What Is Soccer Tennis?

Soccer tennis—sometimes called football tennis or futnet—is a small-sided game where players use soccer skills to send the ball over a net and into the opponent’s court. Hands are not allowed, and control matters far more than power.

It’s fast, technical, competitive, and surprisingly fun—making it popular with professionals, amateurs, and beginners alike.

How Soccer Tennis Works

The rules are easy to learn, which is part of why soccer tennis spreads so quickly once people try it. The challenge comes from execution, not complexity.

• Played 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3
• Players can use feet, thighs, chest, and head (no hands)
• Limited number of touches per side (often 1–3)
• The ball must go over the net and land in bounds
• Points are scored similarly to tennis or rally scoring

Because the space is small and touches are limited, every movement matters. There’s nowhere to hide sloppy technique.

Where Soccer Tennis Is Popular Around the World

Soccer tennis has deep roots in Europe and South America, where technical training is prioritized from a young age. It’s commonly used by professional clubs as a warm-up, recovery session, or skill-focused training day.

• Eastern and Central Europe (where futnet originated)
• Spain, Portugal, and France
• Brazil and Argentina
• Professional training facilities worldwide

In recent years, it’s been gaining traction in the United States as players look for smarter, more enjoyable ways to train.

Why Soccer Tennis Is Growing in El Paso

In El Paso, soccer tennis is catching on for one simple reason: it fits how adults and youth actually want to play and train.

• Minimal space required
• High touches in a short time
• Lower injury risk than full matches
• Competitive without being overwhelming
• Easy to join, hard to master

It’s become a favorite add-on to pickup games, skill sessions, and fitness-focused programs across the city.

Health Benefits of Soccer Tennis

Soccer tennis delivers a surprising physical workout without feeling like traditional conditioning. Players stay engaged because the game itself drives movement.

• Improves cardiovascular fitness
• Enhances balance and coordination
• Strengthens lower-body muscles
• Promotes agility and quick reactions
• Lower joint impact than full-field play

Soccer-Specific Benefits

Beyond fitness, soccer tennis directly translates to better performance on the field. Many players notice improvements after just a few sessions.

• First touch and ball control
• Foot-eye coordination
• Decision-making under pressure
• Weak-foot development
• Confidence in tight spaces

It trains the exact skills that matter most in real match situations.

Who Soccer Tennis Is For

One of the biggest advantages of soccer tennis is accessibility. It works for a wide range of players and goals.

• Beginners learning ball control
• Experienced players refining technique
• Adults returning to soccer
• Youth players building confidence
• Players rehabbing or managing workload

Final Thought

Soccer tennis strips the game down to its essentials: touch, control, movement, and awareness. That’s why it’s used worldwide—and why it’s growing fast in El Paso.

If you’re looking for a fun, challenging, and effective way to improve your soccer while staying active, soccer tennis is worth experiencing firsthand.