Coaching an Indoor Soccer Team? Use These Tips for a Winning Team!

There aren't too many difference between indoor and outdoor soccer. The differences that do exist can be very tough for coaches of outdoor to help their players master if they're used to outdoor rules. There's obviously a smaller field and team size and different playing conditions – thankfully that have nothing to do with weather.

There is plenty of sprinting as there is no out-of-bounds, and players do tend to get exhausted if not conditioned properly. That's why it's important to rotate subs often. There are six players including the goalie on an indoor team, so having 10 – 12 players total is perfect. The matches are about half the length of an outdoor game, but this varies depending on the age of the players.

Set up the team as follows:

• Three players for midfield and offense
• One or two players on defense – one can play up or one per side
• One goalie

Most recommend that the defensive players never leave their half of the field to prevent easy scoring by the opposing team.

Necessary Gear

Indoor soccer balls are much lighter, and sometimes resemble a large tennis ball. They bounce very easily which is why there are no throw-ins, and they can be played off the walls which makes for fun and excitement. Players should definitely learn to use the walls to their advantage.

Shoes should be either court style or turf cleats depending on where practice and games will be played. Nike indoor soccer shoes come in both styles and are one of the main brands purchased by players, along with Adidas and several others. It's important that the Nike indoor soccer shoes be fit perfectly, parents should not buy a half size bigger for growing into. Soccer shoes and cleats are not like regular shoes. They're only worn for one season and should fit snugly for better performance.

Aside from practice balls and Nike indoor soccer shoes, players need shin guards and sometimes a mouth guard is required.

Other Attributes

For indoor soccer, players need to be able to think quick. The game is much more fast-paced than outdoor. They also need to play most positions, since there are fewer players if something happens to one, another will have to take their place and play the position well. It's best to train everyone in every position aside from goalie, which only really needs one backup.

In some situations, an offensive player will need to help on defense as well. It's important that whomever is chosen for offense has the ability to drop back and play up quickly if needed.

Drills should include practicing the lineup, passes, dribbling, playing off the walls and implementing new rules. Other than that, most of the skills carry over from outdoor.

Where to Find Gear

Nike indoor soccer shoes and balls, cones, shin guards, mouth guards and the like can all be found at big box sports gear stores as well as stores that have a sports section. Good shoes to include Nike indoor soccer shoes can be found from online retailers as well. A great idea is to go into a sports store and try the shoes on there. Then do a web search for an online store and get any brand to include the popular Nike indoor soccer shoes for less. One may even be able to get a couple pair for the price of one, the most important thing is fit and making sure the shoe type is right for the type of surface being played on; so as long as the size worked in the store, it should be good to go for ordering online.