Jumpstart Futsal

The soccer players transition very quickly to basic Futsal.

Here is some basic instructions to quick start Futsal:

1. ATTENTION: For the player transitioning from soccer to Futsal the first impact will be the speed of the game. The Futsal player needs to keep their attention to the game constantly. Most of the new players get caught in the transition from attack to defense, for instance, a player gives a week shot to the goal which is basically a pass to the other team, the momentum of the previously attacking now defending team is suddenly going to the wrong direction while the previously defending now attacking team is facing the proper direction. In Futsal there is no time to tie the shoes or to complain because such actions would leave the team in disadvantage. If you have an untied shoe laces use a timeout or substitution.

2. PASSING: Futsal is much more a passing game then an individual skills game. Pass and move is almost natural for a Futsal player

3. DEFENDING and ATTACKING:  There is no such thing as DEFENDERS and ATTACKERS in Futsal, the proper term would be defending and attacking with all players transitioning from one mode to the other.

4. TRAPING THE BALL: Controlling the ball with the bottom of the feet and trapping it gives the Futsal player superiority in soccer.

5. FORMATION: The two most basic formations in futsal: The Box ( Two on the top of the box, and two at the bottom of the box) and the Diamond (1-2-1)

6. Marking: You can mark by Zone, Man to Man or Mixed. The easiest way to start is the Zone in either a box or Diamond formation.

7. No Kicks: When defending be allways in between the goal and the ball protecting against the shot to goal. Because due to the distances involved any shot to goal is dangerous.


Soccer Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer)
#5 Ball #4 Ball - Low bounce
11 players 5 players
3 substitutions Unlimited “flying” substitutions (12 Players on a Team)
Throw-in Kick-in (Ball placed on top of the line)
Running Clock Stopped Clock
45 minute halves 20 minute halves
No time-outs 1 time-out per half
Goal kicks Goal Clearance (throw from the goalie box)
Some contact No shoulder charges or sliding tackles
No absolute time limit to restart game 4-second rule on restarts
Offside Rule No Offside Rule
Goalkeeper steps No restrictions, but limited to 4 seconds
Goalkeeper cannot touch by hand a ball kicked back Goalkeeper cannot touch by hand a ball played back
Unlimited back passes to Goalkeeper One back pass to Goalkeeper
No sub for player sent off Player sent off can be substituted for after 2 minutes or other has scored
Corner kick placed in arch Corner kick placed on corner