Photo by Falaq Lazuardi via Unsplash.com

by Alina Kazmi

NEYMAR and Messi are renowned for their skill on the ball and much of this is down to the sport of Futsal, which has made its mark even in Scotland with its own league.

The small-sided, shortened form of football is played indoors and concentrates on fast-paced design-making and meticulous ball control and can be traced back to Uruguay, which is credited with polishing skills such as technical ability, sharp decision-making and composure on the ball.

Futsal player Struan Scotland, told uwsnews: “Everything in Futsal happens really fast, so you don’t have time to overthink. It’s helped me make quicker decisions and read the game better when I’m playing football.

“You are kind of forced to be creative because of the tight space, and it’s made me more confident trying things and expressing myself on the ball.”

Kyle Craig, former Futsal player and amateur football player, agrees: “When I play football now, I move with the ball better, I’ve became more comfortable with passing and dribbling with the ball because I already know I can do it in a smaller space.”

Technically creative players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr credit the game for providing them with the crucial skill set that allows them to move and excel in the 11-a-side game.

In addition to improving a player’s technical abilities, Futsal can also aid in the development of the mental side of football by refining a player’s game intelligence and strengthening decision-making skills. Due to the smaller court and the persistent movement in games, players are forced to read the game and monitor others movements and make the best tactical call within seconds.

Players agree Futsal’s ability to develop and refine a player’s technical skill set is due to its uniqueness being played on a smaller court as this limits the available space for players to move with the ball and playing with limited space requires the players to navigate and control the ball under this persistent pressure from opposition players.

Futsal also allows players to strengthen their first touch, as the ball is heavier than a traditional football and further improves the accuracy of passes and shots. Added to that, fewer players on the pitch means every player has significantly more touches on the ball allowing for more chances to develop and refine technical skills. In football, these refined technical abilities reflect in a player’s use of quick and comfortable ball control and accuracy of passes and shots, which can be converted into ball preservation and potential goal opportunities.

Struan Scotland added: “I’m calmer under pressure and more confident keeping possession rather than just clearing it. I also play quicker now and look for short passes more often.”

These are skills which are solely attributed to players with a background in futsal, thus allowing them to differentiate themselves and thrive in modern football culture. Within football, this can result in players playing expressively while also maintaining possession of the ball in a collected manner.

Kyle Craig said : “Before, I feel like I gave the ball away more because I wasn’t so confident on it but now I feel like I can make the right calls and passes to keep the ball with my team”.

For attacking players, this allows them to move the ball with confidence and provides them with the cognitive composure to defeat defenders. This also allows players to create their own unique style of play, as shown by footballers like Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, who are known for inspiring generations with their creative flair and their sense of composure while playing the 11-a-side game.

It is evident that Futsal is a valuable attribute to have as a footballer, allowing players to unlock resourceful tactical abilities in addition to aiding with the development and refinement of career-changing skills. With the assistance of traditional endurance and physical training, futsal can transform a footballer’s ball control, passing accuracy and cognitive composure, while playing in the all-demanding game of football. When facilitated as a tool to develop and refine technical abilities, futsal lays the groundwork for a strong skill set, which can aid in producing technically gifted and football intelligent players.