2007-10 Indoor Soccer

Hailey started playing indoor soccer today. This is her first time playing in an indoor league. She is on a team with many of the same players from the outdoor team she was on this fall.

Indoor soccer is played on a field the size of a hockey rink, except with artificial turf instead of ice. All the hockey boards are in place and there are extra tall tall boards on the end of the field. All the boards are in play, so players can pass off the boards to others or even themselves. The goals are cut right into the end boards. Because of this, even a shot that goes wide ricochets right back out for the possibility of a rebound shot.

There are nets above the boards to keep the ball from getting out of the field area. Also, the boards in front of the bleachers are clear so that the spectators can see the action right up close and don't have to lean out to watch. If the ball goes into the nets or hits the rafters, it is a turnover, and the other team gets a free kick. There are no throw-ins, just kick-ins. The halves are 26 minutes in length, with running time. Substitutions are made on the fly with the ball in play, or during a turnover. There is no offsides, so there are some breakaways on the goalies that don't occur as often in regular soccer. The kids do an awful lot of running.

Hailey enjoyed playing, but is still getting the hang of passing off the boards and giving it a full kick since the field is small and she is indoors. It really helps with some of the ball handling skills since everyone is so close together. Passes have to be quick and accurate. She enjoyed playing on the artificial turf, but it does burn some if you fall and slide on it.