History of Futsal
This section gives an introduction to the game. The gears that are being used, the tactics, etc... If you have anything that you would like to share, you are most welcomed to contribute.
What is futsal?
Futsal is the international form of indoor soccer and is played under the banner of FIFA throughout the world by more than 25 millions players. The terms FUTSAL is the international term used for the game. It is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese word for .soccer., FUTbo, FUTebol and the French or Spanish word for indoor, Salon or SALa. Futsal is a 5-a-side version of soccer that is played indoors on a variety of surfaces.
The origin of futsal can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five a side version of soccer for youth competition in YMCA.s. Because the sports is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin point passing, its an exciting game for children as well as adults. Great soccer superstar such as Pele, Zico and Ronaldo grew up playing the game and credit Futsal for developing their skills. Futsal is played with a special, low bounce ball, necessitating players to use their skills, rather than the ball.s bounce to propel it.
A summary of FIFA's Futsal Laws of the Game
This is a summary of FIFA's "Laws of the Game for Futsal (Indoor Football)". Click the hypertext in the above sentence for access to the complete set of the Laws of the Game.
First, here are the main differences between outdoor soccer and futsal:
| SOCCER | FUTSAL |
|---|---|
| #5 ball | #4 ball with reduced bounce |
| 11 players | 5 players |
| 3 substitutions | Unlimited "flying" substitutions |
| Throw-in | Kick-in |
| Main referee & 2 assistant referees (linesmen) | Main referee and assistant referee with nearly identical responsibility |
| Running clock operated by main referee | Stopped clock operated by timekeeper |
| 45-minute halves | 20-minute halves |
| -- | 1 time-out per team per half |
| Goal kick | Goal clearance (goalkeeper throw) |
| -- | No shoulder charges or sliding tackles |
| -- | 4-second rule on restarts |
| Offside rule | -- |
| Goalkeeper's steps | -- |
| Unlimited fouling | 5-foul limit (and "no-wall" free kick) |
| GK cannot touch by hand a ball kicked back to him | GK cannot touch by hand *any* ball played back to him (inc. head and chest) |
| -- | Only one backpass allowed to GK (i.e., after ball has crossed halfway-line or been touched by an opponent) |
| No substitution for player sent off | Player sent off can be substituted for after 2 minutes has elapsed or opponent has scored |
| Corner kick placed in arc | Corner kick placed on corner |
