Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small, sided soccer game that is played across the world and is officially recognized by both FIFA and UEFA
Futsal
A variant of association football (soccer) that is played on a smaller, hard court, usually indoors
Futsal
Emphasis on skill, quick thinking, and precise ball control
Often used as a training tool for soccer players to improve their close control and decision-making abilities
Characteristics of futsal
Court size smaller and hard, often indoors
Team size of 5 players per team, including one goalkeeper
Smaller and heavier ball compared to traditional soccer
Shorter game duration, usually two halves of 20 minutes each
Unlimited substitutions
No walls or boards, only floor boundaries
Stricter interpretation of fouls, resulting in free kicks
Goalkeeper in futsal
Needs quick reactions and reflexes, ability to make a range of catches and saves with both feet and hands, commanding presence to issue instructions
Can only possess the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds before releasing it to another player
Futsal's origins can be linked to Uruguay
1930s
Juan Carlos Ceriani
Uruguayan educator credited with creating a version of indoor football that emphasized skill, quick passes, and technical proficiency
The first organized futsal competition took place in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the "Feast of the Wise Men" celebrations
1956
The first international futsal competition took place, when Paraguay won the first South American Cup
1965
FIFUSA
Federación Internacional de Fútbol de Salón, the original international governing body for futsal
The first FIFUSA World Championships were held in São Paulo, Brazil
1982
FIFA officially recognized futsal as a distinct form of football, helping establish standardized rules and regulations
1989
The inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup was held in the Netherlands, with Brazil emerging as the first champion
1989
Luiz de Oliveira
Wrote the Book of Rules of Futsal in 1956, which was then adopted at the international level
The Brazilian federation broke away from FIFUSA, and PANAFUTSAL was founded with other South American countries
1990
AMF, an international futsal governing body independent of FIFA, was founded by members of PANAFUTSAL
2002
Futsal continued to grow in popularity throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st century, with national and international competitions, youth development programs, and increased media coverage contributing to its expansion and recognition
Futsal
Played with rolling substitutes and a smaller ball than soccer that is harder and less bouncy
Goalkeeper
The final line of defence, needs to be capable of making a range of catches and saves with both feet and hands, quick reactions and reflexes are crucial, needs to be commanding and issue instructions to outfield teammates
Goalkeeper rules
1. Can only possess the ball for a maximum of four seconds, then they must release it to another player
2. Can enter the opposition half, and once they do, the four-second timer is reset
Defender
Anchored in a central defensive role but with freedom to move around the pitch, primary role is to stop opposition players from scoring, needs to jockey and close down players, track forward runs and keep an eye on clever opposition movement, interact closely with teammates to ensure a strong defensive structure
Defender in futsal
Often have more offensive responsibility, utilised to help build attacks with passes from the back, sometimes seen dribbling forwards and taking shots themselves
Winger
Often the most skilful and creative players, crucial in both attack and defence, need to be quick, reactive, explosive, technically proficient with strong dribbling and ability on the ball, intelligent movement, sharp passing, and great awareness and communication skills
Pivot
The most crucial offensive player, the person who leads the attacking line, needs to be sharp shooters, with clever movement off the ball, good footwork and dribbling skills, and the ability to link up with other attackers
Universal player
A player able to perform in various outfield roles
Futsal coach
Teams can at times struggle to fill key positions, coaches that do take on this field of sport and stick with it usually end up being somewhat successful particularly at an amateur level due to the short supply, players will generally "show up" for games but it's integral that the team does apply futsal philosophy in order to succeed long term, a good coach will be able to get a team of soccer players to adapt their playing style to ensure on-court success
Futsal goal posts
Official futsal goal size measures 3m wide between the posts (inside measurement) and 2m from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground, both goalposts and crossbar have the same depth as the goal line markings, 8cm or approximately 3 inches
Futsal ball sizes
Size 2 (21in circumference, used for ages under 7)
Size 3 (23in circumference, used for ages 8-12)
Size 4 (25in circumference, used for teenagers 13 and older)
Futsal jerseys
Similar to soccer jerseys but often made of lighter materials to provide better breathability and comfort during intense gameplay, feature moisture-wicking properties to help keep players dry, come in various colors and designs
Futsal shoes
Specifically designed for playing on indoor court surfaces, have flat, non-marking rubber soles that provide excellent traction and grip, often have a low-profile design with minimal cushioning to allow for better ball control and feel
Futsal socks
Similar to soccer socks, worn to provide additional padding and protection for the feet and lower legs, typically made of moisture-wicking materials to keep the feet dry and comfortable, usually worn over shin guards
Shin guards
A crucial piece of protective equipment worn by players to protect their shins from impact during gameplay, typically made of hard plastic or foam and worn under the socks
Goalkeeper equipment
Goalkeeper jersey, shorts, gloves, shin guards
Responsibilities: defending the goal, organizing defense, distribution, communication
Key skills: shot stopping, positioning, distribution, communication
Futsal facilities
Consist of indoor courts specifically designed for futsal matches and training sessions, include indoor courts, court markings, goals, spectator seating, lighting and ventilation, player amenities, equipment storage, and may be designed for multi-purpose usage
Ball control skills in futsal
First touch, dribbling, close control, passing
Consistent practice and repetition are essential for developing ball control skills in futsal
First Touch
The ability to receive and control the ball quickly and smoothly upon receiving a pass or a deflection is crucial in futsal. A good first touch sets up the player for subsequent actions, such as dribbling, passing, or shooting.
Dribbling
Futsal requires players to have excellent dribbling skills to maneuver the ball past opponents in tight spaces. Close control, quick changes of direction, and effective use of feints and body movements are essential for successful dribbling in futsal.
Close Control
Players must be able to maintain close control of the ball while under pressure from opponents. This involves using various parts of the foot to manipulate the ball and shielding it from defenders with the body.
Passing
Accurate and crisp passing is essential for maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities in futsal. Players need to be proficient in both short, quick passes and longer, more penetrating passes to unlock opposing defenses.