FOOTBALL

Football, also called association football or soccer,

game in which two teams of 11 players, using any
part of their bodies except their hands and arms, try
to maneuver the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
Only the goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball
and may do so only within the penalty area
surrounding the goal. The team that scores more
goals wins.

Football is the world’s most popular ball game in

Ballack, MichaelChelsea's Michael Ballack (right) attempting a
bicycle kick during a Premier League football match against Hull
City, August 15, 2009.Ian Kington—AFP/Getty Images
numbers of participants and spectators. Simple in its
principal rules and essential equipment, the sport
can be played almost anywhere, from official
football playing fields (pitches) to gymnasiums,
streets, school playgrounds, parks, or beaches.
Football’s governing body, the Fédération
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA),
estimated that at the turn of the 21st century there
were approximately 250 million football players and
over 1.3 billion people “interested” in football; in
2010 a combined television audience of more than
26 billion watched football’s premier tournament,
the quadrennial month-long World Cup finals.

History of Football

The contemporary history of the world's favourite game spans more than 100 years. It all
began in 1863 in England, when rugby football and association football branched off on their
different courses and the Football Association in England was formed - becoming the sport's
first governing body.

Both codes stemmed from a common root and both have a long and intricately branched
ancestral tree. A search down the centuries reveals at least half a dozen different games, varying
to different degrees, and to which the historical development of football has been traced back.
Whether this can be justified in some instances is disputable. Nevertheless, the fact remains
that people have enjoyed kicking a ball about for thousands of years and there is absolutely no
reason to consider it an aberration of the more 'natural' form of playing a ball with the hands.

On the contrary, apart from the need to employ the legs and feet in tough tussles for the
ball, often without any laws for protection, it was recognised right at the outset that the art of
controlling the ball with the feet was not easy and, as such, required no small measure of skill.

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 The very earliest form of the game for which there is scientific evidence was an exercise
from a military manual dating back to the second and third centuries BC in China.

This Han Dynasty forebear of football was called Tsu' Chu and it consisted of kicking a
leather ball filled with feathers and hair through an opening, measuring only 30-40cm in width,
into a small net fixed onto long bamboo canes. According to one variation of this exercise, the
player was not permitted to aim at his target unimpeded, but had to use his feet, chest, back
and shoulders while trying to withstand the attacks of his opponents. Use of the hands was not
permitted.

Another form of the game, also

originating from the Far East, was the
Japanese Kemari, which began some
500-600 years later and is still played
today. This is a sport lacking the
competitive element of Tsu' Chu with no
struggle for possession involved. Standing
in a circle, the players had to pass the ball
to each other, in a relatively small space,
trying not to let it touch the ground.

The Greek 'Episkyros' - of which few

concrete details survive - was much
livelier, as was the Roman 'Harpastum'.
The latter was played out with a smaller ball by two teams on a rectangular field marked by
boundary lines and a centre line. The objective was to get the ball over the opposition's
boundary lines and as players passed it between themselves, trickery was the order of the day.
The game remained popular for 700-800 years, but, although the Romans took it to Britain with
them, the use of feet was so small as to scarcely be of consequence.

LAWS ON FOOTBALL

What Are The Rules?

• The 17 Laws of Soccer Explained

Soccer’s rules and regulations are maintained and updated annually by the International
Football Association Board (IFAB). The board consists of eight members, four of which come
from FIFA, and the other four coming from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales – all
countries that contributed to the development of the sport. FIFA’s most recently published rule
book is 140 pages long, which is a bit ambitious for the casual player who is just becoming
familiarized with the game. For this reason, we have prepared a simplified version below that
should allow you to learn the basic rules of soccer. It is also important to note that although FIFA
publishes an established set of rules, they are often modified by national and regional leagues

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and organizations. With that, you should ensure that you inquire with your coach, fellow players
or league manager regarding any rules that deviate from the norm.

