Futsal

Futsal is an exciting indoor soccer game. It is played on a hard court, like a basketball court, instead of grass. Each team has only five players, including the goalie. The ball is smaller and bounces less than a normal soccer ball. Futsal helps players get better at quick passes and ball control.

How It Is Played

Futsal games have two halves that last 20 minutes each. Teams try to score by kicking the ball into a small goal. Because the court is small, players must think fast and pass often. There are no walls, so the ball goes out of bounds like in soccer. Games often have lots of goals and cool tricks.

Where It Started

Futsal began in Uruguay in the 1930s. A coach wanted kids to play soccer even when the weather was bad. He made rules for a game that could be played in gyms. Soon, futsal spread to Brazil and Argentina. Today, many famous soccer stars played futsal when they were kids.

Fun Facts

• Famous players like Ronaldinho and Messi grew up playing futsal.
• The word 'futsal' comes from Spanish and Portuguese words for 'indoor soccer'.
• Futsal has its own World Cup held every four years.

Did You Know?

Futsal balls are made to bounce only about half as much as a normal soccer ball. This helps players keep the ball on the ground.