Small court, big game: Coaching insights from Tihana Nemčić Bojić

As part of the educational side program of the European Universities Futsal Championship 2025, participants had the unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of futsal coaching in a dedicated seminar titled “Small Court, Big Game.

Held at the Faculty of Kinesiology, the seminar was led by Tihana Nemčić Bojić, Assistant Technical Delegate and Head Coach of the Croatian Women’s Futsal National Team. With extensive experience both on and off the court, coach Nemčić Bojić offered valuable insight into the evolving dynamics of the game and the mindset required to lead a successful futsal team.

From tactics to team culture

The seminar covered a wide range of topics relevant to today’s game. Attendees explored key elements such as:

• The tactical differences between futsal and traditional football
• Principles of game management and player rotation
• Building team identity and fostering a strong team culture
• Approaches to in-game decision-making and adapting under pressure
• The growing role of women in futsal and leadership in sports

With a practical focus and real-life examples from national team experiences, the session encouraged discussion and interaction, inspiring players, coaches, and futsal enthusiasts alike.

A space to learn and grow

Whether they came from the sidelines or the court, participants left the seminar with fresh ideas, greater tactical awareness, and renewed motivation. As one student-athlete put it: “It was great to hear directly from someone who’s been in our shoes and now leads at the national level. There’s so much more to futsal than what you see on match day.”

“Small Court, Big Game” was more than a lecture — it was a reminder of how deeply knowledge, strategy, and passion are interwoven in the sport of futsal.