What is beach soccer?

Of all games involving the use of balls, beach soccer is a thought provoking one, considering that its one of the fastest growing games in the world. African cultures are embracing the sport too, meaning that Beach soccer is headed for some serious heights in future. Well, to understand what it’s all about, we must start by asking ourselves the simple question of What is beach Soccer?

Origin and history of beach soccer

Invented in the sandy beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, beach soccer or Beasal is a professional football game that involves a little bit of informality as compared to the original soccer game played in the grass football pitch. Beasal begun as a leisure fun game at the coastal beaches of Brazil particularly at the Leme beach where it was most popular. However in the early 90’s, attempts were made by interested soccer regulatory bodies like the BSWW to professionalize the sport. At around 1993, Beach soccer was now a certified game viable in the international tournaments level. Various countries like the United States, Brazil and Italy, organized teams to contend at the international level of the game.

Interestingly enough, Beasal was espoused really well by the people, hitting great turnouts at its international events. Remarkably, local Television stations begun airing the beach soccer matches live as well as advertise the game so as to create its awareness to the people. In 1995, the city of Rio was a bee hive of activities as it was about to host its first Beach soccer championship event.

Beach soccer made for television

Network televisions covered this event thus popularizing it immensely in the whole world. In the recent years Beasal has become a popular television event owing to the thrilling experience it offers to its viewers. In 2013 for example, the Beasal world cup held in Tahiti was covered live by several international sports television stations and saw numerous sponsors coming out to support this great event like the Coca-cola company.

The participation of popular football stars like the talented Julio Salinas from Spain and Brazilian player Zico in the Beasal matches has also attracted television coverage, since it provides football fans with adventure, wanting to know how their favorite players can do on the sand.

To some extent, the simplicity of this game has contributed largely to its admiration, since it requires a relatively smaller pitch, with small goals and a sandy floor. Normally, the pitch measures not more than 28 to 30 yards in width, by a minimum of 38 yards in length. The sandy flooring is meant to make the game venturesome, since it requires adequate skills to dribble, run and score on the sand. The soft sand also accounts for an erratic bounce of the ball thus necessitating more aerial passes between players, unlike the usual ground ones on a normal grass pitch. It is for this same reason that players opt to play with their bare foots, for easy mobility on the sand.

The rules of beach soccer

The standard rules for this game were set by the world football federation, FIFA , after a series of consultations from the stake holders, to know the rules that are workable on sand. Top on the rules of the Beasal is on the attire, Players must wear only simple clothing with nothing on them that can injure fellow players. The attire comprises mainly of a jersey shirt and shorts, no jewelry is allowed but ankle bands as well as those for the hands and head are allowed.

Each team has five players inclusive of the goal keeper and a minimum of three substitutes. The match lengths is thirty six minutes, however extra minutes can be added in case of a tie. No draws are permitted, one of the teams has to win failure to which three extra minutes are added. If neither of the teams wins within the extra time, penalty shootouts are declared on a sudden death note. Referees can penalize foul players through red cards and issuing free kicks which are meant to be open,(no wall creation by opponents).

Beach soccer equipment

The equipment required for the game are to some extent crude, though this is meant to keep the game simple as its a fast game lasting only a couple of minutes. The goals are usually five by eight foot frames, that are quite adequate in space for both the goal keeper and the scorer. Standard Nike 5 Beach soccer balls are preferred although any average size foot ball is workable with, so long as its well inflated and not heavy. For the foot wear, players are allowed to put on flexible ankle guards and beach socks, so long as they do not exceed a thickness of three millimeters.

Skills to play beach soccer

Well judging from the nature of this game, it is clear that boundless skills are required by players, if they are to make a win in this small sandy pitch. Players have to master proper ways of passing the ball especially through mid air kicks, since ground passes on the sand, mean a dragging move of the ball. Cooperation between players is key, as the Beasal pitch is small and the time provided is limited.

Another crucial skill that players should posses is the scoring capability. Players must be very accurate when scoring, since the goal posts are a bit tight and also there runs a risk of the ball slowing down on the sandy ground, while scoring through a ground kick. Conclusively, beach soccer is one of the most interesting ball games, largely because it takes more than just dribbling skills and speed to make a win.

Fanatics of this game should expect more thrill in the future, owing to the massive training Beasal teams are undergoing currently, in order for them to secure wins in international matches.