Indoor Soccer Coaching Tips

Indoor soccer coaching strategies will mainly depend on the size of the team that takes the field. If the team plays in a six on six league, the pace of play will be quick so the most fit players usually line up at the midfield positions. All of the players must have good ball possession and passing skills for the team to excel.

  1. Training

    • Use indoor soccer drills to help determine the field position for each player. Have the players work on possession skills and shielding defenders. Teach the players how to use low trajectory on shots, since an indoor goal post is smaller than a standard outdoor soccer goal post. Work on passing off the wall and retrieving the ball in the corners. Indoor soccer requires the players to have good endurance, so work on their fitness level by doing wind sprints.

    Starting Lineup

    • Identifying talent and properly positioning the players will make the difference between winning and losing. Develop a starting lineup and a back up unit. Decide which players are the most fit and consider using them as midfielders, since that position requires a lot of running. Put the best scorers at the forward positions, at least until the team has a solid lead and then consider dropping them back to midfield. Give everyone a chance to score by rotating positions if the team has an insurmountable lead in the second half.

    Positioning

    • Base the game day starting lineup on which players show the most ability during soccer training. If the team is playing in a six on six league, consider using one forward, three midfielders and one defender, which is a 1-3-1 formation. Since an indoor playing field is small, have the midfielders push up when possible, but tell them to be ready to drop back on defense when the other team has possession of the ball. This type of formation will require frequent substitutions, especially at the midfield since these players may tire at a fast rate.

    Strategies

    • As with all team sports, there is a time to attack and a time to ease off. If the team builds an early lead, consider slowing down the pace to conserve the player's energy for the second half. Rest the key players and give the second unit more playing time. If the team is playing a superior opponent and cannot build a lead or is trailing, use a more attack-oriented strategy. Have the goalkeeper cheat off the line to help keep the ball in the offensive end of the field. Instruct the defenders to take some long shots to keep the pressure on the opposing goalkeeper. Try putting one of the midfielders at forward for the rest of the game, or at least until the team ties the score.