The main goal of futsal is to score by getting the ball into the opponent’s net while adhering to the rules of the game. Each team consists of five players, including a goalkeeper. The team that scores the most goals within the allotted time wins.
The Court:
Futsal is played on a hard indoor court with specific dimensions, measuring about 38 meters long and 20 meters wide, marked with boundary lines. Goals are positioned at each end of the court, with the area around the goal known as the goal area.
Basic Rules and Gameplay:
- Starting the Game: The match begins with a kick-off, where one team gains possession of the ball at the center of the court. Players must pass the ball to advance it and create scoring chances.
- Ball Size and Weight: The ball used in futsal is smaller and heavier than a traditional soccer ball, which results in less bounce on the hard surface. This encourages players to focus on maintaining control and short passing.
- Ball Contact: Players are permitted to use their feet and any part of their body, excluding their arms and hands (unless they are the goalkeeper within the penalty area), to control and play the ball. This emphasis on footwork and close ball control helps develop player skills.
- Duration of Play: A futsal match consists of two 20-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime interval. If the score is tied at the end of regular time, some tournaments may include extra time or a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner.
- Fouls and Free Kicks: Certain fouls, such as pushing, tripping, or dangerous actions, result in free kicks for the opposing team. The team awarded the free kick is allowed to take it without interference from the other players, maintaining a 5-meter distance from the ball.
- Goalkeeper Rules: The goalkeeper is the only player who can use their hands and arms, but only within their own penalty area. They can hold the ball for a maximum of four seconds before releasing it and cannot touch it again until it is played by another player.
- Substitutions: Futsal allows unlimited substitutions, with players entering or exiting the court from the designated substitution area when the ball is out of play.