A Quick and Dirty Guide to Indoor Soccer

Indoor soccer is a fast-paced game with many of the same rules as outdoor soccer. The field, however, is only a little bigger than a basketball court. Most indoor soccer fields are walled and the goals are smaller and set into the wall. One of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor soccer is the speed. A smaller field means less players can be on the field. Less players mean each person must fill multiple roles. Team sizes can run from 4-on-4, up to 7-on-7 (this includes the goalkeeper). To explain further and give you a better idea, let me describe the league I'm in now.

I'm in a very low-level co-ed league (I call it the Sick, Lame and Lazy League). The levels are divided by skill. The less skill, the lower the team level. The teams are comprised of 7 players from each time on the field at any time, including keeper. Men can only touch the ball 3 times before another player must take control of it. For example: If someone passes me the ball and I stop it with my foot...1 touch. I then kick it forward a little...2 touches. For my third touch I'd better pass it to a teammate or risk getting called and losing control of the ball. This seems at first like a foolish rule, but it keeps any one player from dominating the game and also helps ensure every player can get involved.

Indoor soccer isn't just a game for young, healthy folks. I've been playing for about 14 months now. Prior to this, I'd never even kicked a soccer ball. At 37 years old, I seem to be the median age. I've seen 22 year old men be put to shame by 52 year old women (one woman was in a leg brace!)

Think you're interested? Great! But hey, you don't have a team! That's fine, most indoor soccer leagues have a house team that takes orphans. As a matter of fact, I've been on the house team my entire 14 months. Not sure if it's for you? Here are some great benefits of getting involved in an indoor soccer league:

1. Get in shape! Running around helps lower your heart rate, speed your metabolism and drop some weight.

2. Make friends! I've discovered that as I age, I just don't have the circle of friends I did in high school. Getting together with like-minded folks is a treat.

3. Have fun! Some of the people I work with try to give me grief about playing soccer at my age. I think of it like this, for an hour a week I get to be a kid again.

4. Regain your youth! I've discovered that playing soccer has improved my breathing and motor skills. It's also given me something to look forward to each week. It's been a long time since I've looked forward to something, how about you?

If you do decide to start playing, be careful. If you're older, check with your doctor. Remember to stay hydrated. Warm up and stretch before each game or you WILL get hurt. Buy the right gear, including shin guards and indoor cleats. Don't overdo it-start slow and develop your endurance and skill. I've seen people in their mid-50s out on the field and having a blast so get out there and have some fun!