Ever wondered how some of the world’s most skilful players developed their ability to beat opponents at will? How do players such as Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinhio, Robinho and Roberto Carlos develop skills that set them apart from other players? What did they do as youngsters that provided them with the basis to becoming some of the world’s best players? If you are interested in the answer then you need to learn more about a game called Futsal.

Futsal is the format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and supported by FIFA and UEFA with World and European Championships for club and National Teams.

Futsal was the name chosen by FIFA, the World governing body of Football for the only version of 5-a-side football that it supports. The name simply combines the Spanish words for ‘Hall’ – Sala and ‘Football’ – Futbol into Futsal.It is a 5-aside game, normally played on a slightly larger pitch with hockey sized goals and a smaller ball with a reduced bounce. It is played to touchlines and all players are free to enter the penalty area and play the ball over head height. As a small sided game players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces. As a game it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness. The differences to our traditional versions of Small Sided Football are the absence of rebound boards and some slight amendments in the laws that favour skilful, creative play above the physical contact that tends to be a feature of
English five a side.

FIFA in formulating the laws have also incorporated exciting elements from other indoor sports. Thus an accumulated foul count is in place with each and every team foul after the fifth in any one half resulting in an unopposed ten metre penalty. This really conditions the defensive tactics of teams and rewards attacking play. Teams can also use a bench of up to seven rolling substitutes which means that the tempo of games remains high throughout. Games are played in two twenty minute halves but as the countdown clock is stopped every time the ball is out of play an average game can at International Level last 80 to 90 minutes.