Soccer Tennis: A Fun Way to Improve Touch and Creativity

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‍Soccer Tennis

Soccer Tennis is a fantastic hybrid sport that combines elements of soccer and tennis, providing a fun and challenging way to enhance your soccer skills. As the name suggests, this sport is played with a soccer ball and a net, requiring players to use their feet, head, and other body parts (excluding hands) to control the ball and score points. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the history of Soccer Tennis, how to play the game, and what you need to get started. Dive in and discover why Soccer Tennis is the perfect way to improve touch, creativity, and overall soccer ability!

History of Soccer Tennis

Soccer Tennis, also known as ‘foot tennis,’ ‘football tennis,’ ‘tennissoccer,’ and ‘futnet,’ has a relatively young history compared to the vast history of soccer. The sport was invented in the Czech Republic, where it is believed that players of the Czech club Slavia Prague started playing a game called football over the rope in 1922. Initially, the game was played with a horizontally stretched rope rather than a net. The first official rules of Soccer Tennis were framed in 1940, as the sport’s popularity grew beyond the training grounds of Slavia. This growth in popularity led to Soccer Tennis tournaments, and the first Futnet Cup was organized in 1940.

Soccer Tennis gained more recognition in the 1990s, with European and World Championships debuting in 1991 and 1994, respectively. Union Internationale de Futnet (UNIF), European Futnet Association (EFTA), and the Federation International de Football tennis Association (FIFTA) are the central governing bodies in the sport. Today, UNIF has members from countries such as the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, Colombia, Costa Rica, USA, India, Iraq, South Korea, Benin, Cameroon, and Mali.

How to Play Soccer Tennis

Soccer Tennis is primarily played in three categories: single, double, and triple. The dimensions of the court vary based on the category, with singles and doubles played on a 12 ft x 30 ft (3.60 meters × 9 meters) court, and triples played on a 30 ft x 42 ft (9 meters × 12.8 meters) court. The height of the net is set at 1.10m (43.3 inches).

Singles

In the single format, a player is allowed two touches and one bounce in their Soccer Tennis court. It is essential to control the ball and return it over the net without allowing it to bounce twice or go out of bounds.

Doubles

In the double category, a team is allowed three ball touches, but no consecutive touches from a single player. Only one ball bounce is permitted in the men’s category, but two bounces are allowed in the women’s and junior’s categories.

Triples

The triple format follows similar rules to doubles, with teams allowed three ball touches (no consecutive touches from a single player) and one bounce for men, while two bounces are allowed for women and juniors.

In all categories, the game is played in a best-of-three set format. It takes 11 points to win a set with a margin of at least 2 points. In case of a tiebreaker, the maximum score goes up to 15-14.

Soccer Tennis Equipment

To play Soccer Tennis, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment, including a soccer tennis ball, shoes, and a net.

Soccer Tennis Ball

A tennis soccer ball is similar to a standard soccer ball but glued. Its outer layer is made of 32 panels, just like a soccer ball, and is usually made of synthetic leather. In the 2016 World Championships, balls made of a material called ECOLORICA were used. This material, made of polyamide and polyurethane, is designed to mimic the features of natural leather.

Soccer Tennis Shoes

You don’t need special tennis shoes to play Soccer Tennis. Generally, any indoor sports shoes are suitable for the game. Czech sports company Botas has provided shoes for official Soccer Tennis tournaments for years. Adidas Samba is another popular shoe option for players.

Soccer Tennis Net

The width of the net varies according to the category of the game: single, double, or triple. As mentioned earlier, the height of the net is set at 1.10m (43.3 inches). The cost of an official net is around $160.

Tournaments

The first World Cup Soccer Tennis tournament was held in Košice, Slovakia, in 1994. The top-three positions in all three categories were shared by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. These four nations have dominated the medal places ever since.

The World Cup has since been hosted by various countries, including Brazil in 1996 and Cyprus in 2014. The Czech Republic has hosted the biennial event five times. The tournament took a four-year break from 2016 to 2020, and the next edition was planned for 2020 but was canceled due to COVID-19.

The next Soccer Tennis World Championship is scheduled to take place in Prague on November 26-28, 2021. The three-day tournament is set to feature more than 250 players from over 20 countries.

Soccer Practice Games

Soccer Tennis is an excellent way to improve ball control, first-touch, and overall soccer instincts. Coaches can employ various soccer drills focusing on ball control and first-touch to enhance their players’ abilities. Playing Soccer Tennis helps players work on their teamwork and communication skills, as well as their ability to pass, volley, and header the ball in a wide variety of situations. As players must coordinate with teammates to get the ball over the net and win sets and points, Soccer Tennis is a perfect addition to any training routine.

Variations to Try

If you find Soccer Tennis too challenging, consider increasing the court size and allowing more touches and ball bounces. Another fun option is to allow unlimited ball touches, encouraging players to perform tricks, flicks, and kicks like a bicycle.

Tips to Become a Better Soccer Tennis Player

Here are a few simple tips and tricks on how to play Soccer Tennis and improve your performance on the court:

1. Keep your distance from the net: While it’s tempting for beginners to stand close to the net, standing a bit farther back is better. Having more time to react increases your chances of passing the ball to a teammate or hitting it over the goal.
2. Let the ball bounce: Whenever possible, allow the ball to bounce. It is easier to control and pass when it has less power and speed.
3. Stay nimble and ready: Your position on the court affects the amount of space and time you have to react. Aim to be nimble and on your toes so that you can move into position when needed.
4. Give time to your teammates: When passing the ball, try to hit it upwards, giving your teammates more time to pass it back or hit it over the net. Aim to set up your teammates for headers over the net as much as possible, as this is easier than volleying and increases pressure on the opposing team.
5. Practice and be patient: Don’t worry if you struggle with Soccer Tennis at first. With more playtime, your touch and technique will improve significantly.

Conclusion

Soccer Tennis is a fantastic way to improve your soccer skills while having fun. Whether you’re a coach looking to incorporate new drills into your team’s training sessions or a player seeking a fresh approach to enhancing your touch and creativity, Soccer Tennis is an excellent choice. With its engaging gameplay and focus on essential techniques, Soccer Tennis is sure to become a favorite among soccer enthusiasts everywhere.