What is Futsal?

Futsal is a variant of soccer played (mainly) indoors on a hard court slightly larger than a basketball court, with two teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper. It uses a smaller, heavier, low-bounce ball and is recognized by FIFA as the official indoor soccer game. Learn about the 7 main differences between futsal and indoor soccer.

Futsal is played with touchlines as boundaries and without walls or boards, at a faster pace than soccer, allowing for more touches and generally resulting in higher scores. It is played in over 100 countries worldwide by 12 million players.

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HOW IT WORKS?

  • HOW IT WORKS? 1

    SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

    It provides players with more touches on the ball and more opportunities to develop foot skills and improve the first touch.

  • HOW IT WORKS? 2

    CREATIVITY

    Taking risks and becoming creative with the ball is something players may not have the chance to do on a regular soccer field.

  • HOW IT WORKS? 3

    SPEED AND DECISION MAKING

    The continuous, fast-paced nature of this sport allows players to sharpen their spatial intelligence and develop the understanding of the game.

FUTSAL BACKGROUND ON SOCCER PRO PLAYERS

  • - 1

    LIONEL MESSI

    "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.”

  • - 2

    LIONEL SCALONI

    "I strongly recommend playing futsal to those soccer players who want to improve their soccer performance and techniques."

  • - 3

    ANDRES INIESTA

    “Have a lot in common … There are different tactics and moves, but there the same essence of mastering the ball, combining and making quick decisions.”

  • - 4

    CRISTIANO RONALDO

    "The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal, I felt free.If it wasn't for futsal, I wouldn't be the player I am today."

  • - 5

    NEYMAR JR

    “There’s no doubt futsal has helped me a lot in my career,it’s one of the biggest passions in my life. I used to love playing it, but unfortunately I had to stop when I was 13 or 14 in order to grow up as a footballer.”

  • - 6

    RONALDINHO

    "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."

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