Lightning quick.

That is a description that encompasses the game of futsal, a more condensed form of soccer that is commonly played indoors.

The sport features a smaller size ball and a smaller playing surface than regular soccer. In addition to the size differences, a futsal match has a shorter duration than regular soccer. Futsal features two 20-minute periods.

FIFA, the governing body for soccer, is also the governing body for futsal. A world cup is held every Olympic year as futsal is not in the Olympic program.

In the United States, futsal is emerging as an indoor alternative to soccer. Matt White, junior, plays futsal during the winter months and is also on the soccer team.

“I started futsal about five years ago when I started with club soccer,” White said.

White’s team plays at the basketball courts at Mid-America Nazarene University.

The game of futsal tends to be more aggressive than regular soccer due to the harder and smaller playing surface. Collisions and slide tackling are more frequent.

“Players can slip on the court or slide into people, but you’re not supposed to slide. The court is hard, so if you hit the ground, it hurts 10 times worse,” White said.

Bradley Hanneman, senior, also plays futsal.

“Futsal is five on five and way, way faster than outdoor. You are constantly moving around and moving your feet,” Hanneman said.

The smaller playing surface requires players to have an increased awareness and superior ball handling skills. Both of which can then be applied in outdoor soccer and add to a player’s arsenal of tactics.

“It helps with quick footspeed to help get around players,” Hanneman said.

Footspeed is vital in futsal and can be transferred to the outdoor game as well. Quick feet can be a lethal weapon for any soccer player.