Indoor soccer is a sport that is both fun and physically challenging. Although the basic concept is similar to regular football, there are some differences, such as the size of the field, the rules and playing techniques. This article will guide you through playing and growing in indoor soccer.
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Part 1 of 4: Learning the Rules of Indoor Soccer
Step 1. Understand the purpose of this game
Football is a simple game and the goal is just to get the ball into the opponent's goal. Each time the ball goes into the opponent's goal, the team is awarded one point which is named a goal.
- There are two teams in a football match facing each other on the field, and goals are placed at each end of the field. Thus, the players have to compete and fight for the ball in the opponent's area and in the end shoot the ball to score a goal.
- Soccer matches usually involve dribbling (running with the ball at the feet) and passing it to a teammate to get close enough to shoot the ball. The opposing team tries to grab the ball so often the match goes alternately in the field area of the two teams.
Step 2. Know the main rules
Perhaps the most important rule in football is that players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands while it is still in play (except the goalkeeper).
- Players also may not tackle, push, hit, or hurt/sabotage an opponent on purpose.
- If the ball goes out of bounds, the team that issued the ball gives the opposing team the right to kick or throw the ball from the sidelines. However, in this case indoor football is different because (depending on the room) it is difficult to get the ball out of the field due to the walls surrounding the field.
Step 3. Know the player positions
Each soccer team is divided into defenders and attacking players, and each player has a specific goal (e.g. shooting the ball, or defending). In indoor soccer, the differences between players are not that much. While each player is assigned a position, they are more flexible and free to roam the field than regular football.
- Two people are given a defensive position to help the goalkeeper prevent the opposing team from scoring.
- The other two players start by standing 60 cm in front of the defenders and in the position of the forwards. They are in charge of attacking so they have to try to play the ball into the opponent's area and score goals.
- One player plays as a midfielder and starts right in the middle of the team's field area. This player is tasked with attacking and defending as needed.
- The same rules apply to every player regardless of their position, except the goalkeeper (aka goalkeeper). Goalkeepers are the team's last line of defense and are allowed to use their hands to catch or block an opponent's shot from entering the goal.
Step 4. Understand how the game starts and ends
A football match starts at kickoff (first kick) and ends when a certain time has passed. The team that can score the most goals wins. Professional football runs for 90 minutes, but the length of the match varies depending on the type, whether or not both teams can score, and so on.
Kickoff is when both teams take positions in their respective areas of the field and the ball is right in the middle of the field, and two players are on the right and left of the ball. When the referee signals the start of play, both players take control of the ball. Kickoff marks the start of play and is restarted after a goal has been scored
Step 5. Understand the role of the referee
The referee is the person responsible for overseeing the match and making sure all players comply with the rules. The referee also signals the start and end of the match, and announces the winning team.
- The referee can give a card when one of the players violates the rules (which is usually called a foul or foul). When seeing a foul (eg pushing an opposing player), the referee may give the offending yellow card a warning sign.
- If a player receives two yellow cards, that player is removed from the game and may not be substituted. If the referee decides a player has committed a number of fouls that indicate poor sportsmanship, the referee can give a red card, and the player is immediately removed from the game without being replaced.
Part 2 of 4: Differentiating the Rules of Regular Football from Indoor Soccer
Step 1. Know the different player positions
Indoor and regular football differ in crucial ways (mostly due to the smaller field size), including the difference in the number of players per team. In indoor soccer, a team consists of 6 players, including the goalkeeper.
Players who usually play as front and back players become more flexible and can play attacking and defending. Basically, all players (including the goalkeeper) are free to move on the field and are not limited to one specific function in the game
Step 2. Learn the specific rules of indoor soccer
Because indoor soccer is played in a smaller, enclosed area, there are some rules that differ from regular soccer. Most of these rules are similar to arena sports.
- Players can be replaced at any time during the game.
- For example, indoor soccer play continues without a penalty or stoppage of play if the ball hits the wall surrounding the field. The match continues and each player continues to fight for the ball. This practice is called “play off the walls.”
