Soccer Variations Around the World: A Full Guide
The soccer ball has been at the heart of the sport for centuries, evolving into many exciting soccer variations played around the world. From the regular game on grass to futsal and soccer tennis to beach and swamp football, each version tests different soccer related skills such as dribbling, passing, defense, and decision making.
Whether you’re an offensive player attacking the opposing team’s goal, a defender working on strategy, or just having fun with friends, these variations offer fresh ways to play, train, and become better at soccer. Before your next training session, or even as a stand alone session, it is important for players to explore the different variations of soccer and use them as training tools.
In this blog post, I will be going over some of the most popular soccer variations around the world.
Top Soccer Variations around the World
Football/soccer
Football, called soccer in the USA, is the most famous version of the beautiful game. It appeared in England in the mid-19th century and over time became the most popular sport in the world to play and to watch.
Back in the day, to see some of the most prestigious games with their own eyes, fans traveled thousands of kilometers in personal transport, such as by a cars won at a car auction, or via plane or train. The objective of a full-sized soccer game is to score more goals than the opposing team before the time runs out and while following the rules of the game.
American football
In the 1960s students of several American universities jointly invented a new team sport which became something between soccer and rugby and was called American football. In the following years, this game became a full-fledged sport and quickly gained popularity.
Today, American Football is one of the most famous sports in the world that uses a field measuring 120 by 54 yards and an oval ball. To win a game of American Football a team must score more points than the opponent by advancing the ball into the opposing end zone for touchdowns, or by kicking field goals.
Futsal
Futsal is a popular mini-version of classic football/soccer that is played in an indoor court. It originated in the 30s of the last century in Uruguay and, due to its availability, quickly began to gain popularity all over the world.
It is played on unique rectangular pitches, and the sizes of these futsal courts can vary from league to league and country to country. In futsal, two teams participate in the matches, each consisting of 5 players and the goal is the same as in football / soccer – to score more goals than the opponents using any legal means.
One futsal game lasts 40 minutes, 2 20 minute halves and a 10-15 minute halftime break.
Beach Soccer
Beach soccer is similar to futsal in that it is a 5-a-side game, but clearly the format and arena of the events are different. Beach soccer originated in Brazil in the 20s of the last century and due to its accessibility and minimum problems in organizing the game it has quickly gained popularity.
Beach soccer is a competition between two teams of 5 player who play with a small ball on a rectangular area covered with a layer of sand or simply on a field created on the beach. The players’ objective is to score the ball into the opponent’s goal by any legal means (without fouls and handball) and the winner of the match is the team that scores the most goals once the final whistle blow.
Gaelic Football
Gaelic Football is an unusual type of football appeared in the second half of the 17th century in County Meath (eastern Ireland) that gradually spread throughout the country and eventually beyond its borders.
Gaelic football combines individual elements present in classic football, as well as in basketball and rugby and it is played in various different parts of Great Britain. The main rules of Gaelic football involve two teams of 15 players each competing on a rectangular grass field with H-shaped goals at each end.
Players can carry, kick, and hand-pass the ball to move it up the field, and points are scored by either kicking or punching the ball over the crossbar (1 point) or into the net beneath it (3 points). The objective of this sport is to try to get the maximum number of points and get more than the opposing team.
Florentine Calcio
Florentine Calcio is an unusual type of football that appeared in the Middle Ages with its birthplace being Florence, Italy, where the first matches of this sport were held. The main feature of this variation of football is the use of homemade balls made of genuine leather or fabric as well as the violence and physical force involved.
You can kind of this of game as part sport, part brawl, and it is one of the most savage sports in the world. If you’re really interested in learning more I would suggest searching up a video about this sport because it is brutal.
The winner of the match is the team that scores more goals in 50 minutes of playing time by any means.
Soccer Tennis
Soccer tennis is a soccer variation that combines tennis, volleyball, and soccer, requiring players to pass a soccer ball over a net using only their feet, head, chest, or knees. The goal is to make the opposing team fail to return the ball before it touches the ground, just like in regular tennis.
This game improves quick decisions, ball control, and passing skills, making it a great training session for offensive players and defenders. Whether played for fun with friends or as part of a competition, soccer tennis is a good game for developing soccer specific skills in a creative way.
Soccer Ping Pong
Soccer ping pong is similar to soccer tennis except it is played on a table where players must kick the ball over a net and land it on the other side. It challenges a player’s ball control, pace, and direction, while forcing them to think strategically and it mixes elements from soccer, soccer tennis, and ping pong.
This soccer variation helps players develop their ball control and quick reactions, making it a valuable training tool. Many professional soccer players and clubs have soccer ping pong table around their facilites so players can play and train almost anytime and anywhere.
Hacky Sack
Hacky sack is a soccer variation that enhances control, dribbling, and quick decisions by keeping a small ball in the air using only the feet, head, knees, or chest. The game can be played solo for practice or with more players in a casual competition.
Summary
Soccer has evolved into many exciting soccer variations worldwide, each testing different skills like dribbling, passing, defense, and quick decisions. From futsal and beach soccer to soccer tennis and hacky sack, these versions provide fresh ways to train, compete, and have fun.
Whether you’re a serious player or just playing with friends for fun, these games can improve your overall soccer abilities if you spend time on them consistently. In this blog post, I went over some of the most popular soccer variations around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any variations of soccer?
Yes, there are many variations of soccer such as the ones on this list, including futsal, beach soccer, soccer tennis, soccer ping pong, hacky sack, and even others not on this list such as swamp football.
How can I begin improving my soccer skills right now?
To begin improving your soccer skills right now, check out our post on the best soccer training drills. If you are looking to accelerate your progress, contact us or sign an interest form for our private training program.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
