The Four in Our Stars

Welcome back Y'all!!

Again, sorry for the delayed post, but thank you for the emails and requests for more activity. With that, here's a question: What would you give this past World Cup?

I'd give it 4 Stars...

That's right people, there will be an endless amount of ADIDAS memorabilia headed our way, and we'll be buying it for the next four years until a new king of the cup is crowned. Remember all that España gear? So last year. It's time to strap on the black, red and gold and strut your stuff like a true Deutscher Meister. And when someone asks who your favorite player is, just change the subject... Bandwagoner.

But in case you truly want to know, here are four guys in particular who we might call The Four Horsemen of this glorious German ensemble. Now... don't get testy, I'm not saying they are the best of the squad (we all know Shürrle, Lahm, and Götze showed up) but I am just assisting those NOT in the know with some notable names, calm down.

Don't adjust your TV set, above is Miroslav Klose performing his signature celebration. He is now the all-time scorer in World Cup history, removing Brazilian great Ronaldo from the helm. He scored the record point against Brazil, in Brazil to replace Brazil... OUCH.

A complete midfielder. Vision, awareness, and accuracy. His passing percentage always hovers above and around 90%, and he scored two in the Brazilian annihilation. Tony Kroos is simply amazing in the middle. Why do the pretty boys always find their way to the Bernabeu? Yep, he is joining the pretty faces at Real Madrid for the upcoming club season...lame.

 

...lame. (Jealousy Speaking) 

The lucky number 13. The lanky, often not pretty, but always effective, Thomas Müller. Had a Hat-trick in the first group game, one strike away from the tournament Golden Boot award, and mastered a duel personality as striker and outside mid. Greatest accomplishment? Getting Pepe, king of the fake injury and time suckage ejected from the game by accepting an enraged headbutt.

Now Ladies and Gentleman, it is time for the ultimate competitor. The hard working, blue collar-esque, down in the trenches, do or die midfielder and V.P. captain, Mr. Bastian Schweinsteiger!!! Just look at that face, need I say more? When was the last time you put this much blood and sweat into your work?

ADRIAAAAAAAAN!!!!

4 Stars, 4 players, 4 years away from the next Adidas or Nike marketing onslaught. What else can we discuss that is synonymous with this game of quads?

Of Course!! The four positions of Futsal. As we know, the game is played as 5-a-side, but two of the positions are titled the same and perform similar responsibilities dependent upon match strategy.

When I attended the Leadership Summit for USYF last month, one of the poignant moments for me was when Coach Keith Tozer of the USMNT of Futsal said that the game may be growing here in the states but we are still such novice.

He is so right. How can we play a game that we don't even know the proper names or responsibilities? To properly grow this sport, we must uniformly organize ourselves if we want to compete with the great teams of the world.

Therefore, I would like to introduce the positions as recognized around the world so we may begin the maturation process. I will get into greater detail of each individual position within future posts but just so we are speaking the same language as the rest of the world, let's identify the proper names and general responsibilities of each position.

Here is a little mock-up I sketched on Futsal Manager 13, a Futsal App I purchased in the Apple App Store.

I placed the players in two basic set-ups where you might find them at a kick off, but remember, these are just two. With that, lets look at the four "official" positions as the world knows them:

1. Goliero: That's right, the Goalkeeper. Probably the most specialized position in this sport. However, unlike the traditional 11 on 11, the goalkeeper must also develop an attacking side of his/her game to match the pace and scaled down size of the pitch. I love the UEFA description in an article published in 2003 called The Art of Futsal Goalkeeping.

"It is often said that you must be mad to be a football goalkeeper. If that is the case, the sanity of the Futsal custodian must surely be even more in question... In the fast-paced and frenetic atmosphere of Futsal, the goalkeeper is on the receiving end of a barrage of fierce shots...and, given the smaller playing area... the Futsal goalkeeper's attacking instincts are crucial." 

2. Fixo: The "defensive" minded player, but not like you would think it to be. We saw in the World Cup these tall, physical specimens stopping ground and arial attacks in statuesque fashion. But much like the Goliero, things move a bit differently on the plastic surface. The Fixo is thinking more distribution, creating space and relieving pressure by moving the ball not just stopping it. Think the bottom point of a diamond midfield.

