Futsal Factsheet 2005...Futsal Factsheet Futsal w as the nam e chosen b y FIFA , the W orld governing b od y of Footb all for the only version of 5-a-sid e footb all that it supports.

The FA Football

Developm

ent Programm

eFutsal Fact Sheet

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The FA FootballDevelopment ProgrammeFutsal Fact Sheet

Futsal: The basics

Ever wondered how some of the world’smost skilful players developed their abilityto beat opponents at will? How do playerssuch as Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinhio,Robinho and Roberto Carlos develop skillsthat set them apart from other players?What did they do as youngsters thatprovided them with the basis to becomingsome of the world’s best players? If youare interested in the answer then you needto learn more about a game called Futsal.

What is Futsal and how does itdiffer from our domestic versionsof Small Sided Football?

Futsal is the format of Small Sided Footballthat is recognised and supported by FIFAand UEFA with World and EuropeanChampionships for club and NationalTeams

Futsal Factsheet

Futsal was the name chosen by FIFA, theWorld governing body of Football for theonly version of 5-a-side football that itsupports. The name simply combines theSpanish words for ‘Hall’ – Sala and‘Football’ – Futbol into Futsal.It is a 5-a-side game, normally played on a slightlylarger pitch with hockey sized goals and asmaller ball with a reduced bounce. It isplayed to touchlines and all players arefree to enter the penalty area and play theball over head height. As a small sidedgame players are constantly placed insituations where they must receive or playwhilst under pressure or in confinedspaces. As a game it places considerabledemand on technique, movement, tacticalawareness and fitness.

The differences to our traditional versionsof Small Sided Football are the absence ofrebound boards and some slight

amendments in the laws that favourskilful, creative play above the physicalcontact that tends to be a feature ofEnglish five a side.

FIFA in formulating the laws have alsoincorporated exciting elements from otherindoor sports. Thus an accumulated foulcount is in place with each and everyteam foul after the fifth in any one halfresulting in an unopposed ten metrepenalty. This really conditions thedefensive tactics of teams and rewardsattacking play. Teams can also use a benchof up to seven rolling substitutes whichmeans that the tempo of games remainshigh throughout. Games are played in twotwenty minute halves but as thecountdown clock is stopped every timethe ball is out of play an average gamecan at International Level last 80 to 90minutes.

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The main differences between Eleven-a side Football and Futsal are summarised below

What’s the differrence?

Futsal Traditional English Five a Side Football

Five players on court – rolling substitutions Five players on court – limited substitutions

Played to lines. Ball is returned to play with a‘Kick-In’

No By or End lines – use of rebound boards. Ballconstantly in play

Use of wider and longer pitch

All players allowed to enter penalty areas Only Goalkeepers permitted to enter penaltyareas

No height restriction on ball Use of restriction on height of the ball

Use of Square Goals (3m x 2m) Use of Futsal ball (30 per cent reduced bouce)

Use of rectangular goals Use of Football – size 5 for adults

5 Foul Limit - No wall for Direct free Kick fromten metres after fith Foul

Unlimited Fouls

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Why have FIFA and UEFA shownan interest in this game?

The interest of the Football GoverningBodies has emerged for the three mainreasons;

1. The popularity of the game – from itsorigins in South America the game is nowplayed throughout the world. Onehundred and four nations participated inthe qualifying phases of the 2004 FIFAWorld Cup with Spain beating Italy in the Final

2. Commercial rationale – FIFA wishes todevelop an exciting and lucrative versionof indoor football that has appeal forspectators and is attractive to sponsorsand broadcasters.

3. Technical Development – Futsal canmake a contribution to the technicaldevelopment of football players – AndyRoxborough of UEFA commented that ‘Futsal is a paradise for the technicalplayer’

Why is The FA interested inFutsal?

11 a side football will always be theoverwhelming concern of the FA but theFA is also aware that football participationis changing. Recent years have seen asignificant growth in the numbers ofpeople playing Small Sided Football. Thepopularity of Small Sided Football is areaction to changing work and leisurepatterns and a move towards ‘Pay andPlay’ football. It is here to stay!

The FA views Futsal as a high qualityformat of a small sided game.

• Many Countries that we admire for the technical skills of their players use Futsalas an aspect of youth development. Ballretention, quick and skilful play, tactical awareness – all are promoted in Futsal

• Fairplay – The Laws of the game and an accumulated fouls rule discourages teams from being overly physical or disputing the decisions of the two referees.

