Soccer is always about the same passion, but not always the same field!
Among all the ways to play, indoor soccer is winning over more and more players in the U.S., especially in facilities like Socceroof. While outdoor soccer and indoor soccer share the same spirit, the playing experience is totally different. Here are the 5 biggest differences you’ll notice right away.
The field: from grass to artificial turf
That’s the first thing you’ll see. Outdoor soccer is played on large grass or synthetic fields, usually outside.
Indoor soccer, on the other hand, is played indoors, on a smaller artificial turf field surrounded by walls or boards that keep the ball in play.
The result? A faster pace, unpredictable bounces, and no timeouts to chase the ball, the game never stops!
The number of players
In outdoor soccer, it’s 11 vs. 11. In indoor soccer games, teams are smaller, usually 5, 6, or 7 players depending on the venue.
This smaller format guarantees that everyone touches the ball more often, stays active, and improves their technique much faster.
The speed and intensity of the game
Get ready to sweat! Indoor soccer is fast, intense, and full of action. Transitions between attack and defense are constant, passes are quick, and there’s hardly any time to rest.
It’s also a great physical workout, you’ll build your speed, coordination, and agility.
Many players use indoor soccer training to boost their explosiveness and stay sharp between outdoor seasons.
The rules of the game
Indoor soccer has its own set of rules:
No throw-ins, the ball bounces off the walls, so play almost never stops.
No offside rule, giving players more freedom to move.
Stricter fouls, to keep the game clean and avoid dangerous contact on smaller fields.
These differences make indoor soccer matches more dynamic, fluid, and beginner-friendly, while still being challenging for experienced players.
The atmosphere and experience
And finally, the biggest difference, the vibe.
Indoor soccer games are usually played among friends, after work, or on weekends, in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
At Socceroof, our indoor soccer fields are designed for you to enjoy from start to finish: music, lights, a bar, rooftop, and chill areas, everything you need to enjoy both the match and the after-game hangout.
In short, indoor soccer and outdoor soccer share the same love for the game, but not the same rhythm.
The first focuses on speed and technique, while the second emphasizes strategy and competition.