- Only if the ball crosses the wall and leaves the field completely, play is stopped and the team that did not throw the ball is allowed to throw or kick the ball back into the field (just like regular football). However, some indoor soccer is played in a completely enclosed area so it is impossible for the ball to leave the field.
Step 3. Know the same rules as regular soccer
While there are many differences in rules between indoor and regular soccer, the overall objectives and methods are much the same. Therefore, knowing these similarities will help you understand the mechanics of indoor soccer more quickly.
- For example, the standard rules regarding contact between players apply in indoor soccer. You may not hit, kick intentionally, or physically obstruct your opponent during the match.
- The scoring method is also the same. To score a goal, a player must put the ball into the opponent's goal, across the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar.
- If the referee declares a foul (e.g. one of the players uses the hand), the same free kick rules apply to indoor soccer.
Step 4. Determine the length of the match
Professional indoor football matches are played for 60 minutes and are divided into four halves with a break of 3 minutes between halves 1 and 2 and between halves 3 and 4, and 15 minutes between halves 2 and 3 (half time). However, in regular matches and amateur leagues, the amount of playing time and rest is different. Therefore, determine before competing.
If indoor soccer ends in a draw, the match time is added 15 minutes x 2 innings. The game stops immediately if one team scores a goal
Part 3 of 4: Adapting to Playing Indoor Soccer
Step 1. Prepare the right equipment
Like regular soccer, you'll need shin guards, long socks and shoes. However, the shoes used are specifically for indoor soccer (without cleats) and are different from regular flat shoes.
You can wear sneakers or running shoes, but the speed and ease of movement during the match are not the same
Step 2. Practice with an indoor soccer ball
If you're a regular soccer player and are adapting to playing indoors, make time to juggle the ball. If you're playing on astroturf (synthetic turf) or on a hard, smooth surface, the ball will have less traction and you'll have to move your feet faster to control the ball on the court.
Step 3. Play fast
Indoor soccer is faster than regular soccer, which will keep you fit and sharpen your playing skills. However, it takes some time to get used to the high-speed gameplay.
- Focus on making quick passes and small, controlled movements with both feet until you can play fast naturally.
- Improve verbal communication. Since the game is fast and takes place in closed spaces, you will have to talk to your teammates often. Often you have to pass the ball just to be in a good position and receive the ball back. At that time, shout "oper" so that colleagues know your position.
Part 4 of 4: Become a Great Indoor Soccer Player
Step 1. Practice shooting with accuracy
In an indoor soccer arena, the goal is hidden within a wall and is also smaller in size. Therefore, it is important to shoot as accurately as possible.
Practice shooting alone or with friends. Try different types of shots, for example always aim just under the crossbar (so the goalkeeper has to jump to block it)
Step 2. Take advantage of the field walls
Perhaps, the biggest difference between indoor and regular soccer is the presence of walls. Professional players will use walls to get past opposing players.
Practice deliberately kicking into the wall to pass the ball to a friend or over an opponent. Be patient, as this skill is quite complex and takes a lot of practice
Step 3. Improve body fitness
Indoor soccer is more physically demanding than regular soccer, because the game is faster and each player is always on the move throughout the game.
Running (including sprints), lifting weights, and other exercises that build muscle as well as increase speed will develop you as an indoor soccer player
Step 4. Learn small moves to trick your opponent
Small moves are important in indoor soccer because you want to always have an advantage by tricking opposing players. Having a few tricks will improve your team's game and competence.
- For example, when shooting a ball, try shooting a fingertip. Because the distance factor is not too influential, the ball will suddenly jump up and trick the opposing goalkeeper so that it cannot be pushed aside in time.
- Instead of passing to where the player is, pass to a room where a partner can receive the ball. Players will see the direction of the pass and take the ball before it is taken by the opponent.
- Another good skill is Drag Back. Drag Back is done by rolling the ball back under your feet (instead of dribbling it forward) and closer to your body. In this way, you protect possession of the ball and also provide an opportunity to take the ball in another direction or pass quickly to a friend.
