Why Futsal?

Futsal is the only indoor soccer game sanctioned by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) and USSF (United States Soccer Federation).  The national governing body for the sport is the United States Futsal Federation, which is affiliated with USSF.  

1) More Touches on the ball. FUTSAL is a small-sided game (5v5), four field players and a goalkeeper played on a basketball size court.  With this in mind each player including the goalkeeper get more touches than with outdoor or American indoor soccer.

2) Ball Size.  FUTSAL is played with a smaller low bounce ball.  The ball is approximately a size four soccer ball (for U13 and above) and is heavier with a double bladder to give it a low bounce. The U12 and under use approximately a size three soccer ball which is also a heavier low bounce ball.

3) Ball Movement. With a heavier low bounce ball and a smaller playing surface, players must distribute the ball as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Passes must be crisp and accurate. 

4) Moving off the ball.  Players must constantly move off the ball.  They must run to the open space and create space for teammates.  This opens the game up and creates numerous scoring opportunities.

5) Offense and Defense.  FUTSAL is a quick transition game.  As soon as player loses possession they are immediately on defense and must automatically switch to a defensive mode.  This helps create a better-rounded player.  

6) Goalkeeping.  FUTSAL creates better goalkeepers.  Quick reflexes and good ball distribution are essential to your team’s success. 

7) Ball Possession.  FUTSAL is different than the outdoor game and indoor soccer because it forces the player to use quick short passes.  A team must maintain ball possession to create scoring opportunities and prevent the opponent from getting opportunities to score.

8) No Boards.  In FUTSAL there are no boards to bang the ball against.  If a player is in trouble near the touchline there are no boards to strike the ball against to eliminate a possession turnover.  The game teaches a player to think two or three steps ahead of him/her self in order to maintain possession.

9) Shot Accuracy.  The goals in FUTSAL are 2x3 meters or approximately 7’x10’.  The smaller goal means more accurate shots.  Shots must be struck with placement in mind.  This creates a better goal scorer for all members of the team both offense and defense.  A shot wide or over the goal is a possession turnover.  There are no boards for a rebound.

10) MORE FUN, MORE EXCITEMENT, MORE PLAYER INVOLVEMENT, MORE SPECTATOR ENTHUSIASM, MORE GOALS, MORE SCORING AND MOST OF ALL MORE SKILL DEVELOPMENT.