How to Play Futsal

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: November 1, 2024

Futsal is a game that was developed to meet the needs of players who didn’t have the space to play soccer. The rules of futsal are similar to soccer, but the game is played indoors, uses a smaller ball, and has 5 players on each side. If this sounds like fun to you, organize a futsal match between you and your friends!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Learning Basic Rules

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1
Play with a size 4 soccer ball. A regulation soccer ball is a size 5, which is about 27–28 inches (69–71 cm) in circumference. Futsal is played with a size 4 ball, which has a 25–26 inches (64–66 cm) circumference.
- The smaller ball is a little heavier and has less bounce, making it a better option for playing indoors.
2
Choose 5 players per team. One of the biggest differences between soccer and futsal is that futsal has 5 players per side, while soccer has 11.^{[1]
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- Pick one player on each team to act as the goalkeeper.
- Choose a dedicated attacker for each team. This player, called the pivot, will lead the charge during offensive play.^{[2]
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- Select a dedicated defender, known as the last man, who stays back in case the other team gets the ball.^{[3]
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- The remaining two players should play in the midfield and are known as the wingers.
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3
Set a timer for 20 minutes. Futsal is made up of 2 halves, each of which is 20 minutes long, as opposed to the 45-minute halves in soccer. Another difference is that in soccer the clock continues to run, while in futsal the clock is stopped if the ball is not in play.
- If there is a tie at the end of the game, more time can be added to the clock. The first team to score in overtime wins.
- For casual games, you can omit the timer and end the match when the first team scores.
Just like in soccer, futsal players can not use their hands at all. However, you can use any other part of your body to pass or shoot the ball.
5
Allow each team 1 time-out per half. No time-outs are allowed in soccer, but in futsal, each time gets 1 for each half.
- If a team does not use their time-out during the first half, it can not be carried over into the second half.
6
Kick the ball into play if it goes out of bounds. In soccer, you throw the ball back into play, but in futsal, the ball is kicked in.^{[4]
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- A ball that touches the ceiling is considered out of bounds.
- You cannot kick a ball from out of bounds directly into the goal and score. However, once you pass the ball to another player, it is in play as usual.
7
Make use of unlimited substitutes. In soccer, you are only allowed 3 substitutions. In futsal, however, you can have as many substitutions as you like, as long as they’re made in the substitution zone.
- The substitution zone is the area directly in front of each team's bench.
- Since futsal is such a fast-paced, aggressive game, use your substitutes strategically to relieve tired players.
In soccer, there is no substitution for a player who has been sent off. However, in futsal, you can substitute for that player after 2 minutes or after the other team has scored.

Part 2

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Trying Offensive Strategies

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Since futsal is played on a smaller pitch, the wingers should try to play out towards the sidelines to allow more space to play in.^{[5]
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2
Move into the space left open by a teammate. It can be hard to find a place to move to, but when one of your teammates moves, you can move where they were just standing.^{[6]
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- You should never stay in one place for more than 3 minutes at a time.
If you have the ball, moving towards the defender will help you push past them. If you don’t have the ball, moving away from the defenders will help open the field more.^{[7]
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Futsal is a fast-paced, high-energy game. The more you pass the ball, the more chances you’ll have of scoring a goal.^{[8]
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The smaller field means the defense can easily organize to block your shots. The offensive team usually needs to pass the ball about 5 times to break down the defense’s organization.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Practicing Defensive Plays

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1
Fight to steal the ball. Futsal is often played more aggressively than soccer. If you’re playing defense, keep your eye on the ball and always be looking for an opportunity to steal it away from the other team if the attacker loses control.^{[10]
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- You may not hit, kick, push, trip, hold, or charge at an opponent, or the other team will be awarded a direct free kick. Sliding tackles are also not allowed.^{[11]
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In futsal, you can never rest. By staying crouched forward and resting your weight on your toes instead of your heels, you will be in a better position to move quickly and defend the ball.^{[12]
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Your goal should be to put enough pressure on the attacker that they lose focus and have a hard time thinking of their next move.^{[13]
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All of the defending players should be behind the ball. This will create a wall that the offense will have trouble penetrating through.^{[14]
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What are red and yellow cards for?

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A yellow card is used when a player fouls another player. A red card is used if the player receives two yellow cards in one game, or commits a major foul.

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Is shouldering illegal in Futsal or legal?

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Shouldering is legal as long as you keep your elbow down. Otherwise, if you do have the elbow lining up with the rib or just generally up, it would be called as a foul.

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How big are the goals in futsal?

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They are about 2 feet smaller than a regular soccer goal.

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Tips

Many areas now have futsal leagues. Check online or ask your friends to find out if there are any leagues playing near you.

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Some futsal players prefer to wear shinguards for added protection while they play.

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Futsal is usually an indoor game, however, it can be played outdoors.

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