http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6771-0398
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ABSTRACT
A contemporary issue in soccer talent development is the potential use of futsal as a training tool. This paper utilised survey methods to quantitatively assess the perspectives of high-level coaches working in youth player education, and players of futsal and 11-a-side soccer (n = 77). Respondents completed surveys before and following a showcase game between an Under-21 international futsal team competing against a Premier League Under-21 soccer team. Responses were positive about futsal as a training aid and specifically regarding skills transfer from futsal into soccer. The majority of respondents (89.6%) indicated “post-game” that futsal could be useful for soccer talent development. Similarly, 90.9% stated they would consider its integration into their programs. Analysis regarding futsal constraints and the impact specific rules may have on skill acquisition generally reported positive perceptions: 89.6% of participants suggested that pitch size improved skills (strongly agree = 33.8%, agree = 55.8%), 88.3% believed the pass back rule enhanced ball reception skills (strongly agree = 27.3%, agree = 61%), and 89.2% perceived that futsal can help develop “multifunctional” players (strongly agree = 27.3%, agree = 62.3%). Knowledge of constraints and the potential for skill acquisition linked to futsal participation is a first step in aiding soccer coaches to understand potential learning returns from its inclusion in talent development policies and programs.
Declaration of Interests
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.