# Advice on indoor vs. outdoor soccer **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 8, 2007, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962 "2007-10-08T17:56:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jayrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/1 "2007-10-08T17:56:43Z")
I’ve joined a local co-ed indoor soccer league. Having only played outdoor soccer, I expect there will be a lot to adapt to. Any advice? I’ve already got a nice pair of indoor shoes, so that’s certainly #1 out of the way. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/2 "2007-10-08T18:19:25Z")
You’ll want to avoid attempting any sliding tackles. ---
**Author:** ![Busy\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d78d45/32.png) [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/3 "2007-10-08T18:34:53Z")
Quite a big difference - you’ll be staying on your feet 100% of the time as \*\*Struan \*\*says (unless you really feel like doing someone 😉 - just noticed that its a co-ed league, so scratch that). Because the surface is usually perfect, the ball goes exactly where you kick it - which is a good or a bad thing depending on skill level. The ball also travels much faster along the deck, so it can make for a fast, zippy game if people know how to control the football. Its a more precise, less contact proposition - probably suits co-ed play. You’re less likely to go full on for a diving header if the consequences are getting a busted face and bruised hip on the astroturf. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/4 "2007-10-08T18:35:42Z")
Be ready, the girls will be rougher on you than you could ever imagine. ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/5 "2007-10-08T18:41:29Z")
Yeah, watch the sliding. I used to go to my knees a lot more than most people when I played. I just had raw skin all the time. I’ve HEARD that people have gotten staph from those surfaces, but I’ve never known of it first hand. Man, I’d sweat a lot playing. Bring a change of clothes for the drive home, and good size water bottle. The near post shot probably goes up in value due to the dangerous rebound factor. ---
**Author:** ![Jayrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/6 "2007-10-08T18:43:16Z")
Yeah I’ve played some co-ed outdoor in my time. In addition to being just straight-up skillful, the girls generally have the advantage (at least early on) as the men try to figure out just how much contact is acceptable. Any thoughts on using the walls? ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/7 "2007-10-08T19:55:00Z")
I found indoor soccer to be much different then outdoor soccer. It moves much faster. It’s more difficult to anticipate where things are going. It’s more like basket ball to me the way the games move.(scores are still low though) ---
**Author:** ![Cemetery\_Savior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Cemetery\_Savior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cemetery_Savior)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-indoor-vs-outdoor-soccer/421962/8 "2007-10-08T20:22:50Z")
A lot depends on what setup you have. If it’s pro-type, with boards, etc, then you have to watch for passes and shots off the boards. Check them before the game to see if they’re flimsy, etc. Offensive strategy-wise, I remember a lot more teams just going at the goal, as opposed to wing-\>cross or middle-\>pass to open. If there’s a hard surface behind the goal, be aware of rebounds. And **Trunk** is 100% correct about the sweat. There’s no wind to evaporate the sweat, so you’ll be a pig by the end. Hydrate, and don’t be afraid to vomit in the trashcan!!! 🙂 -Cem