What is Futsal?
Futsal is the FIFA-recognised form of small-sided indoor football (the word is a contraction of the Spanish ‘fútbol sala’). It is played between two teams of five players, with rolling susbtitutes and a smaller ball than football that is harder and less bouncy.
The small amount of space means players must have great technique and skill. As well as being a professional sport in its own right, with national and international championships, it is also considered a development tool for 11-a-side football.
To find out more about the history of futsal and the global game, check out this UEFA explainer.
The Rules
Futsal isn’t just your average game of five-a-side at Powerleague on a Thursday night. There are many rules within its laws that make it a fast-paced, intense and fascinating spectacle.
STOP-CLOCK - A futsal match lasts 40 minutes - two 20 minute halves. And that is, in fact, 40 minutes of the ball in play, because when the whistle blows for a foul or the ball going out of play, the timekeeper stops the clock until play restarts.
FOUR-SECOND RULE - A goalkeeper must release the ball within four seconds while in their own half. If they don’t, an indirect free-kick will be awarded to the opposition team. Set-pieces – kick-ins, corners and free-kicks – must be taken within four seconds or the opposition team will be awarded an indirect free-kick.
TIME-OUTS - Each head coach has one time-out, whereby play is stopped for 60 seconds for them to speak to the players, in each half. A head coach can only call a time-out when the ball goes out of play and their team will restart it. There are no time-outs in extra-time.
To learn about more of futsal’s other most important rules, check out FIFA’s rule guide from the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
The Positions
GOALKEEPER.
The last line of defence. Futsal goalkeepers require lightning fast reactions and bravery as they face a high volume of shots from close range on a hard surface.
Most at the top level do not wear traditional gloves, instead opting for finger tape, allowing them to better manipulate the ball when distributing.
They also represent a key part of teams’ offensive tactics, so must be technically good with their feet. Keepers are often utilised in-possession, creating an overload and helping their side dominate the ball - when an outfield player assumes this role, it is called ‘flying goalkeeper’.
A 2020 study found that >20% of goals in Europe’s top 8 futsal leagues involved the ‘flying goalkeeper’.
What does England Futsal look for in a goalkeeper?
FIX.
The back player. Fixes are the furthest back of the outfield players but are instrumental in starting attacks and organising the structure of the team, as they usually have the whole game ahead of them.
They are often some of the most tactically aware and intelligent players on court, constantly balancing defence and attack whilst taking the ball under high pressure and close to their own goal.
Generally, the fix dictates a game’s tempo and their movement after passing the ball from central areas decides how the other players move and react to create space on court.
What does England Futsal look for in a fix?
WINGER.
Wingers can come in all shapes and sizes in futsal. Whilst the fluid rotations mean a winger won’t always be out on the touchline, it is important they have strong 1v1 ability, defensively and offensively, as well as an engine to deal with the high volume of transitions futsal produces.
Wingers are key to pressing and essential to keeping the ball by creating space and offering passing options to combine with the fix and pivot.
It is also common to see wingers inverted, playing on their weak-foot side, as this allows them to receive comfortably and move infield on their strongest foot to open up scoring opportunities.
OUR PRIDE DNA (internal link) - what does England Futsal look for in a winger?
What does England Futsal look for in a winger?
PIVOT.
The leader of the line. Whilst often the furthest forward, the pivot is not always the primary goal threat, as they use physicality and excellent close control to secure possession and create opportunities for team mates.
When in-front of goal though, pivots should have a wide array of creative finishing options from all angles.
A common modern tactic is also to use a ‘false pivot’ - whereby the pivot plays behind the eyeline of the opposition fix and moves to open up diagonal passing lanes.
OUR PRIDE DNA (internal link) - what does England Futsal look for in a pivot?
What does England Futsal look for in a pivot?
Futsal Mythbusting
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Absolutely. There are no restrictions on the height a ball can go.
Lofted passes and throws from goalkeepers are a huge part of futsal and, although rare, you do see the occasional headed goal.
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Not at all! Whilst futsal was born indoors and is commonly played inside, many countries with warmer climates play futsal outdoors.
One of the sport’s greatest strengths is its adaptability to different environments.
As long as it is played on a hard court surface, with a futsal ball, goal and rules, it’s futsal!
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Futsal players are skilful, but not in the way you might think.
At the top level, it’s not all about tricks, flicks and nutmegs. Futsal is a game of tactical and physical skill, but with plenty of room for flair!
Some of the best players in the world keep it very simple.
Join England Futsal
Whether you’re a player, coach, supporter, referee or club volunteer - there’s no better time to become an England Futsal member as we expand our grassroots provision, coaching resources and performance programme talent pathways for boys and girls.
Click the link below to register with us for free and be part of our journey…