You already know that
futebol is the national sport, and how popular
beach
soccer is.. But you need a large field, and it is hard to find
one when the beach is crowded. Most beach soccer matches happen on
weekdays, or at night, after work. An exciting variation that is
more suitable for regular beach hours is foot-volleyball.
Foot volleyball, or futevolei, is played on a beach
volleyball court, and you score the points as in a volleyball
match. The only difference is that you are not allowed to touch
the ball with your hands. You have to count on your head, chest,
feet, legs, and creativity. You will be amazed at the skill of
locals.
To serve you make a little mound of sand, place the ball on it,
and kick it. The opponents may pass the ball three times. Compared
to foot-volley, beach soccer is a piece of cake. Even professional
soccer players like Romario, Gaucho and Raimundo have fun with
beach soccer. If you're lucky you may run into one of them!
When the volleyball court is taken, players form a circle to
practice, usually near the sea where it's fresher. They keep
passing the ball around, without ever hitting the sand. Boys and
girls often play together, and the only rule is no hands allowed.
