Want to Build Superior Soccer Skills in Your Child? Get Rid of the Walls

Posted On June 2, 2015 by PUSC

It is a well-known fact among soccer professionals that futsal develops players who are technically sound—capable of thinking and reacting with incredible speed and efficiency. Some of the world’s greatest soccer stars grew up playing futsal, which is why we at Placer United Soccer think it’s essential training for your child.

Our 27,000-square-foot indoor facility in Rocklin features four turf fields with no walls. The absence of an enclosure means that players are constantly placed in demanding situations that require quick decisions, excellent control of the ball, and precision passing. When walls are leveraged into play, it’s easy to develop bed habits that will be of no use on an outdoor soccer field.

Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about futsal:

On average, futsal players touch the ball 210 percent more than those who play traditional indoor-arena soccer.

Given the limited space, boundary restrictions, and constant opponent pressure, a player’s ball control skills and technique are strengthened.

With no walls to rely on, players must use tactical awareness and creativity to move and support one another. Over time, they will create triangles on the field—the simple formula behind Barcelona’s success over the last decade.

The United States Soccer Federation endorses futsal as the key component to unlock future players’ full potential, and we couldn’t agree more. By offering futsal training, we help our players become more technical on the ball so they approach each game with an abundance of confidence.

In a recent interview, U.S. futsal coach Keith Tozer stated, “Playing futsal will allow youth players the ability to touch the ball 12 times more than playing outdoor soccer…[Futsal enables] players to develop faster and more refined foot skills from making an increasing amount of decisions, potentially accelerating their learning.”

Balance and motor ability. Agility and coordination. Fast and accurate passing and receiving. Heightened perception and awareness. These are some of the soccer skills that your child will develop by playing futsal. Perhaps best of all, these increased abilities add up to a greater enjoyment of the game—and isn’t that what youth sports is really all about?