Get Ready to Play Futsal

For those tired of soccer but wanting something similar, futsal can be an interesting twist. Originally developed at a YMCA, futsal started in Uruguay in 1930 and became very popular throughout South America. The name comes from the Portuguese phrase futebol de salão, which means indoor football. Here is an introduction for players to get started with this game.

Make Sure Everything Is in Place

Futsal is made up of two teams of five with a total of 10 players on the court. Unlike soccer, which is played on a field, futsal is played on a court similar to basketball. The futsal court can be inside or outside, depending on the amount of space available. The futsal ball is smaller than a soccer ball and doesn’t bounce as much, although using a soccer ball until the proper ball is obtained can work.

Beginning the Game

Traditionally, a coin toss is used to determine which team will start first, and a kickoff begins the game. Once in play, if the ball goes past the goal line or hits the ceiling, then the referee will restart the game by dropping the ball to start a new kickoff. Since the game is played on a smaller court with fewer players than soccer, team members must rely on accuracy and ball control to keep the game in play.

Gaining Popularity in New Places

Futsal is played professionally all over the world. There are AMF and FIFA organizations that are dedicated to professional teams. There are teams for both men and women, although men’s teams are more common around the world. Even here in New England, the Massachusetts Futsal Association has grown to be the second largest youth futsal program in the country.

If you are ready to play futsal or want to learn how Sport Court™️️ can install a futsal court on your property, give us a call or fill out our contact form. We are the official futsal court of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the U.S. Youth Futsal National Championships, and all of our courts are backed by a 15-year warranty.