Reader,
Futsal is a game that has grown massively over the last couple of decades and many football clubs, both professional and amateur, use Futsal in their programmes.
Of course, like anything in coaching, it can often be subjective and some believe that given the ball is different, the game is different and the environment is different it doesn’t translate.
However, my perspective is that Futsal is a brilliant tool to develop footballers. This year, I have added Futsal to the programme I am leading. During my time at Brentford FC, the club utilised Futsal across both the foundation and youth development phases within the academy.
Coaching in these sessions was always enjoyable. Not only did it provide the players with variety in their week, but it allowed for some fantastic technical and social outcomes.
Firstly the tight spaces and volume of games allowed players to express themselves 1v1, it challenged them to retain the ball in tight spaces, get creative on the ball, work on rotation in possession and given we mixed the age groups up into dual bands, there were some great ‘street football’ style outcomes of young players against older ones, and older players mentoring younger ones. These sessions were always high tempo and competitive.
I was also lucky enough in my time in England to experience Premier League Futsal Festivals for young players, a day where the players would play game after game, competing against rival clubs in a new format.
For me, there is a huge benefit in bringing this variety and free play to your programme where possible and most importantly, the players love it.
Two things to consider.
- Could you incorporate Futsal into your club’s training programme and how would you execute it?
- If you do run Futsal do you mix up age groups and plan for social outcomes?
One thing for you to try this week.
Find out how many players in your team or club are interested in playing or currently engaged with Futsal. If they are playing, what do you notice about how they play?
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this article from the PDP Archives on ‘The Death of Street Futsal’ by Matt Fejos.
