About FAST Soccer
Why
FAST Soccer?
Is
FAST Soccer new?
What
is FAST Soccer?
What
is the history of FAST Soccer?
Is
this just an oddball fad?
Why
the funny ball?
How
is FAST Soccer better than Walled Soccer?
Is
FAST Soccer as much fun as walled soccer?
How
does FAST Soccer promote better technique? |
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The FAST Soccer League (FSL) is committed to the support and development
of FAST Soccer® for recreational and competitive soccer clubs and
players.
- FSL will provide FAST Soccer leagues, camp, clinics, and training
as well as tournaments for all level teams to participate.
- FSL is locally owned and owner-operated and managed by soccer professionals with deep experience as referees and coaches.
- Both
Teams and individuals (free agents) can register for each
session with all games played at our FAST Soccer Facilities.
- FSL will have programs for all ages.
So, whatever your level of soccer experience, there is a fun, exciting
program available for you and your family at FSL.
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If skills development is important, FAST Soccer is recognized as clearly the best form of indoor soccer. But that's not the only reason.
- Better Skills Development - FAST Soccer promotes quality
touches
- Safer - FAST Soccer eliminates the injuries associated with
wall collisions
If you want a better indoor game which is safer and less expensive then read on.
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FAST Soccer is only new to American soccer; as is often the case, the US is just catching on to what the world already knows. Superior soccer skill is built by simulating the outdoor game indoors with small sided games and a smaller ball. World famous clubs have used this approach for years. So, in concept FAST Soccer has been around for many years but interest is just starting to explode in the United States.
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FAST Soccer is essentially, a scaled down version of outdoor soccer played indoors. It is a small sided game (5v5) played on a smaller field (roughly basketball court sized) with a smaller (size 3-4) ball. FAST Soccer is played with touchline boundaries. There are no walls in play. This is the game that outdoor soccer players around the globe play when they are indoors to refine and maintain their control skills and touch. It is superior to walled soccer in terms of developing better skills and technique. In traditional American walled soccer, players regularly whack the ball (and sometimes their bodies) against the boards, which promotes improper technique and too often rewards errant play. In FAST Soccer, players are constantly reminded to play the same quality control game that is required for success in the outdoor game.
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What is the origin of FAST Soccer? |
The origin of FAST Soccer can be traced back to the original game called FUTSAL which started in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competition in YMCAs; FUTSAL is frequently referred to as Five-A-Side.
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We think not. This is the way the rest of the world develops great players year-round. None of the successful major playing countries in the world including, Brazil, Italy, Germany, France, Holland, play indoor soccer in hockey rinks. Now that America is taking soccer seriously and wants to compete at the highest levels, FAST Soccer will begin to infiltrate the US indoor soccer scene. American soccer development will only advance to the next level when the indoor game advances to the same level as the rest of the world. It is not a fad, it is the way the world plays and American players and coaches will have to adapt.
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The FAST Soccer ball, also known as a reduced bound or low-bounce ball, is smaller than a normal outdoor soccer ball and heavier. There is a FIFA specification for the ball's size, weight and bounce.
These properties are specifically designed to build confidence and develop skill and technique. When a FAST Soccer ball is received, it virtually 'sticks' to the foot. This builds great confidence in tight spaces when rapid passes are being issued repeatedly. Interestingly, that same property which makes the ball easy to receive makes it more difficult to strike. A FAST Soccer ball gradually eliminates the 'lazy pass'. It is heavier and players rapidly get acquainted with the merits of bending the knee, turning the hips, and striking the ball firmly to propel it. Repeated touches on the ball eventually produce a motion which, when transplanted outdoors with a high bounce ball, translates into a firmer and proportionately longer pass appropriate for the big field.
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Is
FAST Soccer as much fun as walled soccer? |
Absolutely. If you like outdoor soccer, you'll love FAST Soccer. It is fast paced and exciting. With the field being so small, scoring chances abound and games are often high scoring affairs with many different players scoring goals. Even though the ball may go out of bounds, the ball must be put back in play within four seconds or the opposing team gets possession. This not only encourages better control but it also keeps players moving. You cannot sit back and wait for the ball to rebound off the boards (as in walled soccer) because you must fetch it promptly and kick it back into play within four seconds.
From a developmental standpoint, you satisfy the magic objective of teaching proper technique while having fun. This is, perhaps, the most wonderful achievement of FAST Soccer.
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How does FAST Soccer promote better technique? |
Just watch FAST Soccer players fight to keep the ball from crossing the touch line and you'll immediately begin to see how FAST Soccer develops skill, control, and technique. A small field with lines puts players constantly under pressure from other players and out-of-play boundaries. Players must learn to settle the ball rapidly, chop sharply, shield effectively, pass quickly and move into space.
Compared to walled soccer or large indoor field soccer, FAST Soccer places a greater premium on ball control. There is no reward for errant passes because the other team gets the ball. There is no reward for errant shots because the other team gets the ball. There is no incentive to 'kick and run' because the field is too small and packed with players. Players with the ball must use proper technique to maintain control and must seek out other players in space. Players without the ball must move to 'real' space and must truly support their teammates.
With FAST Soccer, the emphasis is clearly on control and technique. Without control and technique you cannot expect to succeed in FAST Soccer.
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