How Is Futsal Different from Soccer?

Though they share a similar foundation and the aim of the game is to put the ball in the back of the opponent’s goal futsal and soccer have several significant differences from ball size to court/field size.

We’ve created this comprehensive write-up that covers all the differences between the two so that you aren’t caught out by anything.

So, How Is futsal Different from soccer? There are a number of key differences between futsal and soccer, these differences are:

Futsal is played indoor while soccer is played outdoors

A futsal court has a minimum 25 m × 16 m (82 ft × 52 ft), maximum 42 m × 25 m (138 ft × 82 ft) while a soccer field is 110–120 yards (100–110 m) long by 70–80 yards (64–73 m) wide

Futsal has two 20-minute halves while soccer has two 45 minute halves

Substitutions, futsal has unlimited rolling subs while soccer has 3 per game

In futsal when the ball goes out of play the clock stops, whilst in soccer it continues to run

Futsal has 5 players on the pitch while soccer has 11

In futsal a red carded player can be replaced after 2 minutes whilst a red carded player cannot be replayed in soccer

Futsal allows for 1 timeout per half while soccer does not

There is no offside in futsal while there is in soccer

Goalkeepers can only be played back once per movement in futsal

Futsal must be restarted within 4 seconds of a stoppage

The futsal ball is a size 4 and has 30% less bounce while a soccer ball is size 5

The Field Dynamics

The futsal pitch is significantly smaller in size compared to the outdoor pitch, so there won’t be many long balls down the wings of the court, usually futsal matches will be played with a lot more intricate passing and a focus on retaining possession.

Futsal players need to be slightly more aware of their surroundings when passing the ball as a turnover can lead to the opposition bearing down on goal in a few meters as compared to soccer when turnovers can be easily covered.

The small court in futsal will also allow players to shoot from well within their own halves while this is a rarely achieved event in soccer.

The Red Card Substitution

Ask a diehard soccer fan if a player who has received a red card can be substituted and see how they look at you, likely bewildered.

Futsal allows a player who has been sent off to be replaced after two minutes. This is a significant rule as a red card only diminished the offending team for a period of 10% of the half.

Players can use this to their advantage, imagine a player using his hand to stop a goal while this would not be very sportsmanlike the effect on the team would be minimal and worthwhile if the opposition was not able to convert the resulting spot kick.

The Clock

One of soccer’s old sakes is players who will waste time while late in a half or while trying to defend a lead. Referees will generally add this to the extra time clock, but this is a good ploy when slowing down a game when the opposition has momentum and are piling on the pressure.

In futsal the clock will stop, and the game must be continued within 4 seconds or the ball will be turned over to the opposition.

There is a limited incentive for players to waste time and managers/coaches can call for one timeout per half to rearrange tactics and have a team talk.

A game of futsal is also significantly shorter than a soccer game, but players will touch the ball a lot more frequently than their outdoor counterparts.

Unlimited Substitutions

In futsal you can only have 5 players on the pitch at any one time, however you can have 12 substitutions on the bench and you have unlimited substitutions.

What this means in effect is you can completely change your squad 3 times.

This is significantly useful for coaches/manager who may be trying to select their strongest side or who want to give reserve players extra time on the pitch against stronger opposition.

A few scenarios where such a substitution could be useful are:

Scenario A: A slightly weaker team of 5 is played against a stronger side, after a significant portion of the game the stronger 5 is rolled on and the opposition side is caught out both physically and mentally.

Scenario B: The weaker side is put on in the last portion of the match i.e. 5-10 minutes left when the side is significantly ahead allowing the weaker 5 to gain experience and get exposure to match time while having the confidence of a buffer lead which will allow the players and coach to try new tactics etc.

Scenario C: Multiple injuries are suffered but cause minor interference to the team as they have a large reserve of substitute players to call upon.

Soccer only allows for 3 substitutions which can make it difficult on teams in instances where:

All subs have been used and a player is injured

All subs have been used and the goalkeeper is sent off

Managers are under extra pressure to make the right decisions especially in high profile matches and late stages of crucial games

No Offsides

Another major difference that futsal players are afforded is that they will never be faced with the prospect of an offside goal.

Players can use this to their advantage tactically by drawing opposition players which can create extra space when used appropriately.

Attacks can be launched from one side of the court to the next without fear of goals and plays being disallowed, quite often teams may have goal hangers who sit quietly and poach sneaky goals.

Offside in futsal wouldn’t be practical and would kill the game.

No Cancellations Due to Weather

Really only applicable to juniors and some Sunday league matches, the chances of you getting a game cancelled due to bad weather in futsal is zero.

For all of you who have played soccer or have young children, nothing is more frustrating than having a match canceled due to bad weather.

This can also be beneficial to parents who do not want their children running around in freezing conditions or humidity due to health or other reasons. Players also won’t have to face waterlogged pitches, always a plus.

Less Bounce in The Balls

Futsal balls are a size 4 which is one size less than a normal soccer ball. The futsal ball is usually stuffed with cotton which makes it feel heavier than a normal soccer ball and its bounce is normally half that of a soccer ball.

This allows for easier control of the ball but less bounce meaning players are encouraged to control the ball with more technique as opposed to a soccer ball which can increase a futsal players technique and ball control over time.

This gives benefit to futsal player when transitioning to soccer or soccer players participating in futsal for further skill development.