The role of futsal in football talent development: A qualitative analysis of expert coach perceptions

Futsal has become a prominent research focus, both as an individual sport and due to its unique potential for coaches enhancing football Talent Development (TD). This paper explores connections between game formats and the potential benefits of futsal to football through semi-structured interviews with ten elite coaches qualified in both formats. Inductive thematic analysis supported futsal as a potential tool to develop skills with results indicating that futsal could successfully and positively transfer to football with findings developing several explanatory mechanisms. Specific constraints of futsal, such as the ball, surface, court size and boundaries, were perceived to dictate player behaviours, and the skills they develop, many of which could be beneficial to football if delivered appropriately. Results indicate that futsal is characterised by high game speed, most notably during transitions (possession exchanged between teams) plus nuanced receiving and scanning behaviours. Findings suggest these elements are regarded by many as important skills in football TD. Against the positive perceptions on futsal’s value, findings identify potential barriers and provide views of how futsal should be governed and successfully delivered. This study could help coaches, coach educators and stakeholders to facilitate the growth of futsal as both an individual sport and as a positive tool for TD in football.