At Celtic Elite Vancouver, we believe that Futsal will be an invaluable training tool for our players going forward and are looking to create a program which will allow our players to supplement their regular soccer training in a challenging, exciting new way.

For those who are unfamiliar with futsal, it is a small-sided variation of soccer played between two teams of five. Unlike indoor arena soccer, the game is played on a hard surface (think basketball court) with out-of-bounds lines, rather than arena walls. This fast-paced game leads players to develop more precise technical skills and employ different tactics than they would in outdoor soccer; improved control, better on-field vision, and faster decision making are all by-products of playing in this environment.

Technical Benefits to Futsal Training

• Learn to receive & dribble the ball with the sole of the foot
• Learn to quickly change direction with the ball
• Learn to shield and protect the ball from 1 or more defenders
• Learn to take the 1st touch away from pressuring defender(s)
• Learn to beat defenders 1v1 using creative skill moves
• Learn to pass accurately using all parts of the foot
• Learn to pass with appropriate speed in different situations
• More Touches of the Ball than in standard training
• Learn to play in tight spaces with a quicker pace to the game

Tactical Benefits to Futsal Training

• Learn to play in all directions to maintain possession
• Learn to think 1 step ahead.  Learn to find options before receiving the ball
• Learn to beat defenders using combination play
• Learn to defend 1v2, 1v3, 1v4, 2v2, 2v3, 2v4, 3v3, 3v4, 4v4
• Learn to attack 2v2, 2v3, 2v4, 3v2, 3v3, 3v4, 4v2, 4v3, 4v4
• Learn to transition quickly from offense to defense and from defense to offense
• Learn to relax, composed, and confident in tight situations
• Learn to move without the ball
• Learn to support from the proper distance and the best angles
• Learn to communicate relevant information

Physical Benefits to Futsal Training

• Increase strength
• Increase speed
• Improve fitness
• Improve agility
• Improve balance
• Improve foot eye coordination
• Improve timing
• Improve muscle memory

Psychological Benefits to Futsal Training

• Improve confidence with the ball
• Improve confidence in 1v1 attacking and defensive situations
• The quick transition and frequent scoring chances inherent to the game creates ups and downs and lead changes throughout the game.  Teams can go from winning by 2 goals to losing by 2 goals in a hurry.  Players will learn to cope with the adversity of being ahead and being behind
• Futsal requires greater control and more concentration.  Players must develop better focus and more attention to detail
• Players will learn to think faster and make quicker decisions in order to adjust to the faster speed of play