Futsal | History | Rules | Field Layout | Futsal Videos
What is Futsal?
Five-a-side soccer, or Futsal, is different than the boarded indoor soccer typically played in hockey arenas in the United States, and more closely resembles large-field soccer.
Unlike boarded indoor soccer, players playing Futsal cannot bounce a ball off a wall to pass the ball to a teammate or get around an opponent. Touchlines and goal lines define the field of play and the players must keep the ball in play as well as deal with the smaller playing area which requires quicker passing and reliance on skill.
While Futsal and regular 11-a-side soccer are similar in terms of touchlines and goal lines, the differences make for a much faster game.
| 11-a-Side Soccer | Futsal |
| Field is 150 to 300 feet wide and 300 to 390 feet long | Field is 48 to 81 feet wide and 81 to 138 feet long |
| #5 ball | #4 ball with 30% less bounce |
| 11 players | 5 players |
| 3 substitutions requiring stoppage | Unlimited changes during play |
| Throw-in | Kick-in |
| Running clock – 45 minute halves | Stopped time – 20 minute halves |
| No time-outs | 1 time-out per half |
| Goal kicks | Goal clearance (throw) |
| Some contact allowed | No shoulder charges or sliding tackles |
| No absolute time limit on restart | 4-second rule on restarts |
| Offside rule | No Offside rule |
| Goalkeeper steps | No restrictions but limited to 4 seconds |
| No sub for player called off (red card) | Player sent off can only be replaced after 2 minutes have elapsed or opponent scores a goal |
Why Play Futsal?
Futsal develops the same basic technique, skills, tactics and knowledge of the game as the full field game outdoor game. A 2008 statistical study conducted by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) found that five-a-side futsal compared to seven-a side outdoor soccer was far more conducive to skill development for young players based on number of touches and ball control, increased passes and dribbling, goal attempts and goals scored, and regained possessions. The FAI concluded that “Futsal offers participants a greater opportunity to acquire and develop the essential technical and mental skills required to succeed in football at an accelerated rate.” In another study comparing Futsal to indoor arena soccer with walls, it was concluded that players touch the ball 210% more often, which will increase a player’s ball competency.
Reasons to play Futsal:
- With limited space, defined touchlines and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control technique and skills are required.
- The reduced bounce of the ball means it is easier to control allowing novice players to become more confident to take possession.
- Kicking the ball long distances is not easy with a Futsal ball, meaning players must develop their short range passing skills, their movement and improve their dribbling skills.
- Constant opponent pressure and a 4 second restart law means players must learn to play and think fast, which develops intelligent players.
- Without a wall or rebound boards to rely on in order to escape from tight situations, you must make supporting runs when teammates have the ball.
- Action is continuous and physically demanding, so players must continue the play instead of stopping and watching, which in turn develops physical conditioning.
- With four on-court players, plus a goalkeeper that can join in the play, all the basic components of the outdoor game are present. As the action is non-stop, players are able to develop an improved technical understanding of Futsal very quickly.
- With only five players needed on the pitch at any one time, it is easier to form teams to play.
- The goal is smaller and penalty area assists the goalkeeper in narrowing the angle on the smaller field, which means players must learn to shoot accurately and deceive the goalkeeper instead of just relying on power alone.
- The laws of the game of Futsal encourage playing skillfully and punish physical contact fouls.
- Futsal is a fast-paced, fun, skill-oriented game that tests your abilities at whatever level, while developing all-round individual technique.
