How to Play Indoor Soccer: Team Tactics, Part 2

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Line up in a 2-3, or a 2-1-2, or in a 1-1-1-1-1! It hardly matters what you call it. International gurus like to meddle with intricate lineups in outdoor soccer, but it’s really easy indoors. Aside from the keeper, who is obviously tending the net, keep two players back, and let the other three play some form of midfield and striker. How aggressive the front three play is a matter of personal preference and game situation (protecting a lead or chipping away at one). And you can let people rotate between offense and defense on the field liberally, as long as they know that they’re doing so. Note that this requires extra attention on substituting, if certain players are only comfortable on offense or on defense.

2. Step 2

   Start and end with your best players on the field. You want to let everyone on your team play, but you give yourself the best chance to take an early lead if you’re a-team starts the game, and you’re a-team is best for ending so that they know what their mission is. Are they protecting a lead or taking chances to catch up?

3. Step 3

   If multiple doors are available, line up your defense near one and your strikers at the other. Midfield, if you use the position, can go to either one. This helps players on the field know where to run to and who to look at when seeking a rest, and it helps players on the sideline know where they’re going. It also helps the coach/captain keep track of the line up balance.

4. Step 4

   Consider switching players between offense and defense. Players who specialize at defense, midfield, or forward in outdoor soccer can be great outside of their normal positions in indoor soccer. It’s fun to try a new position, and a talented player can help out by moving backwards or forwards in the lineup.