Play Futsal
Have you ever played soccer? If so, you will love Futsal. Futsal is a quick-paced, exciting form of indoor soccer, often played on a basketball court, with five players per side. The game is a sprint. Plays get set up instantaneously, with quick, controlled passes and close-range shots. Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It is the only form of indoor soccer recognized by FIFA, (Federation Internationale de Football Association), the international governing body of soccer.
Futsal has a lot in common with soccer. Both teams try to kick the ball into the opponent's goal. Only the goalie can use hands, and possession goes to the other team if the ball goes out of bounds. However, there are some important differences. Be sure to know them before you play, or you'll be left behind. This article assumes a basic knowledge of soccer rules and describes some of the key differences between the two games .
Steps
- Find a league where you can play. A quick web search will show where there is a league nearby.
- Dress for soccer but without cleats. You can have shin guards (They are not always necessary). Wear soft-soled athletic shoes, like indoor soccer shoes, basketball shoes, etc.
- When you get there, notice how the pitch differs. The goal is smaller. There's no goal box. Corners don't have arcs or flags. Often, there is a net around the pitch to contain the ball.
- As soon as you can, get a futsal ball and get a feel for it. It's heavier and bounces less than a soccer ball.
- Ask what your position is. Because there are only four players and a goalie, positions tend to be less structured than soccer. Everyone moves up and back.
- Understand how substitutions work. Futsal allows unlimited substitutions, made on the fly. The player must leave the pitch at a specific location before the sub can come on. You have to pay attention to directions from the sidelines to know when to come off.
- Learn the rule differences - they make futsal fun!
* There is no Offsides Rule, which everyone likes.
* When the ball goes out of bounds, you don't throw it in. You must place the ball on the line where it went out and kick it in, and you have four seconds to do it. If you haven't kicked it by then, the other team takes possession.
* You can score from the kick-off.
* You place the ball directly on the corner for corner kicks. - If you're a goalie, there are also different rules.
* No goal kicks are allowed.
* You must throw the ball in play.
* You have four seconds to put the ball in play or the other team gets the ball. - Understand the importance of fouls. Once a team has accumulated five fouls, the other team gets awarded a direct free kick with no wall for every subsequent foul. Futsal doesn't allow any rough play, such as shouldering or sliding tackles.. Yellow and red cards are used just as in soccer.
Tips
- Expect a very fast game with lots of quick turns. There is no chance to catch your breath and watch your teammates handle the ball. Players sprint hard to keep the ball in bounds.
- Games have two 20-minute halves, with one 1-minute timeout permitted per half for water breaks. Be sure to have water with you - there isn't enough time to leave the court.
- Experienced players will hold the ball under their foot while their teammates set up for a play. You can steal it from them, but don't kick the player!
- Futsal can also be played outdoors on a similar surface.
- Goalies should wear knee pads. Volleyball knee pads are a good choice. "Fingersave" gloves are a good idea since the ball is heavy.
Warnings
- Headers are allowed, but they hurt!
Related Articles
Sources and Citations
- "futsal." Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 2008. Grolier Online. 24 Nov. 2008 <http://gme.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0114565-0>
- ↑ http://www.futsal.com/index.php/differences-between-futsal-a-soccer
