How to Play Futsal | Beginner’s Guide to Rules & Gameplay

If you love the close-control skill of soccer and the intense pace of basketball, then futsal is the game for you! Sure, it's not as globally popular as traditional soccer, but it’s a fantastic way to sharpen your ball control and develop lightning-fast decision-making. This beginner’s guide explains how to play futsal, covering all the essential rules and gameplay, so you can step on the court with confidence. 

Key Takeaways 

• Growing Popularity: The sport is rapidly gaining momentum in Australia, with approximately 64,000 players in 2023, up 11% from the previous year. 
• The Key Differences: Futsal is a 5v5 game with no offside rule, rolling substitutions, and kick-ins from the sideline. Master these unique rules for faster, more fluid play.
• A Skill-First Game: The small court and special low-bounce ball are designed to reward close control and rapid, tactical decision-making over speed and physicality. 

What is Futsal? 

• Format and Court: It's a five-a-side game (including a goalkeeper) played on a small, hard indoor court, which keeps the action intense and requires constant movement. 
• A Different Ball: Futsal uses a heavier ball with very little bounce. This forces players to rely on close control and quick, grounded passing, prioritising skill over strength. 
• Gameplay Focus: The small dimensions and low-bounce ball prioritise technical ability and split-second decision-making over long passes and speed. 
• Touchlines vs. Nets: Futsal is the official version of the game that uses touchlines (out-of-bounds) and kick-ins, unlike the local indoor soccer variation that often uses nets for rebounds. 

How Long is a Game of Futsal? 

Officially, a game of futsal consists of two 20-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime break, using a stopped clock that pauses whenever the ball is out of play to ensure 40 minutes of actual action. 

However, if you're wondering how long are futsal games in your local or social leagues, be aware they commonly use a continuous running clock and shorter halves (often 15 minutes) to keep matches on schedule. 

Understanding the Basic Rules of Futsal 

Get set for your first game with these simple futsal beginner rules! 

Players and Rolling Substitutions 

• Each team fields five players on the court: four outfield players plus a goalkeeper. 
• Substitutions are unlimited and rolling (on-the-fly), allowing for continuous high-intensity action and tactical shifts. 
• Substitutions must occur through a designated zone near the team's bench. 

Kick-Ins Replace Throw-Ins 

• When the ball goes out on the sideline, play restarts with a kick-in rather than a throw-in. 
• The player taking the kick-in has only four seconds to restart play. 
• You cannot score a goal directly from a kick-in. 

Goalkeeper Restrictions 

• The goalkeeper must restart play with a throw, not a kick, and can only hold the ball for four seconds when in control in their own half. 
• After releasing the ball, the goalkeeper cannot touch it again in their own half until an opponent touches it. 
• Teams can replace their keeper with a "flying goalkeeper" (an outfield player) to gain an extra attacker. 

No Offside Rule 

There is no offside rule in futsal. This crucial difference promotes continuous attacking play and tactical freedom across the entire court. 

The no offside rule in futsal makes for a fast and strong attacking game

Futsal Beginner FAQs 

Can you tackle in futsal? 

Yes, you can tackle in futsal, but it must be a standing tackle and must be clean. Futsal is a low-contact sport that prioritises skill over physical play. Any contact considered careless, reckless, or using excessive force will be called a foul. 

Can you slide in futsal? 

Generally, sliding tackles are not allowed in futsal. However, players are permitted to slide to block a shot or pass by an opponent, provided they do not make contact with the opponent themselves. This rule is in place to ensure player safety and maintain the technical focus of the game. 

Are there offsides in futsal? 

No, there are no offsides in futsal. This is one of the most exciting differences from outdoor soccer! The absence of an offside rule promotes continuous, high-speed attacking play and encourages defenders to be constantly active across the entire court. 

How to Play Futsal: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide 

Ready to turn the rules into action? Here is a simple walkthrough of the beginner essentials, with clear tips on how to play futsal from kick-off to full time. 

Step 1: Form Your Team and Choose Your Gear 

• Form two teams of five players each: four outfield players and one goalkeeper. 
• Compulsory Gear: Wear shin pads and long socks, and use dedicated indoor shoes with non-marking soles. 
• The game requires a special futsal ball (size 3 or 4), which is smaller, heavier, and has less bounce than a soccer ball. 

Step 2: Kick-Off and Court Awareness 

• Play takes place on a flat indoor court (about 40m x 20m) with small rectangular goals. 
• Begin the game with a kick-off at midfield. Remember, you cannot score directly from the kick-off. 
• Organise your team using a formation (like a diamond or box) that maintains continuous defence and support. 

Step 3: Play and Movement 

• Since there is no offside rule, constant movement, quick passes, and support are mandatory. The game rewards technical skill and fluid movement over long passes. 
• Utilise unlimited rolling substitutions to keep the intensity high; players must swap in the designated zone. 
• Keep it clean, as fouls result in free kicks. Sliding tackles and dangerous play are never allowed. 

Step 4: Mastering Restarts and the Clock 

• All restarts, like kick-ins (from the sideline), goal clearances, corners, and free kicks, must be taken within a strict four-second limit. 
• The goalkeeper must restart play with a throw (never a kick) and cannot hold the ball for more than four seconds in their own half. 
• The clock stops for dead-ball situations in official games, but local leagues often use a continuous running clock. 

Remember, if you’re playing the local indoor soccer version with surrounding nets, always confirm the rules for touching the nets with your venue. While rebounds are typically permitted, penalties for touching the net can vary greatly between facilities. 

Why Play Futsal? 

Futsal's popularity is surging in Australia! Participation reached around 64,000 players in 2023, with an 11% jump from 2022. Here’s why Aussies are flocking to this fast-paced and engaging sport. 

• Boost Your Ball Mastery: Players typically get up to six times more touches on the ball than in traditional soccer, rapidly enhancing your close control, confidence, and technical ability. 
• Sharpen Decision-Making: The small court, fast pace, and constant movement force you to make quick passes and decisions under pressure, developing crucial tactical awareness and agility. 
• Fitness & Access: It's an easy-to-access, high-intensity sport that provides a great cardiovascular workout with minimal physical contact, making it a safe and dynamic way to play all year. 

Getting Started with the Right Equipment 

To translate your quick thinking and close control into great gameplay, the right gear is essential. Make Summit Sport your go-to choice and get equipped today! 

• The Futsal Ball: The ball must be low-bounce. Rely on the SUMMIT Football Australia Advance Futsal Ball. It’s FA-approved, featuring a durable, low-bounce bladder and textured PU casing for superior touch and control. Available in senior (Size 4) and junior (Size 3). 
• Futsal Shoes: Essential for performance and safety. Choose non-marking shoes like the KELME K-Fighting Futsal Shoes with flat, rubber soles to guarantee maximum grip on smooth indoor courts. 
• Training & Goals: Consider the SUMMIT Football Australia Flex Futsal Goal 3x2m and SUMMIT Marker Cones to level up your skills and train with confidence. 

Futsal requires a 2x3m goal & fustal balls in size 4 (seniors) or size 3 (juniors)

Ready to Play? Grab Your Gear at Summit Sport 

Futsal is a fantastic, accessible way to sharpen your technical game. When you understand the basic futsal beginner rules, like 5v5, rolling substitutions, and no offsides, nothing is stopping you from jumping on the court and getting amongst the fast-paced action! 

So don’t wait to kick off! Explore the full Summit Sport futsal range and shop online today.