If it's raining steadily and outdoor fields are a quagmire, indoor soccer offers you a chance to stay warm and dry -- at least until you begin to break a sweat during its typical 48 minutes of sometimes frantic action. Many outdoor league teams move indoors in the winter and summer, between the outdoor spring and fall seasons. Others play indoors year-round to stay fit and maintain their touch on the ball. Six versus six is the standard format for indoor soccer for older youth and adults.
Step 1
Organize your team before the game starts into a workable pattern such as two forwards, one midfielder and two defenders. Ideally as your sixth player you will have a trained goalkeeper or even two, with gloves and a different colored jersey; if not, rotate players in goal each quarter or half.
Step 2
Improvise as play unfolds to move out of your nominal position. If you are a defender, take the freedom to rumble up the wings or center to bring the ball forward for a shot or assist. If you are a midfielder or forward, get into position to receive a pass, looking for clear lane between your teammate's feet and your own. Rely on the give-and-go and short passes to maintain the ball; long passes in indoor often turn into 50-50 balls and loss of possession.
Step 3
React quickly on transitions, so that you move forward or into a position to receive a pass after intercepting the ball. Drop back if the ball turns over to the other team; remember the common indoor slogan "five behind the ball," which means even forwards must come back and mark a player after a turnover. Give your goalkeeper an outlet by running back to a lateral position to the goal after a save.
Step 4
Rebound the ball off the sidewall if present in your arena to advance it to a teammate, set up a shot or to get past a defender. Pass the ball hard into the wall on one side of the defender and run around her on the other side to collect it and continue down the field.
Step 5
Substitute every two to four minutes as part of good time management. Run hard during your time on the field, remaining aware of the time of the clock and looking to substitute when your team is on offense. You can pair with another forward, midfielder or defender who knows to look for you. If you are coming in as a substitute, take the field quickly the instant your teammate steps through the door to the team bench or across the sideline of an arena that uses nets instead of walls.
Step 6
Call timeouts, if permitted, in the last two minutes to set up free kicks.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear indoor shoes with gum rubber soles rather than outdoor cleats. Attend a professional indoor soccer game for ideas on how to play your position and how to substitute. Observe the way the players swarm like bees down the field, swirling to contribute on offense or defense as needed; they essentially play anywhere needed while honoring their assigned position when feasible. Learn the house rules of your indoor arena on timeouts, substitutions and disciplinary infractions.
- Do not slide tackle in indoor soccer. Avoid boarding your opponent hockey style, by holding onto the lower wall as you poke your foot to attempt to gain control of the ball. Watch the height of your passes, as the ceiling and side net and light fixtures are typically out of bounds.
Things You'll Need
- Goalie gloves
- Goalie jersey
- Indoor soccer shoes
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