Three Ways Beach Soccer Makes You a Better Grassroots Player

As we've studied and observed the sport of beach soccer, its benefits for grassroots athletes have become more and more apparent. We already know it's a favorite and most fun activity for many teams throughout the year. But only recently has beach soccer really been evaluated for its effectiveness in player development, just like other smaller games such as futsal and many other forms of grass soccer. However, it is now clear that beach soccer is not only great fun, but is an integral part of the development of a more technical, tactical and stronger soccer game in the near future. 

Do you ever ask your players to be more alert and they simply can't stay that way? 

Is there ever a situation where a talented player sits on his laurels and waits for the ball to come in before starting the game? 

Would you like the opportunity to see your players work harder without being asked? 

Did you know that simply putting your player on the sand can not only solve these problems, but can make your player faster, stronger and more confident with the ball in less time?

Everything you do on the beach is 100% transferable to improve the grass game and skills. Beach soccer is the perfect complement to the grass game because it is played in the air with proper training. Including beach soccer training as part of the curriculum will accelerate and definitely help advanced players to reach another level in terms of skills and development. While the following are important aspects, they are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of benefits 

1. Running in high heels

We coined the term "running in high heels" to refer to players being more cautious. As coaches, we spend a lot of time telling our players to be alert so they can catch the ball faster. Many spend time doing a variety of techniques from heel lifts to "snap" speed steps and speed ladders. But when you run properly on the beach, running in high heels, where your toes go in first and your heels leave the sand (always, even when standing), it not only creates a "starting point" under your feet that allows you to move 3-4 steps faster than 10 steps, but also works the twitch muscles, tendons and joints so that you can react faster when you react faster when you return to the grass. Players from the sand will feel like they are floating on the turf or grass, especially after repeated training in the sand.

2. Lifting weights, the "new juggling"

When done correctly, beach soccer will be performed in the air. Lifting yourself is the "new juggling" technique we created because it is essential for all players to be able to do it eventually. It is also as frustrating and monotonous as the juggling staples we start each session with. 

This is done primarily through the "three little toes" scooping and lifting with the big toe and the second toe (the long toe). The significance of this training is threefold and its benefits are enormous.

First and second, the scoop-to-self and lift movements work the muscles on the outside of the leg (first) and therefore the outside of the foot (second). This is something we almost never do as coaches, especially with young players. What we do most is teach players to dribble and touch the ball with the outside of the foot, because it is well known that we run faster with the ball. However, weightlifting works on the outside touch of the foot, strength, and familiarity with bending and locking the ankle in a way we don't teach on grass.

All the focus is on "step-in" (shooting) and "medial foot", which is 100% leg development. For example, a few years ago by chance with 9u we worked on this technique. Although I didn't expect them to use it, a few people completed repetitive lifts on their own. Back on grass, without having taught them, I began to witness these players begin to pass and shoot with the outside of their feet. My own experience as a teenager was trying this, I couldn't lock my ankle and was mostly injured and had no power and/or accuracy. Now I see kids doing this without even thinking ...... because they have developed the strength and ability to lock their ankles from the "new juggling".

Third, this practiced technique now allows your players to have a more developed weapon for scooping, shoveling and lifting the ball longer distances at rest or even when running. This is a savvy technique that is rarely developed on grass, but is much more prevalent on the futsal field. When they have more mastery of the whole foot, it obviously provides players with more options on how to approach the ball.

As a coach, don't expect or push this ideology in a tactical sense with kids 12 years old or younger in the game. At the youngest age, practice technique, but don't bother them in a tactical sense or ask them to try to lift during the game. If they own it, they will try to show it themselves. The focus for the younger group is to have fun while building the building blocks for the future. If you let them steal passes in the beach game, you're way ahead, but be aware that when they hit the grass, the new skills they now have won't be easy until they get to the beach.

3. Shooting

This is easy to explain, but more difficult to conceptualize. The first is an actual technique that any coach who takes players into the sand needs to address. It is the player's feet that suffer the most injuries. Most of these injuries are related to broken toes or "turf toes". This is easily corrected and will eliminate most injuries in beach soccer. 

When hitting the ball in the sand, you need to develop the technique of holding your foot as if you were whacking someone with your hand. As coaches, we don't usually tell our players to bite their toes in their boots. Why would we? Unless, if we wanted to, the player would hit the ball with a tighter locked ankle and a firmer predictable surface, which would actually hit the ball harder and more accurately. 

Think of it this way ...... What creates a firmer and more powerful stroke? Is it opening your hands, extending your fingers, slapping or punching with your hands closed? Wouldn't it be logical to believe that your feet do the same? While you can't wrap your toes as deeply as your fingers, the surface is easier to control and more solid? 

Now, how does this remove the specter of toe injuries in beach soccer? It's really quite simple. As you learn the technique of kicking in the sand, your toes will bend backwards. This is a learned skill that takes a few practices to get used to ...... like "running in high heels" ...... but when you do, players practice by walking around on the top inches (centimeters) of the surface of the surface. The big toe and other toes are tucked in, so there is no resistance. Not only are they unaffected by the sand, but they are also unaffected by any contact that may occur. In addition, if they bring the ball back to grass and curl their toes in the boot, you will quickly realize how hard they are hitting the ball. 

This doesn't even address the most important aspect, which is hitting the ball on an uneven surface. Tell your players on day 1, "Never hit a ball that is stationary on the beach" unless they can clearly see that it is on a ridge. This is because a "stationary ball" usually sits in a hole, doesn't go anywhere, and can get hurt when kicked. 

As the ball goes in and out of the sand, players develop a mindset of slowing down and they become good at hitting the ball over the ridge. This comes back to the grass in a very favorable way that is hard to really articulate. But, simply put, a young player who has developed the opportunity to slow down his mind through this repetitive action will inevitably have the skills to do so on every ball that approaches them on grass. Thus, making them calmer, more skillful, and therefore faster is better than just being on grass and/or other flat fields or courts. The changing dynamics of an uneven surface predictably improves a player's vision of the ball exponentially. 

There is no better material for the beach than neoprene. It is not only salt water resistant, but also soft and comfortable. As a result, neoprene balls protect the skin on your hands and feet, whether you're digging or playing in the sand. In addition, these balls are easy to grip, making them perfect for children.