'buzzer beater' at the end is always lots of fun. It reminds me of basketball in that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

So futsal is about tight space ball control on a hard court. It’s fast and favors the players with great technical skills. Lots of one or two touch passes and shots. I have seen good soccer players and soccer teams(u12 and below) struggle at futsal.

It’s a different game vs soccer but the skill will really help in soccer(if they actually practice indoors on a hard court). If your kid just shows up and plays, it really does not do much for him/her.

OP here. Thanks, hopefully it will be a good experience for DS. They are practicing indoors on a hard court. He tries very hard at soccer, and is a decent player with good technical skills. However, he is not as aggressive as he should be, and is highly anxious overall, which slows down his decision making in some instances.

I understand. Just tell him it’s a one or two touch game with a lot of shots and it does not matter at all(no pressure). Lots of scoring.