3. Ala: The most notable position on the pitch in the sense that the ball is possessed the most by these players and the names in the game resemble that of Falcão, Ricardinho, and Javi Rodríguez; Futsal legends. As in the 11-a-side format, the ball is won and lost in the middle and possession is key. Therefore, the Fixos who distribute, attack, AND defend make the Futsal world go round.

4. Pivo: The "Forward", for lack of a better designation. However, I feel this position is much more challenged than in the general sense. Forget the freedom of long runs with the ball crossed from the lengthy sides or from over the top. Forget the give and goes that spread the defense to present a one-on-one with the Keeper. Nope, try having your back facing the goal much of the time, balls racing at your feet with a split second to decide if you shoot or lay them off. You must be much more physical, leaning on defenders and fighting for possession within inches of space. Not the galloping type but a nose for goal? You just might be a Pivo.

Me? I am the unapologetic consumer. I am going to indulge in the German retail gluttony that is to come in the next four years. I'll have German shirts, German socks, German beanies, German friends, anything to remind all Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Spanish fans here in Southern California that the tide has changed and there is a new Kinder on the block. 

However, when it comes to Futsal? I'll "Go All In" (Adidas Campaign). That means, I am not just wearing the shirt or the Sala shoes. I am learning the language, the culture, the players, the pace and the confidence that is Futsal, I hope you and your kids will too.

Nick Martinez

info@socalfutsal5.com

facebook.com/SOCALfutsal5

facebook.com/usyouthfutsal

One Door Closes, Another Opens

Well Folks, we all know how we feel. I won't dwell on what happened in the game yesterday because I am sure we have all taken our time to come to terms with it, and it's time to start healing.

What I will focus on is how wonderful this World Cup has been, and let us not forget, it ain't over!!
It has been a tournament filled with a lot of magic, just ask your boss who all of a sudden feels the need to let everyone know his wife is Columbian. And it's been a nightmare, that's right, ask Ivan three cubicles down who just got off the phone with his mother back home in Spain.

You didn't know there's dinosaurs in Brazil? Whatever.

But forget the other nations for a minute, what was your moment? Was it sitting next to your boy when Dempsy stomached the ball from Zusi to put Gahna away? Was it watching your sister gasp when Ronaldo made his picturesque cross knowing she thinks he's dreamy? Or was it like me, simple, gathering with my friends Will and Carol (who is columbian by the way), sharing a moment that cheered me up because life in some ways has been a little tough. That's right, sport is not all ruggedness, it is rooted in emotion, passion and is often healing.

At this moment, there is one man who showed the ultimate passion and emotion, and I hope somewhere he is healing.

I'll tell you, it wasn't the amazing performance that has looped again and again on SportsCenter that moves me, because it is what we have come to know about Tim Howard, he is one of the greatest. It was his post interview, where he showed his true polarizing power.

Obviously in tears and choking back the pain, he was asked about the constant onslaught of the Belgium offense.

"It's my job, it's what I signed up to do, so it's part of it." 

Simple.

But soon after, when he took a deep shortened breath to keep himself from cracking, he said, "it hurts". At that moment we all felt his pain, and saw another side, the man. Because the reality is that  a man with his talent, with the type of performance he had, deserves to shine with the best. And unfortunately, the best do not concede defeat in the round of 16. However, the lesson for us all, and especially our kids, is how we deal with such adversity.  We deal like Timmy, accept our defeat, and we sign up for another round.

"The future is bright...this was the best time of my life... we have nothing to be ashamed of."

-Tim Howard on SportsCenter this morning.

Most saves by a goal keeper in the World Cup in the last 50 years, a world record... 

I believe, I believe in Tim.

So the door has closed, and it would be un-American if we didn't look to open a new one. So my part is to continue to create awareness as we develop this new venture of a PremierYouth Futsal League in Southern California. I know you felt it this World Cup, there is something different, something exciting. The sport we love is finally finding its legs as evidenced in our communities across the nation.

So now we must take action, providing our youth with the right opportunities to grow and compete with the rest of the world and ultimately become THE soccer nation. Am I crazy? It sounds like a lot of fun... You, me and most importantly, our kids. 

JOIN US

P.S. Thank you to all of you around the world for taking interest in this blog, it truly means a lot that you would take the time from your day to have a conversation with me. Love you Indonesia!

Nick Martinez

info@socalfutsal5.com

facebook.com/SOCALfutsal5

facebook.com/usyouthfutsal

Take My Bounce Away.