Laws of the Game

IFAB currently acknowledges 17 laws of soccer that are the standard for any professional or
international match played. They are as follows:

Law 1: The Field of Play

Soccer can be played on either grass or artificial turf, but the surface must be green in color. The
field must be rectangular in shape, and distinctly marked by two short goal lines and two
long-touch lines. The field is divided into halves, separated by the halfway line, which runs from
the midpoints of each touchline. At the midpoint of the halfway line is a marked center point
surrounded by a lined center circle with a radius of 10 yards. Opposing players are not allowed
to enter this circle during the possessing team’s kick-off. The length of the touch line must be
greater than the length of the goal line.

Regulation lengths are:

 Touch line: Minimum 90 meters (100 yards), maximum 120 meters (130 yards)
 Width (goal line): Minimum 45 m (50 yds), maximum 90 m (100 yds).
 At each end of the field is an eight-yard-wide goal centered along the goal line.
 Six yards from each goal post along the goal line and six yards out into the field
(perpendicular to the goal line) is the goal box.
 Extending 18 yards from each goal post along the goal line and 18 yards out into the field
(perpendicular to the goal line) is the penalty box.
 In each of the four corners of the field is a five-foot-high corner flag.

Law 2: The Ball

A soccer ball must be spherical in shape and made of leather or another comparable medium.
Its circumference must be in the range of 27 to 28 inches. This rule is only applicable for official
sanctioned matches, as youth leagues often employ the use of a smaller ball that is better suited
to children.

Law 3: The Number of Players

Matches are generally played by two teams of 11 to a side. The goalkeeper is included in the
11-player total. If a team cannot field at least seven players at match time, the game is a forfeit.
Teams of fewer than 11 a side can often be seen in youth leagues where smaller teams are used
as a developmental tool. FIFA-sanctioned matches are generally limited to three substitutions
per match, with the exception of friendly matches. Most youth leagues allow an unlimited
number of substitutions, which must also be listed on the game card prior to the beginning of

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the match, otherwise those players are ineligible. Substitutions may only enter at the halfway
line, upon the referee’s approval, and after the player being subbed out has left the pitch. The
goalkeeper may be substituted with anyone on the pitch or any eligible substitute on the bench
during a game stoppage.

Law 4: The Players’ Equipment

All players are required to wear a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks and cleats. The socks must
cover the shin guards entirely. If the referee deems a player’s equipment unsatisfactory, the
player can be sent off until the issue is remedied.

Law 5: The Referee

The referee is the authority on the field, and his word is law. If you question a referee’s decision,
you can be disciplined further simply for dissent.

Law 6: The Assistant Referees

The assistant referees are primarily responsible for assisting the referee in performing his duties
– this includes signaling with a flag when a ball goes of play, when a player is fouled, or when a
player is in an offside position.

Law 7: The Duration of the Match

A soccer match is comprised of two 45-minute halves, with extra time added for each at the
referee’s discretion. The halves are separated by a half-time period not to exceed 15 minutes.
The extra time generally corresponds with the referee’s determination of how much time was
taken up due to substitutions and injuries. The amount of extra time is announced and displayed
at the half line at the end of each 45-minute period. Although soccer does have an allotted time
limit, it is ultimately up to the referee’s as to when to end a match.

Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play

Kick-off is generally determined by a coin toss, whereby the winning team can either choose to
start with the ball or choose which goal they would like to attack. The losing team is then
afforded whatever choice the winner does not elect to take. Kick-off occurs at the start of each
half, and after each goal scored, and is taken at the center of the halfway line. If a team scores a
goal, the opposing team is given the kick-off to restart the match.

Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it fully crosses either the goal line or the touch line. It is also out of
play if the referee stops play for any reason. If, for any reason, the ball strikes the frame of the
goal or the referee and remains within the goal and touch lines, it is still in play.

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Law 10: The Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the goal line within the frame of the goal. At
the end of the match, the team with the most goals is the winner, barring the circumstantial
necessity for extra time.

