We refer to dribbling in Futsal as the technique used to allow a player to move with the ball in a particular direction without being dispossessed by an opponent.
When dribbling a Futsal player uses the sole of the foot frequently to move the ball. This allows the player to maintain close control on the fast smooth surface where space is limited and opponents are never far away!
However introducing the use of the sole of the foot as one of the primary ways of travelling with the ball presents problems to footballers who often find the technique alien and contradictory to what they have been taught for the outdoor game. However in emphasising the following we can begin to encourage players to execute a great Futsal dribble:
1) Shielding the ball – using the body to protect the ball from a defender and feeling the ball with the sole of the foot.
2) Deception – using feints and and sharp turns to move away and into space using multiple touches to change the direction the ball is travelling.
3) Moving the ball – using the heel and toe, the inside and outside of the foot as well as the sole of the foot so the ball is never stationary.
As in football having the ball under your control at all times is the most important factor.
Practise of the above incorporating sudden bursts of acceleration and stopping sharply will allow players to be more successful in 1v1 situations.
The most successful Futsal dribblers are creative and imaginative thinkers and a coach can foster this type of thinking by providing young players with the opportunity to be creative and imaginative whenever they play remembering not to punish errors – mistakes are what players learn from!
Englands Stuart Cook (number 12) is an outstanding Futsal dribbler. Take a look at this short video showcasing his skills on the International stage which will provide you with a good understanding of how to move with the ball on a Futsal court without being dispossessed.
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