• Exit routes – Futsal can offer some very exciting opportunities to its participants that are not available in traditional five a side. There is now a FA Futsal Cup, UEFA Futsal Cup and International representation in European and World Competitions available to talented teamsand players.

What are the game’s SouthAmerican origins?

Futsal began in the South Americancountries of Uruguay and Brazil where, inthe 1930’s, two versions of Small SidedFootball were being played in the cities ofMontevideo and Sao Paulo respectively.

In Brazil, the large crowded cities and ashortage of playing pitches forced afootball mad populace to play small sidedfootball. A version began to develop onthe streets of Sao Paulo, leading to thepublishing of the first rules of the game in1936 from the country that would soonbecome the masters of the game.

Skills and techniques honed in Futsal soonbegan to become apparent in theperformance of Brazil’s National Team -Pele, Rivelino, and Zico all played thegame at some time in their development.

The growing popularity of Futsal –Worldwide

FIFA World Futsal Championship – Participating countries

Holland 1989 16 teams by invitation

Spain 1996 48

Guatamala 2000 72

Tawain 2004 104

Where is the game played?

The adoption of the game by FIFA has ledto its spread throughout the world;

• Holland 60,000 registered Futsal players.• Brazil 190,000 registered Futsal players.• Japan 300,000 registered Futsal players.• Portugal has over 15,000 registered

Futsal players• Italy 2,200 registered Clubs.• 32 European countries in 2004 FIFA

World Cup qualification rounds.• Professional leagues in Brazil, Iran,

Japan, Italy, Portugal, Spain & Russia.• National leagues in 50+ countries• Terrestrial TV coverage. Very popular in

Spain, Italy, Brazil, Croatia, Romania, Ukraine and Russia

What demands does it place oncoaches?

Futsal is a very tactical game and at itshighest level is compared to Basketball inthat teams once in possession can performchoreographed movements in order tocreate scoring opportunities. Having onlyfour outfield players means that there islittle room for personal errors and eachindividual must maintain their tactical

awareness in order for the team to besuccessful.

Unlike 11-a-side football the Coach has fargreater opportunity to directly influenceplay on the pitch in that substitutions areunlimited and can be repeated. A coachalso has the ability to call a one minutetime out in each half. Futsal coachesseldom sit down in the course of a game!

A variety of formations are used with 3–1and 2-2 being the most popular. Howeverthe World and European ChampionsSpain employ a unique 4-0 structure andany team chasing a game will considerreplacing a goal keeper with an outfieldplayer to create a 5-4 overload in attackingpositions.

The natural assumption of many EnglishCoaches coming to Futsal is that it issimilar to traditional five-a-side footballand as such may offer few benefits otherthan fun and fitness. However thepopularity of the game throughout therest of the world is for a good reason andthere are many elements of it that aretransferable to 11-a-side football. Forinstance the ingenuity and interplay

required to open up a close markingdefence in Futsal could enhance creativeplay in Football.

How is The FA supporting thedevelopment of the game inEngland?

Coaching qualificationsThe FA introduced in May 2006 the ‘FAIntroduction to Futsal’ Course. This is aSeven hour programme designed toprovide a starter for coaches. The Courseis open access. Course details can be found atTheFA.com\grassroots\smallsided.

England Futsal TeamAn England Team has been established forthe dual purpose of participating in UEFACompetitions and helping to promote andpublicise the sport. The team draws itsplayers predominately from the few seniorFutsal Clubs and semi professional 11-a-side football. The team schedule for 2006is based upon preparing the team for thequalifying process of the UEFA FutsalChampionship in January 2007 and theFIFA World Futsal Cup in 2008.

Futsal Factsheet

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‘I think the best way to improve your skills is to play football on a smaller pitch. I didn’t play 11-a-side football until I was 13. In Brazil most kids play what wecall futebol de salao, which is similar to five-a-side. It is played on a hard surfaceand the ball is smaller and weighted with foam so it doesn't bounce as much.On a small pitch you need to have good control and move the ball aroundquickly. There isn't much space so you need to be skilful. That is why Brazilalways produces players with great skill’. Juninho

‘In Futsal a successful team may use any or all of the four most popularformations; 3 – 1, 4-0, 1-2-1, 2-2. Futsal is not a game for players who only feelsecure in their own few square metres of the pitch. What Futsal develops isspeed and quality of decision making’

Javier Lozano – Manager of Spain – FIFA Futsal World Cup Winners 2004

FA Futsal Cup and Futsal League

The FA has now run this tournament onthree occasions with teams qualifying forthe national Finals via local leagues. Thewinners of the 2005 Tournament wereDoncaster College for the Deaf whoqualify as the English entrant for the 2006UEFA Futsal Club Cup.

