Beach Football is a different type of associated football. Otherwise known as beach soccer, the player plays on the beach or sand. Just like playing on the stadium, this sport emphasizes agility, skill, and accuracy, particularly when shooting a goal.
How Beach Football Originated
The sports beach football originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1940 with the neighboring people playing on the beach. The first official tournament of beach soccer started in 1950. The goal was to unite the small competitions of local neighborhoods.How Beach Football is Played
Playing in the sand is not easy. Since sand has an uneven surface, it is a challenge among players to make passes. High balls and spectacular jump are more crucial to succeed in winning beach football tournament. Also, players need to be barefoot. It is not easy to play in the sand while wearing shoes. Hence, when FIFA made the rules for beach soccer, they have to take into account that players play barefoot.Rules of Beach Football
The football pitch for beach football measures 26-28 meters in width, 35 -37 meters in length, with a penalty area of 9 meters. The goal area should measure 5.50 meters in width and 2.20 meters in length. The minimum depth of the sand has to be 40 cm.For beach soccer, there are five players on the pitch for each team. The players can have unlimited substitutions as they want. Two referees should be on the field, with one referee and one timekeeper off the pitch.
Each match has three periods amounting to 12 minutes of play. There will be three-minute intervals each period. If necessary, an extension of another 3-minutes is awarded. However, this is only for special cases and if required by the officials of the game. Also, a penalty shoot-out is only applicable if the situation calls for it.
If a player is fouled, he is awarded a free-kick. Beach football-only awards direct free-kicks to any fouls committed. Creating defensive walls during a free-kick is not permitted as well.
Lastly, absolutely no shoes allowed. The ball is called into play, either by throwing it or kicking.