Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of who is a goalkeeper. In addition each team may have up to 7 substitutes, which means each team can comprise a maximum of 12 players.
Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the playing arena boundaries are marked with lines, and not walls or boards that players can use to rebound the ball.
Futsal is played with a smaller regulation ball with 30% less bounce than normal. The ball can also be kicked above head height, goals are similar in size to hockey goals. Corners can be taken and throw-ins are replaced by kick-ins from touch lines, both of which must be taken within 4 seconds. This makes the game very fast, dynamic and exciting.
As a small-sided game, players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces and it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.