The three –day competition also providesan opportunity to showcase youth,women’s and disability Futsal as well asstaging coaching and referee seminars.

The 2006 National Finals will take place atthe English Institute of Sport, SheffieldJuly 21 – 23rd. There are 16 qualificationplaces available for teams progressingfrom local leagues and regional play- offs.Established Futsal Clubs such as TranmereVictoria, Santos, Sheffield Hallam, LondonWhite Bear, Doncaster College, Baltic willcontest with the growing number of newFutsal Clubs emerging on the scene

UEFA Futsal Cup

This is an annual competition that bringstogether the domestic champions of eachcountry. The competition to date has beendominated by the professional teams ofSpain, Portugal, Russia and Belgium.England has staged the pre-qualifyingtournament for this competition on thelast two occasions with Sheffield Hallamand London White Bear FC representingEngland. White Bear were extremelyunfortunate not to progress from thecompetition staged at Crystal Palace inSeptember 2005 despite winning two oftheir three matches against the championsof France and Armenia.

Futsal Leagues

The FA is keen to see the organisation ofnew and additional Leagues. Support isoffered to League Organisers in relation topromotion, referees, equipment andfacilities. Further details are available onthe Grassroots section of the FA.com

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FA Futsal Leagues – Operating Criteria

• The pitch must be rectangular, have Futsal markings and it’s dimensions must fit into the following criteria:

• Width: minimum 15m, maximum 25m• Length: minimum 25m, maximum 42m• The goal posts must measure 3m wide

x 2m tall• A minimum of 2 referees must be used

for each game• There must be a minimum of 8

competing teams• Games should last two equal periods of

between 15 and 20 minutes in length with 1 time out per team per half. Note that matches do not have to be played ‘real time’.

• The league must be affiliated to the County FA

• All league fixtures must comply with the competition rules for the National Championships and be completed by the 30 June 2006

Futsal in Education

Futsal is now available as an option of FA’sand CFA’s Education programmes. Freeequipment and training is available to FACharter Standard Schools and to SchoolSports Partnerships interested indeveloping the game. Applicants shouldconsulthttp://www.thefa.com/Grassroots/FootballInSchools/

Referees

The FA will be producing its FA FutsalReferees Qualification in 2006 to provideofficials for this growing sport. Futsal offersexciting opportunities for referees toprogress quickly and become involved inlocal leagues, The FA Futsal Cup andinternational fixtures.

What are the laws of the game?

The official laws of Futsal –are available todownload from the FIFA website as astandalone publication - www.fifa.com

As an initial introduction to these laws, thebasic principals of the game that make itdifferent from any other versions of 5-a-side are highlighted below:

• The pitch – Futsal is played on a markedpitch and the ball can go out of play (seeillustration for dimensions and layout of pitch).

• The ball - Is a fundamental factor in making the game and is by virtue of the laws of the game required to be a smaller, heavier, ‘low bounce’ version of11-a-side ball

• Head height – There are no restrictions (apart form the ceiling of the sports hall!)as to how high the ball can be kicked in Futsal.

• Rotating substitutions – Up to 12 playerscan be used in one match and there is no limit on how long a player must stay on or off the pitch. Players must enter and leave the field of play via the

‘substitution zone’ that is marked on the pitch in front of the team benches.

• Kick-ins – In order to restart the game after a ball has gone out of play the ball is kicked back into play from the touchline and from corners. The ball must be placed stationary on the touchline and the standing foot of the player taking the kick-in must not be on or behind the line.

• The 4 second rule – For kick-ins, free kicks, goal clearances and corner kicks the player in possession of the ball has 4 seconds to restart play which the referee will count with their fingers in the air. If play isn’t restarted within four seconds an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. The goalkeeper is not allowed to control the ball for more than 4 seconds in his own half.

• The 5m rule – Players are required to keep 5m from the player in possession of the ball on free kicks, corners, goal clearances, kick-ins and penalties.

