Ala (Futsal)

In futsal, the ala, winger or wing or flank is a player constantly moving forward and backward in the sides of the pitch (left-ala and right-ala), between defense and attack. This position is not as offensive as the pivot, yet not as defensive as the defender.

Association football can have from one to three single side players based on official formation (3-5-2 to 4-3-3), but the ala or winger in futsal is alone on their dedicated area. And another comparison with football - Futsal is more dynamic game , however, you don't always see designated wingers at each side and their role is more flexible on the pitch. If both football wingers rotate twice in half-time, it could be enough, but futsal wingers can rotate many times during one short attacking combination in less than one minute.

Futsal positions overview

Roles

• Agility and Speed - rapid transition is key part of futsal play and futsal winger must be very fast by the line. Speed is also accompanied by quick changes of direction, sharp turns and agility - kind of boxing sport
• Close ball control -Futsal court is small and ala is still close to the out-line, so it requires excellent ball control. Wingers should be able to dribble smartly, slip through tight spaces like samba dancer. Their motto could be glued ball to the feed while moving at speed.
• Dribbling and Trickery - Agility and dynamic is important, but is useless without creativity. Good winger masters a range of moves to confuse defenders and open up attacking lanes or spaces for teammates.
• Passing and Vision - Agility and creativity in one-to-one play must be delivered with playmaking skills. Potting runs, one-touch passes and combinations with teammates are vital. Vision then supports decision-making about pass, shoot, or dribble options.
• Shooting Ability - Alas often get chances to shoot from sharp angles near the corners or during quick counter-attacks. Futsal goal is small and goalkeeper is forecasting angles so shoot accurately with power and finesse, during the move is the a must.
• Defensive Play - All futsal squad players has to defend and goalkeepers attacking is more and more important. However, futsal ala is like yo-yo, if they make mistakes, deadly counter-attack can start. Defensive play skills include Tackling, intercepting passes, and closing down opponent.
• Stamina and Endurance - Futsal alas are constantly sprinting, defending, and attacking without much rest, so they need great stamina. It is most obvious from all futsal positions.

Notable wingers

• Javi Rodríguez
• Ricardinho
• Adriano Foglia
• Vinicius
• Pany Varela
• Ahmad Esmaeilpour
• Sergio Lozano

Analysis of performance

Japanese sport scientists have analysed futsal players performance and confirmed maximal stamina demand for alas. They found that the winger position is more physiologically demanding than the pivot position with the ball and the defender position without ball possession in adults.

Japanese analysis focused on two parameters (Youth/Adult and position Gk,Df,P,A). Important 3rd dimension was added by Spanish sport scientists during analysis of most advanced Spanish futsal league. The parameter is relative/explosive distance and highest intensity of wingers was confirmed. Interesting is also analysis of differences between first and second half performance

Less scientific analysis of ala importance come from the Lithuania World Cup where Portuguese winger Pany Varela was the star of the World Cup final against Argentina

References

Category:Futsal positions

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