We have fallen in love with the sport of Futball because of the unpredictability of its center piece, the bouncing ball.

As players and enthusiasts we honor those who have the ability to tame the wild spherical beast.

The ultimate capacity to pass, cross, bend, dribble, and strike with such authority OR sensitivity just takes our breath away.

So what if the bouncing ball don't bounce? Or at least has a diminished rebound. What if it's a size smaller and a bit heavier? Do we lionize those who can accomplish the same level of athletic virtuosity with a slightly domesticated animal?

Of course people!! It's a Futsal ball, and as we are quickly learning Futsal provides a revitalized platform of skill, competition and excitement! The altered specs of the ball serve a dual purpose; fit  the small game, its surface and pace. And more importantly, serve the confidence, grace and tact of the developing player.

The USYF (United States Youth Futsal) website has a great visual comparison of a typical outdoor size 5 Futball bouncing, and a size 4 Futsal ball doing the same. Click on the image below or go to: Why The Funny Ball?

In our last post Pitch Perfect!, we discussed the impact of the smaller pitch, its blue plastic surface,  and its affects on the pace and intensity of the game.

Well, a smaller "deadened" ball would also play a part right? Absolutely!

As for the size, more and more coaches are training players in the style of south american coaching (ok let's just say it...BRAZIL) utilizing small balls during technical drills to further coordination, command, and accuracy on the ball. However, let us be warned, if the ball gets too small we all end up looking a little silly.

Oh yeah, especially him.

The lessened rebound of the Futsal ball gives the player a closer affiliation with the ball that translates directly to the outdoor pitch. This is needed to maneuver in small space and utilize various parts of the foot to accomplish more efficient dribbling, passing and striking. Especially the bottom of the foot which for some time was deemed inefficient in american youth leagues. Our country has learned from  the world around us when it comes to Futball, but we must now supplement our education with Futsal.

One man we all could learn from in particular goes by the name Falcao. As mentioned in a previous post (Ready to Sink My Teeth...) I briefly mentioned this master of the game. He is a superstar and celebrity around the world but as you already may have figured, not here in the U.S. Doesn't matter, it's time we know:

                

Alessandro Rosa Vierira (Falcao)
- Brazilian Futsal Player
- In 2004 and 2008 Futsal World Cup, recognized by FIFA as World's Best Futsal Player.
- The "Pele of Futsal".

"All the great (Futball) players started playing Futsal. I believe in a process where kids aged between 7 and 10 should only play Futsal. That way, because of the amount of contact with the ball, the kid will train for maybe one hour and will have possession of the ball many times. The kids end up learning the best way to hold the ball and the way to hit it. In Futball, a 7 or 8 year old kid on a very big pitch will touch the ball only 3 or 4 times and looses it as well, so it is a very big difference."

      - Falcao

Ladies and gentleman, to entertain the previous question of should we revere those who command the Futsal ball? You be the judge:

If the music moves you, turn down the lights and break out the glow sticks... I'm Not Sayn', 

I'm Just Sayn'.

Nick Martinez
N.martinez@SOCALfutsal5.com

Pitch Perfect!

Well my new Futsal Fanatics, the grass may be greener on the other side, but you've been watching the World Cup so you also know that grass is wet, and it's sticky, and it's submerged at times, comes apart at the seams, and just may have piranhas swimming around it at the stadium situated in the middle of the freaking Amazon. Oh yeah, and in the off chance its lustrous green pigment fades in the 100 degree weather, no worries, they just spray paint it...

Ah Braaaaziiiil.

Pictured above is the aforementioned venue in tropical Manaus. If I were this guy I would go with the John Deer Green or Satin Apple, only $22.56 at Home Depot.

While the Brazilian grounds crew work hard at feeding their white elephants, I will take this time to introduce you to a pitch that always stays true, and more importantly, always stays blue, (at least the really cool ones do).

Ladies and Gentleman, The Futsal court -

One of the Seven Wonders of The World, and how cool are those spiky things in the back??

Since the sport of Futsal is so relatively young in the U.S., you can only imagine the varied surfaces you may whiteness the game being played on. Cement, wood, turf, grass. However, the only courts that FIFA truly sanctions are the style that are pictured above. Most of which are made from PP plastic, Polypropylene to you gifted sort, and the same material you make thermal underwear with for those of us who sat in the back.

