Soccer tennis also called futnet or football tennis is an exciting game played indoors or outdoors. The sport has been around for about 100 years and is internationally recognized with its official rules and regulations. Soccer tennis is an easy and simple sport to learn and it suits players of all ages and skill levels. It is a fan sport you can play at any gathering, in your backyard, for aerobic activity, or training football players among others. Here is everything you would love to know about soccer football from the history, rules, how to play, equipment needed, and why it stands out from other sports.
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What is Soccer Tennis?
Soccer tennis is a game that combines soccer and tennis into one. Basically, you are playing tennis but using your feet and a soccer ball as compared to a tennis racket and smaller balls. The game is suitable for players of all levels and offers an exciting and fun way to develop their overall skills.
The sport is popularly known as football tennis but futnet is the new international name for the sport. While soccer tennis can be used for practice for football games, this sport is independent, featuring an international body with its rules and regulations, competitions, leagues, and elite players.
Brief History of Soccer Tennis
Now that you have an idea of what is soccer tennis, let’s dive into the history of this sport. Soccer tennis has its origin in the Czech Republic. The first known soccer tennis was played at the football club Slavia Prague in 1922. The game was initially called ‘football over the rope’ because of the nature of the game.
It was played over a rope suspended horizontally and later the rope was replaced by a net. The sport involved two or three players on each side who could touch the ball three times with all their body parts excluding the arms.
In 1940, the first official rules of the game were written and the first futnet cup took place in 1940. In 1961, the Czechoslovak Sports Organization recognized futnet as an official sport leading to the establishment of the Prague Futnet Commission. International official competitions have been taking place for many years and Europen championships have been taking place since 1991 and world championships since 1994.
Soccer Tennis Rules
Like any sport, soccer football has its rules. To begin with, there are three disciplines in futnet namely single, double and triple. These disciplines are explained as follows:
| Discipline | No. of Players | No. of Touches | No. of Bounces | Court Dimensions |
| Single | One | 2 | One in all categories | 9 m x 12.8 m |
| Double | Two | 3 but no two consecutive touches from one player | One for men and two for women and juniors | 9 m x 12.8 m |
| Triple | Three | 3 but no two consecutive touches from one player | One for men and two for women and juniors | 9 m x 18 m |
Other Rules of the Game
Knowing all futnet rules is important to avoid penalties. Other basic rules of the game you should know include:
- You have to win two out of three games to win a match;
- A maximum of three players per team can compete and only two substitutes are allowed for each team;
- Each game has a break of three minutes and the teams switch sides;
- You need to serve the ball over the net to the other team to start the game;
- Players should not touch the ball with their hands or arms;
- Futnet uses rally scoring so you do not necessarily need to serve to earn a point;
- You can earn points when the opponent team kicks the ball out of bounds, the opponent team touches the ball illegally, the opponent team doesn't return the ball over to the net, and when the ball bounces several times on the opponent's side;
Equipment Needed to Play Soccer Tennis
You dont need a lot of things to get started with futnet. Whether you are a football lover looking for a fun activity with friends or a couch, these are some of the essential things you need to get started:
- A soccer ball;
- Soccer tennis court;
- Soccer tennis net;
- Comfortable footwear with traction;
Benefits of Playing Futnet
Futnet is not only an exciting game but also offers many benefits when it comes to improving the player’s performance. Playing football tennis improves ball control, footwork, heading, passing, communication, creativity, teamwork, and focus. Additionally, the sport promotes cardiovascular fitness because of the continuous movements.
Futnet is also an engaging and fun social activity that helps you bond with friends while enjoying healthy competition. International football clubs also incorporate futnet in their training session to boost players’ morale, allowing players to have fun and relax. This not only promotes team harmony but also improves their performance.
Tips to Help You Improve Your Soccer Tennis Skills
In conclusion, you can improve your soccer tennis skills by incorporating these essential skills:
- Stay a distance from the net to enable you to get more space to move around when your opponent shoots;
- Let the ball bounce to enable you to find accuracy and power;
- Communicate with your team members constantly;
- Begin with the basics and increase the difficulty gradually;
- When setting, pass the ball upwards to give your teammates time to adjust and hit the ball;
- Keep practicing to improve your skills;
- Join a league or club to enhance your skills;
