Indoor Soccer Goals
There are several versions of indoor soccer played around the world, all of which use pitches and soccer goals smaller than the usual full size ones used for the outside version of the game. In North America, indoor soccer is a six-a-side sport, whereas in the UK the indoor version of soccer is called 5-a-side and – as you might expect – each side fields a team of five. The version of indoor 5-a-side soccer sanctioned by FIFA with an official set of rules is called futsal.
The rules for playing soccer indoors are different to the outdoor game, although in the British version, games are normally played fairly informally and the rule variations agreed prior to the game. There is no offside rule in indoor soccer, and so there is no requirement for assistant referees. The goalkeeper’s area is a semi-circle, and no other players are allowed in this area – the goalkeeper is not allowed to wander out of it either. It is a free kick to the opposing side if the ball is kicked above head height, but otherwise the ball is always in play, as it can be bounced off the walls to dribble past opponents. This is one reason why indoor soccer is such a great game for improving fitness. British 5-a-side is sometimes played outside in a caged area and on astroturf – in this case the ball can be kicked and rebounded of the cage in a similar way that the walls are used in the indoor variant.
The soccer goals used for indoor soccer, 5-a-side and futsal are smaller than full size goals, and usually are lower than the goalkeeper’s height. Some goals sold by sports retailers can be used, for example, as a practice goal outdoors with 6 foot wide by 4 foot high by 2 foot deep dimensions. Then for indoor play, the same goal can be flipped over to present a target that is 6 foot wide by 2 foot high by 4 foot deep.
An example of such a “flippable” indoor and outdoor soccer goal is called the Alumagoal Lil Shooter, and fits the bill, especially if you are a club that fields teams at various age levels. For example, you can use this type of goal for all indoor practice, and also use it as a normal outdoor goal, either for shooting practice or for the younger age groups.
From a fitness perspective it always pays to play some indoor soccer even if you are normally playing your soccer on a full size pitch; and it helps greatly with close ball control and tight one-touch football.
