| Futebol Tennis: (1 vs.1) or (2 vs. 2) or (3 vs.3)
Futebol tennis is designed to develop ball handling skills under the
stress of competition. Players are forced to handle balls using
restricted touches and play balls back with accuracy and tactical
reasoning. Players develop touch and enhance decision making skills
while trying to engineer tactics to successfully out play their
opponents.
Futebol tennis is played over a net with grids on either side of
the net similar to tennis, volleyball, or badminton. The basic rules
of the game are outlined below but should be adjusted to match the
skill level of the player i.e. create a success oriented environment
where the players can thrive and experience a measure of achievement,
yet make the rules challenging enough to keep them on the edge of
their ability.
Tools:
A net is needed. This can be created with benches, or two chairs
with a broomstick laid across, or make it out of 2x4’s, or PVC. The
net can be 1 foot to four feet high. Players travel/gear bags always
work in a pinch. The court should be 5 to 6 yards wide by 6 to 8 yards
long on either side of the net. Ideal net height is 30 inches.
Rules:
Service:
The ball is served from behind the end line. (Beginning players
should use their hands; toss ball in front of them and play ball off
the bounce: Advanced players use feet only. Chipping is difficult)
Touches:
1v1 – players are allowed 3 touches and one bounce in any
combination per return. (alternatives could be 3 or 4 touches and two
bounces per side for beginners – two touches and one bounce or 3
touches / no bounce for advanced) 2v2 – players can use the same
rules/restrictions, as the 1v1 game but to truly reap benefits both
players should have to touch the ball before
the ball is returned. Ideal rules; 4 touches, 1 bounce in any
combination, two players must touch the ball before it can be returned
(less touches for advanced – more touches and bounces for beginners)
3v3 – ideal rules; 2 touches, 1 bounce per player, maximum 2 bounces
per side, maximum 6 touches per side, minimum two players must touch
the ball before it is returned.
Court sizes:
1v1 = 4 yds wide x 6 yds deep on both sides of the net.
2v2 = 6 yds wide x 6 yds deep
3v3 = 8 yds wide x 6 to 10 yds deep
Court sizes may vary according to the space available and the net
size and height. Use your imagination. We have found basements provide
some of the most entertaining environments for this game.
Final thought. Try building a net 30 inches high inside a goal
mouth. Run the net from post to post and build grids on either side of
the net using dimensions mentioned above. Now you have a height
restriction. This will promote a faster paced game, develop a higher
level of skill i.e. trapping & passing, and is ideal for
shooting/finishing development. |
