What is FUTSAL?

Futsal is FIFA's only official indoor soccer game which is, essentially, a scaled down version of outdoor soccer played indoors. It is a small sided game (5v5) played on a smaller field (roughly basketball court sized) with a smaller (size 3-4) ball. Futsal is played with touchline boundaries.

There are no walls in play. This is the game that outdoor soccer players around the globe play when they are indoors to refine and maintain their control skills and touch. It is superior to walled soccer in terms of developing better skills and technique. In traditional American walled soccer, players regularly  whack the ball (and sometimes their bodies) against the boards which promotes improper technique and too often rewards errant play. In Futsal, players are constantly reminded to play the same quality control game that is required for success in the outdoor game.
Futsal is the only "Official form of Indoor Soccer" as approved by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA. It is played in all the continents of the world by over 100 countries with 12 million players. Futsal is normally played on a gymnasium floor, although it can be played on a variety of surfaces. The game does not require the use of expensive dasher boards, as do other versions of indoor soccer, therefore making it a very economical and safe sport.

Because the sport is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking, pin-point passing, and a four-second limit on all play restarts it is an exciting game for children as well as adults.

Great soccer superstars such as Pele, Zico and Socrates grew up playing the game and credit Futsal with developing their skills. Futsal is played with a special low bounce ball, necessitating players to use their ball striking skills, rather than the ball's bounce, to propel it.

Why play FUTSAL?

In response to an interview question to Javier Lozano, National coach of Spain in the year 1998, as to why he recommends Futsal for Youth Players . . .

"In answer to your questions, I started playing Futsal in 1982.
In Spain, actually, all soccer players under 25 have practiced Futsal in schools and and have played in youth championships. 
My advice for youth soccer coaches is for them to work toward developing the following qualities that can be derived from Futsal:
 

  • Play in reduced spaces with the smaller, Futsal ball because this adapts well to the smaller size of the youth players.
  • The use of five players on the smaller playing area ensures that the players participate more, and it accelerates their acquisition of technique.
  • Playing in reduced space develops creativity.
  • Playing very close the their opponents in the small area accustoms the players to think and makes decisions very rapidly.
  • The small playing area and close proximity of opponents causes the players to learn to move without the ball in order to create free space.
  • Participation of substitutes is very dynamic and has special importance.

The ONLY indoor soccer sanctioned by FIFA.
Brazilian players are good in individual technique, specifically in their speed in the execution of technique.
It's easier for them, because of the social characteristics of their environment, they have much more time to practice with the ball at a very early age.  Another detail in the Brazilians' favor is that Futsal has been played in their country for the past 50 years. 
Not only in  Brazil, but allover the world outdoor players have played Futsal."