Futsal match

Playing football at the grassroots level isn’t always easy. Whether you’re struggling to buy the necessary football equipment or find a local team, getting involved can be a challenge. That’s why finding fun alternatives that are accessible and easy to play is important. 

Yes, nothing beats the traditional game in terms of fun and coming together with your peers in the pursuit of a common goal. But when you’re in the mood for a quick kickabout or something a little different, there are some very interesting options out there. Here are five of the best!

1. Tennis Football

There are actually two types of tennis football. While one requires something akin to a ping pong table, the other can be enjoyed with just a football, some football markers and an area of open space. 

Setting up a quick game of tennis football couldn’t be easier.

Divide players into two teams, usually with two or three players on each side. Create a court using football cones and markers — similar to a tennis court but with smaller dimensions.

The Objective

The aim of the game is to keep the ball in play by passing it over the net using any part of the body except the hands or arms. Remember, however, that you can create your version of a net with a series of cones. Players must try to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's side of the court.

Scoring

Points are scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball over the net or if the ball lands out of bounds. The first team to reach eleven points wins a set, with a maximum score of 15:14. To win a match, a team must win two sets.

Rules

Players must adhere to standard football rules regarding out-of-bounds, fouls and fair play. Additionally, players should avoid using excessive force when hitting the ball over the net.

Equipment

Tennis football can be played with a standard football or training football. The court can be marked out with cones or lines.

2. Footgolf

It’s golf, but not as we know it. Substitute the clubs for feet, the golf balls for footballs and the holes for small football goals or cones — and you’ve got yourself a game of footgolf!

The Objective

The aim is to kick a football into the designated holes on the golf course with as few kicks as possible — in the same way you would during a game of golf.

Setup

Players start at a designated tee area and take turns kicking the ball towards the ‘hole’. The player with the fewest kicks to complete the course wins. You can set up tee zones and holes with football cones, but some people use small portable football goals if they have sufficient space. 

Rules

Each player must kick the ball from the teeing zone — usually marked by a tee — until it reaches the hole. Players take turns, with the player furthest from the hole kicking first.

The ball must be played where it lies, and obstacles on the course must be avoided.

Scoring

Scores are based on the number of kicks it takes to complete the course. The player with the lowest score at the end of the round wins.

3. Futsal

Futsal is a variant of football that’s played indoors on a hard surface. Unlike traditional football, futsal is played between two teams of five players each. This fast-paced game involves players using their feet to pass and control the ball. Futsal is played to lines, meaning it has clear court boundaries, and it requires a hard and flat surface.

To play futsal:

  • Gather two teams of five players each.
  • Set up the court, ensuring it has clear boundaries.
  • Start the game with a kick-off from the centre spot.
  • Players use their feet to pass, dribble and shoot the ball towards the opposing team's goal.
  • The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands within their penalty area.
  • The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.

Futsal emphasises skillful ball control, quick passing and agility —making it an exciting and dynamic sport enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels

Perhaps the biggest difference between futsal and five-a-side football is the ball used. A futsal ball is smaller and is less inflated to make it less bouncy. This is believed to promote increased ball control and less reliance on long passes and speculative shots. 

4. FooBaSKILL

FooBaSKILL is a hybrid game developed in Switzerland that integrates elements of football (soccer) and basketball. The game was designed to emphasise coordination, creativity and skill development.

FooBaSKILLcombines lower-body movements from football with upper-body actions from basketball — challenging athletes to become versatile and well-rounded.

Equipment

You need a playing area with basketball baskets and FooBaSKILL goals installed on opposite halves of the field.

Teams

Divide players into two teams, with an equal number of players on each side.

Objective

The aim is to score goals by kicking a ball into the FooBaSKILL goals located on one half of the field.

Rules

The basic rules mirror those of football, with players using their feet to control and pass the ball while avoiding handballs. However, players can also use basketball-style dribbling, passing and shooting techniques.

FooBaSKILL provides a dynamic and engaging experience — blending the best of football and basketball to create an all-round test for the body.

5. Bubble Football

Bubble football, also known as bubble soccer, is a recreational sport that involves playing football while partially encased inside an inflated torus bubble.

Players wear inflatable zorb suits, which cover their upper body and head — leaving their legs free to move. The objective is to play football while bumping, bouncing and colliding with opponents, which can add an element of hilarity to the game. 

Bubble football is a fun and entertaining activity suitable for parties, team-building events and casual gatherings. While this game won’t develop any of your core skills as a footballer, it might be a great way to spend an afternoon with your teammates.

Learn more about bubble football here. 

Even if you’re playing for fun, these football variants offer fun and exciting ways to stay active and socialise with friends, loved ones and teammates.