For example, three sixth-graders play for the Highland 2 team, comprised mostly of jayvee players. Michel Speyer, a Highland sixth-grader and slick ballhandler, had played futsal in only a few practices before Saturday. It's more a game where ball control matters. It takes all the players awhile to acclimate themselves to futsal's tighter quarters and accelerated play. Most passes early on sail past intended targets and out of bounds.
Many goals come as a result of sloppy play.
By the end of the tournament, though, the good teams play with a plan. The best team in the tournament, Culpeper possesses all the ingredients to succeed in futsal. It has speed and quickness, and handles the ball as if it were a well-trained dog. All five play for Culpeper High School, and they play with familiarity. Culpeper also boasts the tournament's best player, Brad Armstrong.