Futsal is a thrilling variant of association football played on a smaller indoor pitch. The name “futsal” is derived from the Portuguese “futebol de salão” and the Spanish “fútbol de salón” (commonly known as “fútbol sala”), which translate to “hall football” or “indoor football.” During the sport’s second world championships in Madrid in 1985, the name “fútbol Sala” was adopted, and since then, it has become the official international term.
Played between two teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper, futsal allows unlimited substitutions. Unlike other forms of indoor football, futsal is played on a hard court surface without the use of walls or boards. The smaller ball used in futsal has less bounce than a regular football, creating a game that emphasizes improvisation, creativity, technique, ball control, and passing in tight spaces.
