Playing regular five-a-side, seven-a-side and 9-a-side football can have a dramatic effect on player development. The small sided game in Brazil, known as ‘Futsal’, has been the training ground for many of the world’s greatest players over the years and the benefits of mini soccer are clear to see in player development.
Here at the ESF, we’ve put together some of the advantages to playing the mini soccer formats of the game so young players can understand the benefits.
The Benefits of 5-a-side, 7-a-side and 9-a-side Football
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- Time on the Ball
The key benefit of the Mini Soccer formats of the game over 11-a-side football is the increased time on the ball it allows players. Research shows that each player gets considerably more touches and time on the ball during a mini soccer match, which is crucial for player development.
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- Decision Making
With more time on the ball, aspiring football players are able to experience the game more and their decision making process improves. Players have more opportunities in live play to consider options and make a decision. The format encourages players to pass and move – keep practicing this and you’re well on your way to being the next Xavi or Iniesta!
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- Playing at Pace
Another huge benefit of playing five-a-side, 7-a-side and 9-a-side football is that the game is played at great pace. The game moves quickly back and forth, often with counter attacking movement, and teams who break at pace with more numbers than the defending team often gain the advantage. The pass and move ethos mini soccer instils in you as a young player is invaluable in your development.
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- No Egos Allowed
A smaller team has even less room for egos! You can’t afford to have a player only working for themselves and not for the whole team. Teams who work together as a unit will always reap the rewards, so teamwork is key and often something that coaches focus on above all else.
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- Enjoy it!
Mini soccer is fun! You get more of the ball and are involved in the game more, so it’s a great chance to for players of all abilities to improve. If you’re looking to take the fun to the next level then join us at with your team at ESF. There’s nothing better than being away on tour with your teammates. After an exciting day of football at the pitches, there’s all the facilities at Butlins, Haven and Disneyland Paris to enjoy with your friends.
Book Your Place Today!
In the end, the best way to improve your football is by playing the game! That’s why it makes sense to book you and your squad into one of our football tournaments at the 2016 ESF Festival of Football.
We still have availability for youth football teams of all abilities to join us for a great football tour and practice their skills at the ESF at Butlins Skegness and ESF at Butlins Minehead on 22-25 April 2016! It doesn’t matter if you’re a team based in Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brean Sands, Cambers Sands Prestatyn, Southport or the rest of the UK you can still get involved.
Get in touch online or give ESF a call on 01664 566360 and we’ll give you all the info you need to get your team booked in. We hope to see you soon at ESF 2016!