Law 11: Offside

When an attacking player receives the ball while on his opponents half, he must be level or
behind the second to last defender (the last typically being the goalkeeper). However, this rule
only applies if he is involved with the play. To get a better understanding of the offside rule,
please see the guide section for a more detailed explanation.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct

A direct free kick is awarded when a player:

 Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

 Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
 Jumps at an opponent
 Charges an opponent
 Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
 Pushes an opponent
 Tackles an opponent
 Holds an opponent
 Spits at an opponent
 Handles the ball deliberately

If any of these are fouls are committed by a player in their team’s penalty area, the opposing
team is awarded a penalty kick. Indirect free kicks are awarded if a player:

 Plays in a dangerous manner

 Impedes the progress of an opponent
 Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands
 Commits any other unmentioned offense

Yellow cards are awarded as a caution or warning to a player and can be issued for the following
offenses:

 Unsporting behavior
 Dissent by word or action
 Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game
 Delaying the restart of play
 Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick,free
kick, or throw-in

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  Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission
 deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission

Red cards are used to send a player off the field, and can be issued for the following offenses:

 Serious foul play

 Violent conduct
 Spitting at an opponent or any other person
 Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately
handling the ball (the goalkeeper being an exception)
 Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the
player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
 Using offensive or abusive language and/or gestures
 Receiving a second caution (yellow card) in the same match

Law 13: Free Kicks

Free Kick is broken into two categories, direct and indirect. A direct kick can be shot directly into
the opponent’s goal without touching another player. An indirect free kick is indicated by the
referee raising his hand during the kick. An indirect kick can only go into the goal if it has
subsequently been touched by another player before it enters the goal. The ball must be
stationary for both types of kicks.

Law 14: The Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded either when a defensive player fouls an attacking player or commits a
handball in his/her team’s penalty area. The penalty kick is placed at the penalty spot, and all
players on both teams must remain outside the penalty box during the shot. They may enter the
box immediately after the shot is taken. The goalkeeper may move horizontally along the goal
line before the shot is taken, but he may not come off the line until the ball is struck.

Law 15: The Throw-In

A throw-in is awarded when the possessing team plays the ball out of bounds over the touchline.
While taking a throw-in, a player must release the ball with both hands simultaneously and keep
both feet firmly planted on the ground. If these conditions are not met, play is stopped and the
throw-in is given to the opposing team. Players are not allowed to score directly off a throw-in.

Law 16: The Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the offensive team plays the ball out of bounds over the defensive
team’s goal line. After the ball is out of play, the defender or goalkeeper may place the ball
anywhere within the six-yard goal box and kick the ball back into play.

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Law 17: The Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded to the offensive team when the defensive team plays the ball out of
bounds over its goal line. The ball is placed within the corner area and is kicked back into play by
the offensive team. Players can score directly off a corner kick.

What are the basic football players’ equipment?

Every soccer player has to have certain equipment in a soccer game. These equipment are
specified under the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 4. The referee has to ensure that all players are
dressed in proper gear during the game. The basic soccer gear and equipment provides the
players with tools for safe and competent play.

1. Footwear
There are particular shoes made solely for soccer
players, namely turfs and cleats. Turfs are worn by
young kids until a later time where they can wear
cleats. These special shoes have spikes under the sole
to provide better traction on the playing field. The
laws do not specify the type of footwear used but
cleats practically improve the stability of a player
while making sudden turns, starts and stops.
Essentially the cleats are fit with different kinds of
studs. You just need to make sure that you have the
right ones for the playing surface, either short plastic
or longer metal studs. Soccer cleats do not have studs at the front end of the shoe and are
designed in a way that allows the players to feel the ball with their feet.

2. Jersey or Soccer shirt

A soccer player should have a soccer shirt with short or

long sleeves. The two competing teams must have
distinct jerseys in color. When a player wears any
undergarments, the color of its sleeves should match
that of the sleeve of the player’s jersey.
Each goalkeeper has a jersey with a different color from
the teammates to distinguish them. Ideal jerseys are
specially made of light synthetic fabrics, to keep players
dry, hence are quite expensive.

