Whether you’re new to playing traditional football or are already experienced, stepping onto the indoor field can be overwhelming. Besides, although it’s still football, there are a lot of different things that you may encounter that you haven’t yet in the traditional way of playing football.
Indoor football is a bit similar to futsal or arena soccer, with just a few differences in the rules. It’s faster than traditional football and is usually played with five members per team. Although it’s usually played as a friendly game, there are also ways to adapt to it, and win matches.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips for trying indoor football for the first time.
1. Get to Know the Game
If you’re aware of the mechanics of traditional football, it’s different from indoor football in several ways. Some of these include a heavier ball, fewer players (around 5 to 7 per team), and specific rules.
As a beginner in indoor football, you should first practise the dribbling and passing of the ball since the weight isn’t the same as what you are used to. Once you’re familiar with what the ball is like, the next is to train with the more advanced skills, such as decision-making, and other movements.
2. Prepare the Right Gear
Similar to traditional football, and other sports, you also need to choose the right gear when trying indoor football. Here are the basic gear you should have before starting to play:
Football kit. Although you can wear classic football shirts and regular shorts, it’s best to wear something lightweight, and that you don’t mind getting stained on.
Shin guards. Since the same passing the ball, and running is applied in the game, you should keep your shins protected at all times.
Footwear. Indoor football is different from the traditional one when it comes to the venue, so you also need different shoes, preferably designed for smooth surfaces.
3. Focus on Fitness
Although the venue is smaller for indoor football, you should still focus on your fitness. Since indoor football is still a sport, you need enough energy to play smoothly. In addition, you need to run faster than when playing traditional football and have great cardio. So, before playing, you should exercise often, and maintain a healthy body.
Of course, aside from a healthy body, you should train for the technique. Even if you can run a sprint, you should know how to control it and adjust depending on the situation.
4. Master Ball Control
As mentioned, the ball used in traditional football is different from the one used in indoor football due to its weight. Since indoor football tends to be heavier, it;’s best if you can practise how to control the ball first before entering the game.
Even if you have advanced experience when it comes to playing traditional football, you might find it hard to control the ball in indoor football. Instead, try getting used to it first by dribbling and passing it comfortably.
5. Communicate with Your Team
Communication is still essential in indoor football. Since there are few people in the field, everyone’s effort is needed to win the game. If you haven’t played together before, it’s best to build rapport with each other first, so that you’re comfortable to play together.
Additionally, during breaks, don’t forget to give feedback as to how you can improve the game. Lastly, don’t forget to acknowledge commendable decisions and skills of each other.
6. Adapt Your Playing Style
Since indoor football is different from the traditional one, you should also play in a different approach. Before entering a serious game, you can practise with your team for a while. This allows you to adapt your playing still in a different condition, and still play the game the way you used to.
In doing so, you should watch out for the defence, timing, ball shooting and passing, and the formation and strategy of the team. Besides, everyone on your team should adapt to the indoor setting. If you’re the only one who had enough practice, then all your hard work will be wasted.
7. Stay Positive and Have Fun
Trying something new, like playing indoor football, is a great experience. Whether your team wins or loses, take it positively. At the same time, don’t forget to have fun, and learn from your experience.
If you keep things positive and just enjoy the game, it’s easier to be confident and feel less pressured with everything that’s going on.
8. Respect the Space and Rules
Even if you have advanced knowledge and experience with playing trading football, keep in mind that it’s different from indoor football. So, if you’re planning to play, always respect the space and rules. Don’t think that just because it’s held in a smaller venue doesn’t mean it’s easier than the traditional one.
Final Thoughts
Trying indoor football for the first time can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Whether you have a background in playing the traditional one, don’t forget to consider these tips before and while playing the game.
Let us know what you think of indoor football by commenting below!
ABOUT THE AUTHORAliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Retro Football Kits, an international shop that offers a huge selection of retro football shirts and match-worn classic football shirts from the 70s to the 00s. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that will help readers in making the right choice.