What is Futsal?

5-A-Side Soccer

Futsal is a condensed, sped up form of outdoor soccer and walls/boards are not in play like in traditional indoor soccer found in the United States. Often referred to as “5-a-side”, it is typically played indoors on a basketball court like playing area with five players to a side, hockey-sized goals, and a smaller (size 3-4) low-bouncing weighted ball.

Unlike the traditional indoor soccer commonly played in the United States (walled soccer), futsal is FIFA’s official version of indoor soccer that is commonly found around the world.

Futsal vs. Indoor Walled Soccer

When it comes to developing technique and on the ball skills, futsal reigns supreme when compared to indoor walled soccer as the latter often rewards errant play and improper technique with players regularly kicking the ball off the wall to bail themselves out of pressure situations.

Futsal helps players develop those technical skills to pass or dribble out of those pressure situations that can translate when taken to outdoor, 11v11 soccer.

History of Futsal

The term “futsal” originated from the Spanish word for “soccer”, FUTbol, combined with the Spanish root word for “indoor”, SALa – futsal.

The game of futsal began in Uruguay in the 1930’s and was intended for recreation at local YMCAs but quickly spread throughout South America and becoming very popular in Brazil as a fun pick up form of soccer.

Futsal vs. Soccer

Futsal

Soccer

Futsal Played by the Best

“A lot of the moves I make originate from futsal. It’s played in a very small space, and the ball control is different in futsal. And to this day my ball control is pretty similar to a futsal player’s control."

Ronaldinho

“As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club. It was tremendous fun and it really helped me become who I am today."

Messi

“I played futsal growing up in Bauru. In futsal, you need to think quick and play quick so its easier for you when you move to normal football."

Pelé