Michigan Lightning Futsal

Michigan Lightning Futsal is an internal club program where all Lightning players participate in one session of Futsal. Generally, Futsal is played in November, December and early January in one 8 week session per team. ​

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Location:

Avondale Meadows
1435 West Auburn Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309

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Why Futsal?

Futsal is a small-sided game (5v5 including the goalkeepers) played on a small field roughly the size of a basketball court. The game is played with the touchline boundaries and does not require the use of dasher boards. The official ball is a special low bounce ball that is smaller than an official size 5 soccer ball. Futsal develops the overall fundamentals of soccer more effectively. It has been proven that youth players develop quicker reflexes, faster thinking, and pinpoint passing. It is a superior game in terms of establishing players' touch and technique.

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Futsal Format

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• 5v5 with official Futsal goals
• 4 second rule to get ball back in play (maximizes touches on ball)
• Multiple 12 minute games

​Futsal ​Equipment Needed

• Tennis or Indoor Soccer Shoes. NO CLEATS!
• Water Bottle (water fountains are available)
• Shin guards
• Players encouraged to wear their favorite soccer jersey!

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Futsal Foundations

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• Allows players to frequently touch the one "toy" on the field, namely, the ball.
• The rules of futsal favor skillful, creative play above the physical contact that tends to be a feature of traditional indoor and outdoor football.
•  Presents many opportunities to score goals and score goals often.
•  Encourages regaining possession of the ball as a productive, fun and rewarding part of the game (defending).
•  Maximizes active participation and minimizes inactivity and boredom.
•  Provides a well-organized playing environment with improvised fields.
•  Reflects the philosophy of player development expressed in state and national coaching schools.
•  Reflects the appropriate role of the coach as a Facilitator.
•  Allows the game to be the teacher!

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