Why Play Futsal?

By: Alex Parra - President & CEO of US Futsal Federation

Ball Touches:
In a statistical study comparing Futsal to indoor arena soccer with walls, players touch the ball 210% more often.

Ball Control:
With limited space, an out of bounds and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control skills and technique are required.

Speed of Play:
With limited space, constant opponent pressure and a 4 second restart rule players learn to play and think fast.

Mandatory Support:
Without a wall as a crutch, players must make supporting runs when their teammates have the ball.

Continuity of Play:
Action is continuous so players are forced to continue the play instead of stopping and watching.

Knowledge:
With four court players and all the basic options of the outdoor game in non-stop action mode, players' understanding of the game is enhanced.

Framing the Goal:
The goal and Penalty Area are a perfect size for narrowing the angle so teams learn to frame the goal to score goals.

There really are lots of reasons to play Futsal but some of the key reasons also include more playing time than field soccer and tons of fast action! 

Another reason kids love Futsal?  There are very few rules.   Futsal is great exercise, allows players to frequently touch the one "toy" on the field, namely, the ball and the fast games often have high score with numerous goals made by various players.   

To discover more about Futsal in the US, please visit the official US Futsal website www.Futsal.com

History of Futsal

The origin of Futsal^® (Five-a-Side Soccer) 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 YMCAs.  The game is played on basketball-sized courts, both indoors and out without the use of sidewalls.

The game is frequently referred to as Five-A-Side or Mini-soccer.  Once Ceriani got the ball rolling, Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil.  The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field.  Pele, Zico, Socrates, Bebeto and other Brazilian superstars developed their skill playing Futsal.  While Brazil continues to be the Futsal hub of the world, the game is now played, under the auspices of FIFA, all over the world, from Europe to North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia and Oceania.

The first international competition took place in 1965, when Paraguay won the first South American Cup.  Six more South American Cups were held through 1979, with Brazil winning all of them.  Brazil continued its dominance with a victory in the first Pan American Cup in 1980 and won it again the next time it was played in 1984.  A U.S. team took part in the 1984 cup, but finished out of the running

Benefits of Futsal

Because the sport is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin point passing, it is an exciting game for children as well as adults. The game is very economical and safe, simple and fun to play. Just by playing with the ball develops precise ball control and technical skill, agility, lightening reflexes and decision-making. As the balls have less bounce they tend to stay in play longer and promote close ball control. After playing in enclosed areas and learning to think and react quickly, players find when they play to the full game they react well under pressure. Playing in enclosed areas develops creativity; players are also constantly placed in demanding decision-making situations in enclosed areas, which is a major reason why Futsal is one of the finest teachers of the quick pass and move. In soccer it is very hard to defend against a team that is adept at this type of play. Playing the beautiful game of soccer is developed through Futsal.

Slide tackles and excessive bodily contact is forbidden in the modified game, which results in fewer injuries. It’s no surprise that the game is popular with children, teenagers and adults of both genders and is growing in popularity internationally.

Futsal quickly develop skills required for soccer: - balance, motor ability, agility and co-ordination, ball mastery, accurate and quick passing and receiving, perception insight and awareness. Children learn through repetition and practice in small areas this occurs naturally. As Futsal is fast and action packed, fitness is improved while learning and having fun. We find children love playing Futsal. It is exciting, many goals are scored and the game is devoid of complex rules such as off side. Children learn so much faster if they enjoy the game and spend a lot of time playing with the ball.

Futsal Rules

The SSFL will adhere to the official USFF rule book found here:http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/futsal/lawsofthegame.html

However minor changes have been made and all players will be taught before their first game.

Top 10 reasons to play Futsal

-            Rewards
FIFA's Futsal rewards the same basic skills, tactics and knowledge of the game as the 11v11 outdoor game.

-            Ball Touches
In a statistical study comparing Futsal to indoor arena soccer with walls, players touch the ball 210% more often.

-            Ball Control
With limited space, an out of bounds and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control skills and technique are required.

-            Speed of Play
With limited space, constant opponent pressure and a 4 second restart rule players learn to play and think fast.

-            Mandatory Support
Without a wall as a crutch, players must make supporting runs when their teammates have the ball.

-            Continuity of Play
Action is continuous so players are forced to continue the play instead of stopping and watching.

-            Knowledge
With four court players and all the basic options of the outdoor game in non-stop action mode, players' understanding of the game is enhanced.

-            Framing the Goal
The goal and Penalty Area are a perfect size for narrowing the angle so teams learn to frame the goal to score goals.

-            Encouraged Learning
FIFA's Laws Of The Game of Futsal, encourage playing a skilled game by punishing all physical contact fouls.

-            Fun
Players enjoy the challenge of playing a fast-paced-fun-skill-oriented game that test their abilities.