In the interest of staying interesting I will not pound everyone with measurements and specs. I have included an edited version of the FIFA Futsal Laws so you can read up on the exact size and lining of a true Futsal court. However, please remember what I said in my first blog.  You will whiteness all aspects of my journey building this league. Therefore, one thing I am learning how to do is Blog, and quite frankly I have no idea if this PDF will look to you the way it looks to me. To be safe, below is a link that will lead you to the full law book. Just skip to page 6, and don't read ahead or you'll ruin my fun.

FIFA FUTSAL LAWS

FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game Edit Court Specs.pdf

In all seriousness though, think about the material of the court, smooth hard plastic. Can you imagine how the ball races from one end of the court to the other? Now take into account the dimensions. A full size pitch for international Futball play is 105 m long by 68 m wide. A Futsal court for international play is only 38 m long by 25 m wide. Place ten players on that plastic court at 5 a side with a size 4 Futsal ball and my friends, you have pace. The exact skill that is essential to the young player of today.

I recently read a FIFA article published in 2012 that truly captures the intensity of developing your skills in a compact Futsal environment:

"Playing Futball in (Futsal) conditions corresponds to playing 37v37 on a full sized pitch. It is obvious that better technical skills are required to get past defenders standing so much closer together."

  - FIFA

I feel the need, the need for speed!.................. and touch.

Nick Martinez

N.Martinez@socalfutsal5.com

I Believe That Seal Will Win!!!

If you've been avoiding freshly baked pretzels with Rhinegeld, bratwurst with sauerkraut, and a fine room temperature Dulken...

If you've been waiting for your wife to return from soccer practice with your Jeep because there is no way you'll ever drive her Volkswagen...

If you've suddenly broke out your Seal CD collection because you feel in some strange way it may send bad energy towards Heidi Klum, well then my friend,

You've been preparing for the final day of group G play. Our yankie boys stepping toe to toe with the Meisters of Germany.

                 

 I know what you're thinking, "Seal is British!". So? Just play along, it's funny.

I'll tell you one thing that isn't funny, our national team failing to make it out of the group because of a 30 second lapse in concentration. However, if our country is to ever prove to the world that we are becoming a Futball nation, there is no better time than now. 

Yes, the U.S. and Germany could move on with a tie, which could be very possible if no one has scored by the 75th or 80th minute. But I think I speak for our country, our sport, and our Futball future when I say in the words of a great american:

"JUST WIN BABY!"

                                                                     - Al Davis

There could be no greater challenge. There could be no greater stage. And playing the way our boys  have, with such spirit and conviction, in the group of death, in the amazon, in a time when this beautiful game has the potential to progress in American recognition and market share. I say, we need this. Futball and Futsal needs this.

Its called inspiration, hope, a wish, serious Jiminy Cricket stuff. We have witnessed ultimate success in every other american played sport, even Hockey!!

                                                        "Do You Believe in Miracles?!"

                                                                   - Al Michael's

I'll tell you something though, it feels just a little different this time around. The U.S. has left the underdog realm and entered the year of the Dark Horse. And I don't just say this, for I am passionate about German futball. I follow all things German soccer so this is a bitter-sweet day for me. Klinsmann, Ballak, Schweinsteiger, Klose, Lahm, Muller, its all Deutscher Bund to me.

But it's the very reason why I wanted to start the SOCAL Futsal 5 league. To help our country compete with the likes of the very opponent they are about to face in just a few hours. It begins with us, you and me and our kids. We need to provide better coaching, better training, better systems, and the only thing our kids need to do is be inspired, be motivated, and know that WE WILL WIN.

P.S. Update: The area flooded, U.S fans stranded, field a soggy mess. Our LA Galaxy boy Gonzalez in the starting line up after a long hiatus... I call it THE PERFECT STORM.

Nick Martinez
N.Martinez@SOCALfutsal5.com

                                                                 

Ready to Sink My Teeth Into This! Sorry Suarez, No Pun Intended.

The Bite Heard 'Round The World!!

And a walk down the Hall of Fang... sorry, couldn't resist.

Now that we're hungry, I want to sink our teeth deeper into the understanding of Futsal. What is it? I asked in our last post,  not attempting to be snide, but to shed light on how little is truly known of  such an important sport. 

