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, approximately 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 futsal ball is smaller and heavier than a traditional soccer ball, resulting in less bounce, encouraging close control and short passing.
Ball Contact: Players can use their feet and any part of their body, excluding arms and hands (unless they are the goalkeeper within the penalty area), to control and play the ball.
Duration of Play: A futsal match consists of two 20-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime. If tied at the end of regular time, extra time or a penalty shoot-out may decide the winner.
Fouls and Free Kicks: Certain fouls, like pushing, tripping, or dangerous actions, result in free kicks for the opposing team, with a 5-meter distance maintained.
Goalkeeper Rules: The goalkeeper is the only player who can use hands and arms, but only within the penalty area. They can hold the ball for a maximum of four seconds before releasing it.
Substitutions: Futsal allows unlimited substitutions “on-the-fly”, with players entering or exiting from the designated substitution area at any time without stopping the game.