Futsal Factsheet

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• Goalkeepers – Goalkeepers are allowed to come out of and players are allowed to go into the penalty area. A goal clearance must be thrown out and the goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again until it has crossed into the opponents half or a member of the opposition has touched the ball

• Accumulated fouls – Each team will be allowed to give away 5 direct free kicks in each half, then on the sixth foul a direct kick is awarded to the opposing team and the defending team is not allowed to position any players (other than the goal keeper) between the ball and the goal. The kick may be take fromthe 10m mark or, if the foul was committed closer to the goal than the

10m mark, then the kick may be taken from the position where the foul tookplace.

• Real time – A Futsal match consists of two twenty minute halves that are played real-time which means the clock stops whenever the ball goes out of play.

• Time outs – Each team is allowed a one-minute time out in each half.

• Sliding Tackles – Sliding tackles are not allowed in Futsal but players ARE allowed to slide on the pitch, for example to stop the ball from going out of play. For a player sliding to be considered an offence, the tackler’s

opponent must have possession of the ball. Referees will not give a foul for a slide if the opponent does not have possession of the ball.

• Red Cards – If a player is sent off then the team to which the player belongs must remain with 4 players until either two minutes have passed, or the opposition have scored a goal.

• Goalkeeper – The goalkeeper can make slide tackles in the area as long as they are not deemed to be dangerous by the referee.

• In an International Futsal match there are three referees and one timekeeper.

Futsal Factsheet

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What are the dimensions and markings of a Futsal Pitch?If official dimensions are required, you are advised to use metric measurements.

27 Yards (25 m) Minimum - 46 Yards (42 m) Maximum

10 m

r = 20 feet (6 m)

r = 10 Feet (3 m) Penalty Spot

Second Penalty Spot

Touch Line

Halfw

ay Line

Goa

l Lin

e

Pena

lty A

rea

Goa

l

40 cm inside pitch

10 fe

et (3

m)

20 feet (6 m)

Substitution Zone

Team Bench Officials Table Team Bench

Substitution Zone

16 Y

ards

(15

m) M

inin

um -

27 Y

ards

(25

m) M

axim

um

5 m

mar

k

4” (10 cms)

3” (8 cms)

3” (8 cms)

5 m

5 m

mar

k

5 m 5 m 5 m

Corner arcs 25 cm radius

Corner arcs 25 cm radius

Corner arcs25 cmradius

Corner arcs 25 cm radius

3.16

m

2 m

40 cm outside pitch

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Practice 2Org. In 6's. One ball. Two lines of threefacing each other, 10 metres apart. Dia.2

(a). Pass across to player in front ofopposite line, following direction of passand go to back of opposite line of players.Receiver controls sideways and passes ballto opposite player and follows direction ofpass going to back of opposite line.Repeat.

Coaching points - Vary part of foot usedfor pass emphasising accuracy and speed.Use ground and flick pass.Receiver varies control and passsequence. Receive sole of one foot; passwith outside of other foot.

Basic techniques of Futsal

The following practices provide anintroduction to the key techniques ofFutsal. It is essential that a Futsal ball isused when these drills are staged as it isimportant that the players get accustomedto a smaller low bounce ball that performsdifferently from that used for 11 a side.

The Warm Up

With a Futsal ball players should look todribble and move the ball using all parts oftheir foot, especially sole of foot. Practicestop, starts, turns with both feet. Drag theball with the sole of the foot. Keep the ballup whilst moving forward.

Passing and control

Passing and control.In Futsal passing should usually be donewith speed and must be accurate. Keepthe ball moving to maintain the advantageof possession.

Practice 1Org. In pairs, 10 metres apart.Dia.1

Coaching points - Crisp passing usinginside, outside, laces of foot.Two touch (control and pass), onetouch.Receiver controls close to body with sole,inside and outside of foot.Emphasise sole of foot technique.Control ball forwards, sideways andbackwards.

X X 21

Diagram 1

XXX

XXX

1

2

3

Diagram 2a

Player movement

Ball movement

Number refers to ballmovement in sequence

2

KEY to diagrams

Practice 3Dia.3

Org. 3 v 1 in 10m x 10m area. Play 'keepball'.

A

AA

D

Diagram 3

Coaching points - Coach differenttechniques of pass/control including soleof foot control. Body movement. Takeball in stride pattern etc.

Introduce aerial passes and control in 20mx 20m area. (unopposed).Use flick pass to lift ball over shortand longer distances.Progress to 5 v 2 in 20m x 20m area.Coach movement, receive/controland support.Devise practices to include aerialcontrol situations using feet, chest,thigh and head.

