The term FUTSAL is the international term used for the game. It is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese word for “soccer”, FUTbol or FUTebol, and the French or Spanish word for “indoor”, SALon or SALa.
The game is frequently referred to as Five-A-Side. Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil. The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field. Pelé, Zico, Socrates, Bebeto and other Brazilian superstars developed their skill playing Futsal. While Brazil continues to be the Futsal hub of the world, the game is now played, under the auspices of FIFA, all over the world, from Europe to North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Futsal is increasingly seen as an ideal way to introduce children to the skills that soccer requires.
Futsal develops ball skills. By playing with small numbers, players get lots of touches on the ball in tight spaces. Beginner players, U-6 and U-8, typically play 3 vs. 3 with no goalkeepers. In its pure form, futsal means 5 vs. 5, with 4 field players and a goalkeeper. It’s played with a futsal ball, which is smaller than a size 5 ball and has reduced bounce.
Futsal accelerates development of other crucial soccer abilities. According to the US Futsal Federation, the sport develops balance, motor ability, agility, coordination, accurate passing and receiving, perception, insight, and awareness.
|
Soccer |
Futsal (FIFA Indoor Soccer) |
| #5 ball | #3 or #4 ball with reduced bounce |
| 11 players | 5 players |
| 3 substitutions | Unlimited “flying” substitutions |
| Large Goal | Smaller 7v10 sized goal) |
| Throw-in | Kick-in |
| Main referee & two assistants (linesmen) | Main referee & one assistant |
| Running clock operated by main referee | running clock |
| 45-minute halves | 24-minute halves |
| No time-outs | 1 time-out per team per half |
| Goal kicks | Goalkeeper throws ball back into play |
| No absolute time limit to restart play | 4-second rule on restarts |
| Offside rule | No offside called |
| Goalkeeper’s steps | 4-second rule to put ball back into play |
| Unlimited fouling | 5-foul limit (and “no-wall” free kick) |
| No substitution for player sent off | Player sent off can be substituted for after 2 minutes |
| Corner kick placed in arc | Corner kick placed on corner |
| Slide Tackling Allowed | No slide tackles under any circumstances |
Video of the Brazilian Futsal team keeping possession for a long period of time before they score.
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