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 2×4’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
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.
