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

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