How Does Indoor Soccer Differ From Outdoor Soccer?
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Soccer
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Indoor and outdoor soccer share many similarities, but they are also quite different. The biggest difference, obviously, is that indoor soccer is played in an enclosed indoor arena, while outdoor soccer is played outside on a field. There are other important differences as well. Indoor soccer is generally considered to be more fast-paced than outdoor soccer because there are fewer players and a smaller field.
The Players and the Field
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Indoor soccer teams typically only include five to six players, while outdoor soccer teams usually have 11 players, although the number of players may vary based on the soccer league. The playing field for indoor soccer is also considerably smaller than outdoor soccer, which increases the pace of the game. The U.S. Soccer Federation recommends that indoor soccer fields be 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. The size of outdoor soccer fields varies based on the age group of the players, but the U.S. Soccer Federation rules permit fields to be no greater than 120 meters long and 90 meters wide.
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Goals and Boundaries
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Another important difference between indoor and outdoor soccer involves the goals and boundaries. Outdoor soccer goals are freestanding, while indoor soccer goals are built into the arena wall. This is why many experts believe playing indoor soccer helps improve shooting accuracy. Additionally, outdoor soccer fields are clearly marked with boundaries and a ball is considered "out of bounds" when it goes past those boundaries. In an indoor soccer game,players may kick the ball off the walls, which adds a new technique to the game that is not available in outdoor soccer.
A More Fast-Paced Game
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These major differences make the game of indoor soccer somewhat different from outdoor soccer, but playing indoor soccer can be a great way for soccer players to improve shooting accuracy and speed. Indoor soccer is generally considered to be a more fast-paced game, so it can be a fun alternative for soccer players looking for a change.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Lusi at http://www.sxc.hu
