Arena soccer or better known as Futsal is a variant of soccer played on a smaller field with fewer players, namely five players per team. Futsal has a fast game tempo, high technique, and requires excellent ball control. Arena soccer training helps players improve basic soccer skills, such as ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting, while improving physical endurance and mental strength.
Here are some exercises that can be done to improve your ability to play arena soccer.
1. Warming up and Stretching
Warming up is a very important first step before doing any training. In futsal, because of the limited space, players often move quickly and over short distances, so a good warm-up is very helpful in preventing injury. Kakek Merah
Example of futsal warm-up:
Jog lightly around the field for 5-10 minutes.
Stretching the leg, back, and hip muscles, because tension in these muscles is very common in futsal.
2. Ball Control Exercise
Ball control is a basic skill that every futsal player must master. The ability to control the ball quickly and accurately determines the smoothness of the game.
Ball Control Exercise:
Control the ball with the inside of the foot: Practice controlling the ball with the inside of the foot to control the incoming ball more stably.
Control the ball with the outside of the foot: Use the outside of the foot to change the direction of the ball or avoid opponents with quick movements.
Juggling the ball: Do ball juggling (keeping the ball controlled in the air) to improve agility and ball control.
3. Dribbling Exercise
Dribbling is an important skill in futsal because players often have to move quickly with the ball around opponents. In a tight space, good dribbling skills will allow players to pass opponents and create goal opportunities.
Dribbling Exercise:
Zig-zag dribbling: Use cones or small poles as obstacles, and practice dribbling the ball in a zig-zag manner through the obstacles. Focus on ball control and speed.
Dribbling with both feet: Practice using both feet when dribbling, not just your dominant foot. This will give you flexibility when avoiding opponents.
1v1 Dribbling: Practice with a partner, alternating between the dribbling player and the defending player. The dribbling player tries to get past the defender, while the defender tries to take the ball.
4. Passing Practice
Because the size of the futsal field is smaller, fast and accurate passing is very important to create attacks and take advantage of empty space. Players need to master passing techniques both at short and long distances.
Passing Practice:
Short Pass: Practice passing at short distances, using the inside of the foot to provide accurate passes. Focus on accuracy of passing and ball control.
Long Pass: Practice long passes with the inside or outside of the foot to send the ball to areas further up the field. This long passing technique is very important in fast transitions.
One-two Pass: Practice one-two passing or wall pass, where the player passes the ball to a teammate and immediately runs to receive the ball back. This drill improves team discipline and teamwork.
5. Shooting Drills
Becoming a goal scorer is the main goal in arena soccer. Therefore, shooting drills are very important. Futsal players must be able to shoot accurately from various positions and angles within the limited playing area.
Shooting Drills:
Inside-footed shots: Practice shooting with the inside of the foot to ensure the ball goes to the target with precision.
Tight-angle shots: Practice shooting from disadvantageous positions or from tight angles. This helps players learn to overcome difficult situations when scoring goals.
Volleyball shots: Volleyball shots (kicking the ball that comes in the air) help players improve their shooting skills when the ball is not always on the ground.
6. Defense and Defensive Positioning Drills
Although futsal is better known as an attacking game, defenders also have a very important role. Defenders must be able to read the game, take the ball from opponents, and block the opponent's goal attempts.
Defensive Drills:
1v1 Defensive: One-on-one defensive drills where the defender tries to take the ball away from the dribbling player. Focus on controlling distance, body position, and timing.
Two-footed Defensive: In futsal, defending is done with both feet, not just your dominant foot. Practice moving quickly to follow the opponent's movements while maintaining position and balance.
Shot Blocking: Practice