PE-22

Futsal Handout

1. Introduction to Futsal
Futsal is a fast-paced, indoor variant of soccer that emphasizes skill, quick decision-making, and
teamwork. It is played on a hard court with a smaller, less bouncy ball compared to traditional soccer.
Futsal is an exciting and technical game that enhances players' footwork, quick thinking, and teamwork,
making it a popular sport worldwide.

2. Origin and Development

Futsal is derived from the Spanish word “futbol sala” or “futbol de salon” and can be understood
in English as an indoor football. Futsal originated in Uruguay in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani created a
version of soccer suited for indoor play. The sport quickly gained popularity in South America,
particularly in Brazil, where it became an essential part of player development. The FIFA "Fédération
Internationale de Football Association" (French for International Federation of Association Football) later
adopted the game, standardizing its rules and organizing international competitions. Founded in May 21,
1904, in Paris, France. Its headquarters is in Zurich, Switzerland. The FIFA Organizes major football
tournaments including the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Futsal reached the Philippines through the influence of international football organizations and local
sports advocates. It gained recognition as an accessible and effective way to develop football skills,
particularly in urban areas where space is limited. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is the
governing body of football and futsal in the Philippines has actively promoted futsal through grassroots
programs, tournaments, and school-based initiatives, leading to its growing popularity in the country.
Founding and History:
 Established: 1907
 Original Name: Philippine Amateur Football Association (PAFA)
 Affiliation with FIFA: 1930 (Became a FIFA member)
 Renamed: Became the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) in 1982
 Headquarters: Pasig City, Philippines
Key Roles and Responsibilities of PFF:
1. Governance & Regulation – Oversees national football leagues, futsal, and grassroots programs.
2. National Teams Management – Manages the Philippine national football teams (Azkals, Malditas,
youth teams, and futsal teams).
3. Club and League Supervision – Organizes the Philippines Football League (PFL) and other
competitions.
4. Coaching and Referee Development – Conducts training for coaches and referees.
5. International Representation – Ensures the Philippines competes in FIFA, AFC, and AFF
tournaments.

3. Playing Rules
 A futsal match consists of two 20-minute halves with a running clock.
 Each team has five players, including a goalkeeper.
 Unlimited substitutions are allowed.
 The ball must remain below head height, and there are no walls or boards in play.
 Kick-ins replace throw-ins when the ball goes out of bounds.
 Goalkeepers have a four-second limit to release the ball and cannot touch it twice consecutively
unless an opponent touches it.
 Fouls accumulate, and after the fifth foul in a half, the opposing team is awarded a 10-meter
direct free kick without a defensive wall.

4. Player Positions and Duties

 Goalkeeper (GK): The last line of defense, responsible for stopping shots and distributing the ball
efficiently.
 Fixo (Defender): The main defensive player, often organizing the defense and starting attacks.
  Ala (Wingers - Left and Right): Provide width in attack and assist in defense. They are crucial in
quick transitions.
 Pivôt (Forward): The primary attacking player, responsible for scoring goals and holding up the
ball
to create play opportunities.

5. Playing Dimensions and labels

 Court length: 25-42 meters
 Court width: 16-25 meters
 Goal size: 3 meters wide and 2 meters high
 Penalty area: A semi-circle with a radius of 6 meters from each goalpost
6. Referee Hand Signals (https://www.dicaseducacaofisica.info/en/futsal-referee-signals/)
 Kick-in: The referee points to the location where the kick-in is to be taken.
 Goal Kick: Arm raised and pointed toward the goal area.
 Corner Kick: Arm extended, pointing towards the corner where the kick will be taken.
 Foul (Direct Free Kick): One arm raised and pointed in the direction of the attacking team.
 Penalty Kick: The referee points directly to the penalty spot.
 Yellow Card: The referee holds up a yellow card to caution a player.
 Red Card: The referee holds up a red card to indicate a player's expulsion.
 Four-Second Rule Violation: The referee raises four fingers to indicate a delay in play.
(visit the site for more hand signals details)

7. Skills and Techniques in Futsal

 Ball Control: Quick and precise touches to maintain possession and maneuver in tight spaces.
 Dribbling: Using feints, quick turns, and changes in direction to bypass defenders.
 Passing: Short, fast, and accurate passes to maintain fluid ball movement.
 Shooting: Quick and precise shots with both feet to increase scoring chances.
 Defensive Skills: Marking, intercepting passes, and pressing opponents effectively.
 Positioning: Awareness of space and movement to support teammates and create
opportunities.
 Goalkeeping Techniques: Quick reflexes, diving saves, and precise distribution of the ball.

8. Playing Etiquette of Players

 Respect Opponents and Officials: Always show sportsmanship by respecting referees,
opponents, and teammates.
 Fair Play: Avoid dangerous tackles, intentional fouls, and unsportsmanlike behavior.
 Positive Communication: Encourage teammates and maintain good communication on the
court.
 Shake Hands: Before and after the match, players should shake hands as a sign of mutual
respect.
 Accept Referee Decisions: Disputing referee calls disrupts the game and may lead to penalties.
 Control Emotions: Stay composed even in high-pressure situations to maintain the integrity of
the game.
 Follow Safety Guidelines: Avoid reckless challenges and play in a way that minimizes injury risks.

9. How to Start the Game: Procedures

 Pre-Match Coin Toss: The referee conducts a coin toss to determine which team will kick off and
which side they will defend first.
 Kick-Off: The game begins with a kick-off from the center circle. The ball must move forward,
and the player taking the kick-off cannot touch the ball again until another player has made
contact.
 Positions at Kick-Off: All players must be on their half of the court, and opponents must be at
least 3 meters away from the ball.
 Restarting Play: The game restarts with a kick-off after each goal, with the conceding team
restarting the game.
  Half-Time Switch: Teams switch sides at half-time, and the team that did not start with the kick-
off in the first half will take the second half kick-off.

