What is Futsal?

Futsal Shot clock

Whilst there are many similarities with football like the basic skill set and overall objective, there are a multitude of differences unknown to the typical football fan.

The key contrast between the sports are the rules. Futsal in simple terms is a 40-minute (20-minute halves) game of five a side with kick ins instead of throw ins. Key rules for players are: once the ball has gone out, it must return into play within four seconds, every foul after five fouls is a penalty and, a red card means more than an expulsion from the game. Their team will have to play with four for two minutes unless the opposition scores, then another player may come on to make the standard five.

Futsal is known for its intensity which is portrayed in the high scoring games that tend to be common amongst the sport. Goals can occur at any second and it is no surprise to see a team winning by two goals in the final minutes of the game leave empty handed.

The overall format and management of the game heavily relies on tactics as to how a team should set up in attack and defence in order to exploit the opposition team.

Depending on a players skillset, they can be specialised to play in positions which suit them best.

Futsal Player Formation cc: Marcos Palacios

Goalkeepers share the same responsibilities as a football goalkeeper however, they can find themselves engaged in attacking play. This can be seen when teams play 'fly' which is when the goalkeeper comes into the opposition half to create an outfield overload. Depending on the opponent, it can be very effective. However, should play break down, the opposition can easily score due to the goalkeeper being out of position.

The fix is most commonly the furthest man back. In football, they are considered to be like a holding midfielder as they control the heart of the team. Their main priority is to defend the goal but, they have the ability to be crucial in attack as they start the majority of the play. They are known to dictate the tempo of the play by starting moves and tactics through screens and blocks to give more space for the wingers or pivot to exploit.

Wingers are known to be the most skilful players in the team as their aim is to create chances for those around them. If given the space, they can be crucial in breaking lines of press with a pass or run that can very easily lead to a goal. Some of the best players to ever play futsal like Ricardinho and Falcao were wingers.

Finally, the pivot is the furthest man forward. They share similarities to strikers in football as their main objective is to score goals whilst creating for others to benefit. In futsal there are multiple types of pivots but there are two types that are mainly used around the world. The first one is a hold up pivot. They are more commonly referred to as a target man and their job is to hold up the ball and keep the opposition fix occupied. The offer form of pivot is a floating pivot. They are known to be more technical and can create a multitude of chances for themselves as well.

Whilst the skillset of these positions may suit particular players, it is expected that all players are capable to play in any outfield position. Due to the game being very fast paced and intense, players can easily find themselves occupying a role that is unfamiliar so the ability to be capable in any position is very valuable.