Simply put, Futsal is Futball, or Soccer for the unassuming american, fielding only 5 a side.  

More Importantly, it is the official UEFA and FIFA version of 5 v 5. That's right homies, Globe Cred.

Seriously though, this is Futball in its purest form, no additives, no preservatives. It is the essential precursor to the outdoor game of Soccer. Touch, Passing, Vision, Speed, Striking, the sport of Futsal is widely viewed as the ideal skill building environment for producing technically excellent Futball players.

Ever heard of this guy? 

Me neither, lets move on.

As the only internationally recognized small sided Futball game, "Futsal" comes from the Portugese phrase "futebol de salao" or the Spanish "futbol de sala" which basically means indoor Futball. The game originated in the 1930's and is attributed to the natural skills and playing style associated with Brazilian Futball specifically. To put the age of this game in perspective, lets look at what else was going on during the birth of this fabulous sport:

1. The Great Depression... not so fabulous, sorry for the downer.

So we're clear, this is a sport in its own right, enriching the outdoor game, but an event in and of itself. Futsal is played professionally in countries throughout the world and the Futsal players are revered just as much as the outdoor players you are watching in the World Cup.

Know this guy?

I do, Falcao. 

You can draw direct lines from Futsal playing countries to the world Futball giants ranked highest in the world such as Brazil, Spain and Argentina. Unfortunately, the global understanding is that the United States is behind when it comes to developing its Futball talent. Therefore, it is imperative that we introduce the benefits of Futsal to our youth so we too can develop the quality and spirit that is favored at the highest level of "The Beautiful Game". 

What else should we introduce? Good sportsmanship perhaps? 

In that vein, let us turn this message over to the man of the hour, Mr Luis Suarez!!! (Applause)

"I Vont To Suck Ala"

You'll get it in future posts, hang in there.

Nick Martinez

N.Martinez@SOCALfutsal.com

A Milwaukee Epiphany, Futsal Frenzy, and Sausage Sprints

"You are at the forefront of the Futsal Movement."

It's what Keith Tozer, Coach of the United States Futsal Team told me, okay us, at the USYF Futsal Leadership Summit earlier this month. I was just a guest at the time, but now I am a League Owner on that "covered wagon, heading for the coast". Another one of Coach's ironic California references that had me yelling "Eureka!!" as I departed Milwaukee to return to Los Angeles.

So here I am, sitting late on a Monday night (now Tuesday Morning) watching the Italian Sausage win yet another heat on SportsCenter thinking, "so where is this gold?"

"Easy numb nut, it's in South America!!" And in four years we'll be standing shirtless in Moscow with Putin screaming "I believe that we will win!", and in eight years it'll be summer in Qatar!!!...wait, maybe Australia. Anyway, my point is, Tozer wasn't telling me to go back to the coast and build a Futsal mining camp, nooooooo, he meant cities, communities, societies that include Futsal. And through the development of this sport we will find our gold: better players, better clubs, better national teams, better World Cup.

And how poignant is it that we talk about the development of our U.S. Futball (thats right, I said Futball dammit) players during this week of anticipation. Will they make it out of the group, or won't they??

I'll tell you one thing, in this competition our players and fans have already seen, and will continue to see the impact of a Futsal on this World Cup:

Ronaldo Foot Work v. USA

Yes ladies, he's not just pretty, he happens to be arguably the best player in the world.

"In Portugal, all we played growing up was Futsal. The smaller court helped my footwork skills... If it wasn't for Futsal, I would definitely not be the player I am today."

            - Cristiano Rinaldo


I know all of the jumping around between my Milwaukee epiphany, Futsal frenzy, and sausage sprints may seem a little erratic and obscure at this time, but I ask you to hang with me on this journey.  I look to describe the growth of a new Futsal league in Southern California in real time. The good, the bad, the ugly, and ultimately, the success.

Let's bring a sport that has been played around the world for almost 100 years to the forefront of our soccer player's development here in the states.

Join me, as we begin strengthening the Futsal presence in Orange County and expand north along Interstate 5 into the greater Los Angeles area.

This is OUR story, yours and mine, we are at the forefront of the Futsal movement educating our soccer youth in the key elements of:

Touch, Pass, Vision, Speed, and Strike!!!

So...wait, does anyone know what Futsal is?

Nick Martinez
N.Martinez@SOCALfutsal5.com