10. Basic Terms Used in Futsal

 Kick-In: A method to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds on the sidelines.
 Dribble: Moving the ball forward while maintaining control using quick touches.
 Nutmeg: Passing the ball between an opponent’s legs.
 Pressing: Applying defensive pressure to regain possession quickly.
 Pivot: A key attacking position responsible for holding the ball and creating scoring chances.
 Flick: A quick touch to lift or redirect the ball over an opponent.
 Tackle: A defensive move to dispose of an opponent of the ball.
 Slide Tackle: A sliding challenge used defensively but restricted in futsal to prevent excessive
contact.
 Counterattack: A rapid transition from defense to attack, often taking advantage of an
opponent’s unprepared defense.
 Direct Free Kick: A foul where the opposing team is awarded a free shot on goal without
interference.
 Indirect Free Kick: A set-piece where the ball must touch another player before a goal can be
scored.
 Four-Second Rule: A time limit for players to restart play from kick-ins, corners, and goalkeepers’
possession.
 Wall refers to a group of defending players who stand 5 meters away from the ball in a line to
block or obstruct a direct or indirect free kick taken by the opposing team.
 Wall Pass (One-Two): A passing technique where a player passes the ball and immediately
moves to receive it back.
• Goal clearance refers to the restart of play when the ball has completely crossed the goal line (but
not resulting in a goal) and was last touched by an attacking player. The goalkeeper must throw
the ball (not kick it) from inside their penalty area.
 A corner kick is awarded when:
 The ball completely crosses the goal line (on the ground or in the air).
 The last touch was from a defending player (including the goalkeeper).
 A goal was NOT scored (otherwise, it would be a goal instead).
 Penalty Kick when a foul occurs inside the penalty area that would normally result in a direct
free kick and be taken from the penalty mark (6 meters from goal).

11. Misconduct and Penalties

1. Accumulated Fouls
These are direct free-kick offenses that count toward a team’s total foul count. The first five
accumulated fouls per half allow the defending team to form a wall. After the sixth foul, a direct free
kick is awarded from the second penalty mark (10 meters from the goal) without a wall.
Examples of Accumulated Fouls:
 Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
 Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent
 Jumping at an opponent
 Charging an opponent
 Holding an opponent
 Pushing an opponent
 Sliding tackles (except for goalkeepers inside their own penalty area)
 Handling the ball deliberately (except the goalkeeper inside their penalty area)
Sanction:
 Direct Free Kick (first 5 fouls allow a defensive wall) Taken from the spot where the foul
occurred.
 From 6th foul onwards → Second Penalty Mark Free Kick (no wall allowed)

2. Non-Accumulated Fouls
These do not count toward the team’s accumulated fouls but still result in a free kick or other
disciplinary action.
Examples:
 Dangerous play
 Obstructing an opponent
 Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball
 A goalkeeper holding the ball for more than four seconds
Sanction:
 Indirect Free Kick (defensive wall allowed and must be at least 5 meters away). Taken from
where the offense occurred.

3. Cautionable Offenses (Yellow Card)

A yellow card is issued for unsporting behavior or misconduct.
Examples:
 Persistent fouling
 Dissent (arguing with the referee)
 Delaying the restart of play
 Entering or leaving the pitch without permission
 Failing to respect the required distance during a restart
Sanction:
 Yellow Card (player continues playing unless they receive a second yellow)

4. Sending-Off Offenses (Red Card)

A red card results in the player being sent off and their team playing with one less player for two
minutes or until the opposing team scores a goal.
Examples:
 Serious foul play
 Violent conduct
 Spitting at someone
 Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by handling the ball (except the goalkeeper)
 Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by fouling an opponent
 Using offensive or abusive language/gestures
 Receiving a second yellow card

Sanction:
 Red Card (player is ejected, and their team plays with one less player for 2 minutes or until the
opponent scores)

What is the Futsal Rotation?

A Futsal Rotation is movements and exchanges of positions in an organized manner and must be part of
Futsal Training, to create a movement pattern for a futsal team. In good futsal training, rotation is
essential in developing a team.

What are the Goals of Futsal Rotation?

The goals of Futsal rotation are:
 create a movement pattern for the players when the team has possession of the ball;
 confuse the opposing team’s defense;
 cause errors in the opposing team’s defensive positioning;
 make room for the ball and players to infiltrate the opposing defense; create spaces for kicks to
the goal.

Futsal Rotation Characteristics

The Futsal Rotation is a repetitive movement, carried out when the team has possession of the ball,
executed from a tactical scheme defined by the team.

1. Rotation with 3 Players, on an 8-Shape Pattern, from Behind

The rotation with 3 players, on an 8-shape pattern is used in the Futsal 3×1 Tactical System, where the
defender and the two wingers are positioned further back, to bring the ball from the defensive field to
attack.

White dots = ball movement

Yellow arrow = player movement

1st movement: The defender receives the ball, pass it to the winger on the left side and move towards
the left side of the field, behind the winger.

2nd movement: The left winger receives the ball moving towards the center of the field, as shown
below:

3rd movement: In the next picture, the winger is now in the center of the field, and passes the ball to
the right-side winger, moving towards him.

4th movement: at same time, the right winger gets the ball, moving towards the center of the field e can
give continuity to the rotation:

IMPORTANT! Did you notice that the Pivot is positioned and moving on the strike court? The player with
the ball should always look at the movement of the pivot and his teammates. If Pivot or another team
player appears unmarked in a favorable position for an attacking or finishing move to goal, that move will
take priority in the continuation of the rotation. See the example below: