Futsal is the official five-a-side indoor soccer game and the only indoor soccer recognized by FIFA. Futsal is beginning to take the country by storm as more and more soccer players, coaches, clubs and associations discover the unique and positive qualities of Futsal. It is a game played around the world as many of today’s world stars began their youth soccer by playing Futsal. The Brazilians attribute their world soccer success to Futsal. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Ronaldo and Bebeto grew up playing Futsal and credit Futsal with developing their skills.

Futsal is a small-sided game (5v5 including the goalkeepers) played on a small field roughly the size of a basketball court. The game does not require the use of dasher boards. It is played with the touchline boundaries with no walls to bang the ball against. The official ball is a special low bounce ball that is heavier and smaller than an official size 5 soccer ball. The ball forces a player to use their skill rather than the ball’s bounce to propel it. It is a complete skill game. Futsal develops the overall fundamentals of soccer more effectively. It has been proven that youth players develop quicker reflexes, faster thinking and pinpoint passing. It is a superior game in terms of establishing players’ touch and technique.

As compared to the American indoor game where a player relies on utilizing the walls, Futsal forces a player to think two or three steps ahead without using the walls. One touch passing is essential in maintaining ball possession on a smaller surface. Therefore, an individual’s overall ball handling skills and off the ball movement enhance considerably. When a player gets in trouble with the ball, there is no whacking it off the wall. Their split second thinking improves automatically as one learns how to maintain possession and distribute the ball quickly. Shots must be more accurate, since a shot off target will not produce a rebound. More shots are also taken during the course of a game, which will enhance a player’s confidence, by taking on a defender and shooting quickly. A player does not have as much space or time to dribble with the ball. Futsal helps to develop tremendous close quarters footwork.

Why Play Futsal?

1. Fun
Players enjoy the challenge of playing a fast paced skill oriented game that tests their abilities.

2. Safety
Futsal is much safer than traditional indoor soccer. Indoor soccer can be a violent game with extremely physical play such as players being “boarded” into the walls. The Futsal Laws of the Game restrict physical play, and there are no walls to run into.

3. Ball Touches
In a statistical study comparing Futsal to indoor soccer with walls, Futsal players touched the ball 210% more often than indoor soccer players.

4. Ball Control
With limited space, boundary lines, and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control skills are required.

5. Speed of Play
y With limited space, constant opponent pressure, and a 4 second restart rule players learn to play fast to survive.

6. Continuity of Play
Action is continuous so players are forced to continue play in support of their teammates.

7. Mandatory Support
Without a wall as a crutch, players must make supporting runs when their teammates have the ball.

8. Framing the Goal
The goal and Penalty Area are a perfect size for narrowing the angle so teams learn to frame the goal to score goals.

9. Knowledge
With four court players and all the basic options of the outdoor game, players’ understanding of the game is enhanced.

10. Encouraged Learning
FIFA's Laws Of The Game for Futsal encourage playing a skilled game by punishing all physical contact fouls.

11. Rewards
Futsal rewards the same basic skills, tactics and knowledge of the game as the 11v11 outdoor game.

12. Insurance
Every player, coach and referee registered with US Futsal is covered by an insurance policy. Very few indoor soccer facilities offer their players any insurance coverage at all.

Futsal Laws of the Game
(Click here to read a summary of the Futsal Laws of the Game)

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