Futsal Factsheet

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Dia.4Org. Two lines of three playersfacing each other 10 metres apart.First player runs with ball towardsopposite line. First player in opposite linemoves towards the runner. As they meetthe runner with the ball back heels ordrags the ball with sole of foot for theother player to control and run across toopposite side. Repeat.

Coaching points - Quick running; timingand technique of back-heel dragbackcontrol in running stride.

Moving with the Ball and Dribbling.

Practice 4Org. In pairs, 30 metres apart.Running with ball across to partner.

Coaching points - Dragging ball with soleof foot.Close control. Move as quickly aspossible. Good balance. Body shapefacing forward.

X X XX X X2

1

<20m>

<10m>

Diagram 4

X1 X3X2

<10m>

<20m>

Diagram 5

Practice 5Dia.5Org. (3's in 20m v10m). 1, 2 in linefacing 3, 20m apart.1 runs with ball approximately 5 metres,passes to 3 and follows pass.3 controls ball and runs with ball towards 1.3 drags ball sideways to beat 1 and passesto 2.Repeat. Each player moves to oppositeside after completion of movement.

Progress to support player at far post area.Org. ‘B’ players start with a ball each. 'B'plays ball to 'A'. 'A' controls and passes to'C'. 'C' plays ball back to 'A'. 'A' shoots ordrives ball across face of goal for supportplayer 'B' to shoot.On completion 'A' returns to back of 'B'line and 'B' to back of 'A' line.Repeat from other side.

Coaching points - Pace and angle of pass;movement and timing of support player'srun; decisions to shoot or pass; supportruns.

Shooting.

Practice 6 Dia.6

Org. (7 plus GK).Two lines of threeplayers, 20 metres from goal, three metresapart. Each player with a ball. First playerpasses ball to centrally placed coach orplayer. Coach sets ball sideways for firstplayer to run on to and shoot. Repeat fromalternate sides. Players change sides inorder to practice with both feet.

Coaching points - Coach use of instep,inside and outside of foot. Encourageaccuracy. Target areas -corners of goal.

Vary set up pass for volley and half volleyshots. Aim for low and high corners ofgoal.

Practice 7 Dia.7

C

GK

A

A

A

B

B

B

C

A

A

A

B

B

B

GK

Futsal Factsheet

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How can I start playing Futsal?

Since the sport is only just beginning todevelop in England, initially it may bedifficult to find the facilities alreadyestablished that will allow you to playFutsal - but don’t be put off!

Any reasonable sized school or sports hallcan accommodate Futsal and the floormarkings can be laid down with tape –even if it is only temporary at first. FutsalGoals resemble Handball or Hockey Goalsso try to use these if you can’t access thereal thing. Alternatively Goals used for MiniSoccer would also be fine to start off with.

Can I play on any surface?

At an International level Futsal must beplayed on either a wooden floor or asuitable synthetic floor that is smooth andflat. At any other level Futsal can be played– Indoor or out - on a variety of firmsurfaces. Futsal can also be played onArtificial Grass. Although the surfaceslightly slows up the pace of the ball it issuitable for introducing the game.

Do I need to use a special type ofball?Yes, Futsal balls are smaller than 11-a-sideballs and are made with a reducedbounce.

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Futsal Factsheet

Are three referees and atimekeeper really necessary?

Only at an international level – though it isrecommended that you play with aminimum of two referees as the game byit’s nature is very fast and will be difficultfor one person to referee on their own.

Where can I get hold of Balls,Goals, and other equipment?

Futsal Goals can be obtained from thefollowing suppliers that goals at differentspecifications;

[email protected]@ybsinsulation.comjohn@itsagoal.netwww.harrod.uk.comwww.thefpl.com www.newitts.com

Grants to assist some groups to puchase Futsal Goals and equipment may beavailable from the Football Foundation;

www.footballfoundation.org.uk

Futsal balls can be viewed or purchased from;

www.newitts.comwww.thefpl.comwww.sheffieldfa.com/development/Futsal/Futsal+Equipmentwww.Mitre.com

Useful web sites for leagues and general Futsal information

The FA www.thefa.com/Grassroots/SmallSidedFootball/Futsal Premier League www.thefpl.comUK Futsal information www.futsal.org.uk

Also contact your local County Football Association who may also have informationon local Futsal Opportunities.

Useful web sites for international futsal

www.fifa.comwww.uefa.com www.futsalplanet.com

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