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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Anatomy of a Futsal Player

BRAIN: As time and space are restricted, a player must be technically sound in order to produce a precise pass or a clever piece of skill. Tackles must also be well timed to avoid a side amassing more than 5 fouls in a half - if this happens, teams are not allowed to form a defensive wall for the subsequent free kicks which are awarded from the 10 metres line irrespective of where the foul took place on the pitch!

EYES: Good peripheral vision is essential given the smaller dimensions of the playing area and the fast paced nature of the game. One well placed pass can turn a defensive situation into a scoring opportunity. It is also vital to be able to read opponent's tactics.

EARS: players must often rely on the calls of team mates to be able to exploit any open spaces they may not have seen in the tight conditions. Also, with rolling substitutions, players must be fully conscious of instructions from the sidelines.

TORSO: physical strength is important as the players often have to jockey for position in confined areas. Because sliding challenges are not allowed, it is vital to be able to hold off rival players who might try to muscle their way into possession. Fitness is vital as players are using short, sharp bursts of energy. Those with good stamina will be better able to move quickly from defence to attack and then back again.

LEGS: Speed is essential with players needing to be in almost perpetual motion whenever involved in the action. Short, sharp bursts of pace allow the player to react to swift counterattacks or to get back in position after a foiled foray forward. As with all sports, a proper warm up is essential. Once the play starts, the action barely lets up for the 20 minutes of each half unless the clock is stopped for instances such as time outs, fouls or goals. Because rolling subs are used, players must try to stay fresh even when not involved in the action. A player can go from resting on the sidelines to being on the attack with the goal at his mercy within seconds.

FEET: Footwear that allows for a good grip on the playing surface, as well as providing maximum control over the ball is essential. It is important for players to be able to get rid of the ball quickly. There is no time for players to switch the ball to their preferred foot, so good control is a must. The faster the execution, the more chance of getting a shot away before a defender can close down the space. The ability to perform a special piece of ball skill can assist a player in turning an awkward situation into a bright opening.

...adapted from http://www.fai.ie/

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Take it to the Next Level

An amazing ad for Nike. A first person account of what a top level football star goes through! Directed by Guy Ritchie.
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikefootball/en__EMEA/index.html

a few interesting others are also available at the same website.