Futsal is an indoor version of soccer that can be played by both adults and children who are looking to get out and have some fun. Because the sport takes quick thinking and ball control, it’s also become a popular form of training for youth and adult soccer athletes.
In this article, we’ll discuss the rules of futsal, why futsal is growing in popularity, and where you can play futsal in Chicagoland.
What Is Futsal?
Futsal is a sport that’s similar to soccer but played on a smaller, hard court as opposed to grass or turf. It’s also usually played indoors, with teams of five players per side (four players plus the goalie). The futsal ball is kicked around like a soccer ball, except the ball is smaller and doesn’t bounce as much, which means players have to have better ball control and be able to pass quickly back and forth to each other.
Unlike traditional soccer, futsal does not have walls or boards around the playing area. This means players have to again use footwork to kick the ball down the court, especially when they’re defending against players from the other team.
The sport is popular in Brazil and Spain as part of soccer training programs for young players, though it’s gaining popularity in the US as a recreational sport.
Who Invented Futsal?
Though many have not heard of futsal, the sport has a nearly 100 year history. Juan Carlos Ceriani was a soccer teacher from Montevideo, Uruguay who came up with futsal in 1930 as an alternative to soccer for recreation in YMCAs. Ceriani wrote the first rule book of futsal, which was published in 1933. The rules were inspired by the basics of soccer and basketball, such as how there are five players per side, as well as handball, which is where the court and goal sizes came from.
Futsal Popularity
Since its invention in 1930, futsal has gained popularity first in South America and now around the world. It is especially popular in areas with cold weather since it’s an indoor sport that can be played year-round, even when conditions outside are snowy.
Over the years, new tournaments, leagues, and futsal federations have been established worldwide. In 1989, the first FIFA Futsal World Cup was held, marking the next big step for the game.
One of the reasons futsal is so popular is because of its accessibility. The game requires fewer players and a smaller court than traditional soccer, which makes it easier for people to organize matches. The absence of an offside rule and continuous substitutions also means the games are faster paced, which has attracted even more people.
The popularity of futsal was recently boosted by the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup, which was held in Lithuania. This tournament drew a lot of attention to the sport and has helped increase visibility, which has led to more participation.
Can Anyone Play Futsal?
Yes, anyone can play futsal! It’s easy to learn futsal rules, and the game is great for players of all ages and skill levels. If you’re a beginner, futsal can be a great way to improve your ball control, quick thinking, and fitness in a fun environment.
Want to learn more about futsal in Chicagoland? Wintrust Sports Complex offers futsal.
What are the Futsal Rules?
Though futsal is similar to soccer, the rules are slightly different. Here, we cover some of the key futsal rules set by FIFA.
Team Size
Each futsal team has five players, including a goalkeeper. When players get tired, substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time.
Playing Surface and Ball
Futsal is played on a hard court, typically indoors, without walls. The ball is smaller and less bouncy than a standard soccer ball, which means players need to maintain control over the ball at all times.
Match Length
A futsal match has two halves of 20 minutes each, which makes the total gameplay 40 minutes. Teams are each allowed a one-minute timeout per half. At halftime, there is a 15-minute break, meaning a full game of futsal will last 55 to 60 minutes.
Kick-ins
When the ball goes out of play on the sidelines, it is restarted with a kick-in (not a throw-in) from the spot where it left the field. Players have four seconds to take the kick-in or the possession is turned over.
Fouls and Free Kicks
Fouls are categorized as accumulated fouls. After a team commits five fouls in a half, the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick (without a defensive wall) for subsequent fouls. Sliding tackles are generally not allowed. Yellow and red cards apply, just like in soccer.
Goalkeeper Rules
The goalkeeper can only hold the ball for four seconds in their own half, and they’re not allowed to touch the ball again in their own half after releasing it until another player touches it. They can throw or kick the ball but can’t drop-kick or punt it.
Free Kicks, Penalties, and Restarts
Free kicks and corners must be taken within four seconds. Penalty kicks are awarded for fouls that happen inside the penalty area. Penalty kicks are taken from the six-meter mark.
Substitutions
Substitutions are allowed on the fly, meaning players can come in and out of the game while it’s still taking place, as long as they enter and exit from the designated substitution area.
No Offside Rule
Futsal does not have an offside rule.
Time Stoppages
The clock stops when the ball is out of play, for fouls, or during a timeout. If the match is tied after regulation in knockout competitions, it may go to extra time or a penalty shootout.
Learn More About Futsal in Chicagoland
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, compete against others, or simply have fun, futsal at Wintrust Sports Complex is a great place to start. Our multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility is located in Bedford Park, Chicago, and we welcome everyone. Come check us out to start playing futsal in Chicagoland today.