Difference Between Indoor Soccer Vs Outdoors Soccer
Indoor And Outdoors Soccer Differences
Indoor soccer (also known as futsal) and outdoor soccer may seem similar from a distance, but apart from the obvious difference of being played in different locations, the rules vary between both types of game. Read on to discover the difference between indoor soccer vs outdoors soccer!
1. The Shoes Are Different
While most soccer kits look the same, you will be expected to wear a different type of shoe when playing indoors. Soccer cleats have huge amounts of grip, making them perfect to wear outdoors so that you don’t slip over or cause an injury on the uneven ground. When you’re playing indoor soccer, however, you will need to wear a pair of futsal shoes. Futsal shoes are similar to everyday trainers; they have a lot less grip and are softer to wear… making them perfect for an indoor setting.
2. Outdoor Soccer Has A Larger Space
Perhaps a more obvious difference between indoor soccer and outdoor soccer is the amount of space you have. Your ‘playing field’ will always be smaller when playing indoor soccer as the building can only be so big. You’ll either use markings or the walls to indicate the stretch of your grounds. Outdoor soccer, on the other hand, is usually played on a large field with no walls to corner you in.
3. Indoor Soccer Has No Throw-Ins
In terms of rules, this is an important one to remember when switching between indoor and outdoor soccer. When outside, you are allowed to throw the ball in. When indoors, however, throw-ins aren’t allowed. Instead, you will have to kick the ball in. This essentially means that you aren’t allowed to touch the ball with your hands, even if the ball isn’t currently in play. While this might seem like a tricky rule to adjust to, you’ll be surprised to realize just how naturally it comes to you after a while. And, besides, it means you can work on your kicking strength!
4. …And No Offside Rule
Speaking of rules, indoor soccer very rarely has an offside rule. This means that the other team may not get caught out as much as you hope… it’s safe to say a cool head is needed for indoor soccer.
Take this with a pinch of salt; there are no obligations against using the offside rule in indoor soccer, meaning it’ll entirely depend on the referee’s decision. It’s best to train with the offside rule in mind so that you’re ready for whatever is thrown at you.
5. The Formations Are Different
Indoor soccer teams are always smaller than outdoor soccer teams due to the smaller space being played in. Pretty much all outdoor soccer teams will consist of 11 players whereas indoor soccer teams can range from 5 to 8. It has been found that the ‘sweet spot’ is 6 players.
6. Outdoor Soccer Goes On For Longer
All outdoor soccer games go on for 90 minutes, allowing a 15-minute break halfway through. This is accepted as the norm, and due to being outside, 90 minutes is a more than doable duration for experienced players to cope with. Indoor soccer, however, is a 60-minute game split up into four quarters. You are allowed a 3-minute break after each quarter and then a 15-minute break halfway through. It’s these short stints that make indoor soccer the preferred option amongst those who aren’t as athletic.
7. Different Substitutions Allowances
Team managers love indoor soccer – want to know why? Unlimited substitutions, that’s why. If you’re used to outdoor soccer only allowing a limit of 3 substitutions, then you’re going to be shocked when you play indoor soccer. You’ll have full freedom over who plays and when.
8. Ball Possession
Believe it or not, a lot of thought has to go into indoor soccer. You have to be an extremely quick thinker and player as you are not allowed to possess the ball for longer than 5 seconds. This means that you have very little time for dribbling, and instead, have to pass to another player as quickly as you can. When it comes to outdoor soccer, however, you can take your time a bit more and dribble the ball down the pitch for as long as you like.
Ready To Play Some Soccer?
So, now that you know the difference between indoor soccer and outdoor soccer, which one would you prefer to play? While the rules of the game are pretty much the same, you now know that there are some things to think about while playing the different variations. Get your soccer balls and soccer bags at the ready and give them both a go; there’s only one way to find out whether the sport is worth your time and that’s by playing it!
