First, why are we covering this game in our Youth Soccer Evolution website? Because Futsal is easy to get started, easy to implement, great fun to play and watch, and it’s impact on soccer player development is unmatched. Many of the great stars today got their start by playing Futsal. Such greats as Messi, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, you name them, they played futsal. Brazil is probably mostly known for their futsal players, so is Argentina, and Spain has quickly caught up and now has a strong National Team, which many believe has to do with the Futsal program in the country. Since the game is played on a smaller court, player touches and passes have to be precise, pressure is higher because of the small space, and there are more shots on goal due to always being near the goal. The ball is also smaller (size 4) and is mostly on the ground, forcing players to dribble and control the ball on the ground.
What is Futsal?: Futsal is a simple soccer game, played on a hard surface (like a gym floor or basketball black top), with a low-bounce ball (size 4), and smaller goals (6×9 meters to be exact), and smaller court (about the same size as a basketball court). There are no throw-ins, but there is out of bounds (ball is kicked back into the court).
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History of Futsal: The game is said to have first started in Uruguay in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ciriani created a version of soccer for the YMCAs. It’s just basic street soccer. It’s popularity grew in the streets of Sao Paolo, Brazil and took off from there into Latin America. A governing body was formed under the name of FIFUSA (Federacion Internacional de Futbol de Salon) in 1971. After FIFA took control of the World Championships in 1989. With FIFA at the helm, the knowledge and resources about Futsal were spread throughout the world. Brazil dominated most of the World Championships, but Spain soon took over in 2000 as they won their first World Championship. Today Brazil and Spain continue to be the giants of Futsal. It has definitely translated to the 11v11 field.
Why is Futsal growing?: Futsal has grown because of it’s simplicity. It’s less players, can be played indoors or outdoors. It’s easier to form a team and a league. The goals are smaller and less expensive. The game can be played with tennis shoes on gym floor. It’s faster which makes it more fun. There are more goals scored, which is also fun.
What you need can all be found at Soccer.com:
Shoes: Futsal shoes are indoor soccer shoes, but the sole must be flat or you could slip. You can get a pair of shoes through our affiliate.
Futsal Ball: You could use a normal soccer ball, but it will bounce a lot on the hard surface. I also recommend using a size 4 or 3 ball with a little air taken out. This would mimic the “real” futsal ball. A Regular Size Futsal ball is actually the size of a size 4 ball. But remember that the Futsal ball has a lower bounce.
Futsal balls are a little more difficult to find. You usually have to go to a specialty soccer store to find them since futsal is not very common. For example, you may be able to find a regular soccer ball at the larger retailers like Wal Mart, Meijer, etc. but you won’t find a futsal ball. If you would like to support our website, you can follow our affiliate link and buy a futsal ball.
Goals: The goals are 6m x 9m (this is meters). You can either make your own, or buy some from our affiliate, Eurosport. Or you can click on our own Futsal store below and buy everything you need to get started.