Beach soccer is a variation of the game of football that is played on a sandy surface. It is played on a smaller field than regular football, and teams consist of five players, including the goalkeeper.
The game consists of three periods, each of 12 minutes. If the teams are tied at the end of the three periods, there is an extra three minutes added and then a penalty shootout.
Players play with bare feet, although ankle guards are required. The sand is usually clear of seashells and other objects that can cause injury, before the match begins.
In order to protect the foot, players should use a technique called curling their toes back while kicking in the sand. This is a simple but effective technique that can help eliminate many injuries in beach soccer, which often involve broken toes or getting “turf toe”.
It is also important to wear shoes when playing beach soccer because the sand can become very hot and hard on the feet. It is best to wear a pair of sand socks or wrap your feet with a towel to prevent heatstroke and keep the feet dry during the game.
A good goal in beach soccer requires skill, agility and accuracy. The ball bobs up and down on the sand, which tests the players speed and their ability to react quickly.
The sand also makes it harder to shoot the ball, so players must learn how to get the ball in and around the net without losing control. This requires a lot of practice.
Depending on the level of play, players are taught how to make different types of moves with the ball. Some of these moves include rainbows, bicycle kicks, or volleys.
Because of the sand, the game is a lot harder than standard football on grass. It is also a lot more physical because the players need to be ready to change direction, run fast, and jump high in the air while trying to score a goal.
The sport of beach soccer has been around for more than 70 years and is now a popular sport in over 170 countries. Various initiatives and programmes have increased the popularity of the game worldwide. The first tournament was held on Copacabana Beach in Brazil in 1994 and the Pro Beach Soccer Tour was established two years later, following growing demand for a more official competition. The sport is now televised across the world and has grown to be an internationally recognised sporting event. It has been consolidated into the FIFA organization and became an official World Cup in 2005.