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3. Shin Guards

In soccer, players continuously run up and down the

field. In the intensity of the game, a player may get
knocked or bruised at the shin and ankles. The shin is
very vulnerable making the guards extremely vital during
a soccer game. According to the laws, they should
provide a reasonable degree of protection.
The shin guards provide protection from right above the
cleat to below the knee. In regard to the laws, they are
made of plastic, rubber or similar material. The proper
way to wear them is over a pair of socks and completely covered by the soccer socks from above.
You will find forwards wearing smaller shin guards unlike the midfielders, defenders and
goalkeeper who usually go for larger models that cover most parts.

4. Soccer Ball

This the main equipment of the game and the total game
revolves around this. A Football is made of vulcanized rubber
with plastic bladders and covered by plastic covers.

5. Gloves

This piece of equipment is meant for the

goalkeeper. He or she has to wear gloves
throughout the soccer game. They are designed
so as to enable maximum mobility to the fingers.
Each goalkeeper gets to choose from a variety of
designs as they are found in different material, fit,
grip and model.

The palms of gloves are tucky to offer better grip.

There are slightly rounded and flat designs.
Though it is not a must for goalkeepers to wear gloves in soccer, they hardly opt to go into the
game without them. They offer them protection as it is only the goalkeepers who handle the ball
using his hands while the game is still in play, of course within the penalty area. The other
players as well are free to wear light gloves.

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6. Stockings
The soccer socks are usually long enough to cover
the shin-guards. They reach the knee and protect
your feet from likely friction with the cleat. They
are made out of thick synthetic fabric or
heavy
cotton. There are stocking ties to hold the soccer
socks from sliding down. They are fit below the
knees and you can easily cover these ties by folding the sock.

7. Shorts
Players can wear any type of shorts, from fitting to baggy ones.
Though, it is not advisable to put on very baggy ones like those
worn by basketball players. If a player wears undershorts or
tights, the color must match that of the shorts.

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 FUTSAL
What is Futsal?

Futsal is FIFA's official indoor game. It

is small sided (5v5), played on a
smaller pitch (roughly basketball court
sized) and with a smaller ball.
Futsal is the only form of indoor
soccer endorsed by FIFA. It earned
the status of FIFA’s official form of
indoor soccer in the 1980s as it was
recognized as a scaled down version
of outdoor soccer played indoors. It is
a 5 v 5 small-sided game played on a
hard surfaced, basketball sized court
with a smaller, heavier low bounce
ball. Futsal is played with touchline
boundaries and without walls.

This is the game that outdoor soccer players around the globe play to refine and maintain their
control skills and touch. It is superior to walled soccer in terms of developing better skills and
technique. In traditional American walled soccer, players regularly whack the ball (and
sometimes their bodies) against the boards which promotes improper technique and too often
rewards errant play. In futsal, players are constantly reminded to play the same quality control
game that is required for success in the outdoor game.

The UEFA Guide to Futsal

Futsal is the only "Official form of Indoor Soccer" as approved by the Fédération Internationale
de Football Association FIFA. It is played in all the continents of the world by over 100 countries
with 12 million players. Futsal is played on a gymnasium hard-wood floor or all-purpose sports
flooring. The game does not require the use of expensive dasher boards, as do other versions of
indoor soccer, therefore making it a very economical and safe sport.

The sport is a great skill developer as it demands quick reflexes, fast thinking, pin-point passing.
The small, heavier futsal ball requires players to hone their ball-striking and ball handling
technique. Great soccer superstars such as Pele, Zico, Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka and Katia grew up
playing the game and credit futsal with developing their skills.

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Futsal Is Not New

Futsal is the new rage in American soccer. However, as is often the case, the US is just catching
on to what the world already knows. Superior soccer skill is built by simulating the outdoor
game indoors with small sided games and a smaller ball. World famous clubs such as Ajax have
used this approach for years. Futsal has been around for over fifty years but US interest in
soccer skill development has only recently focused attention on the training techniques used in
successful soccer powerhouses such as Brazil, Holland, Germany, France, and Italy. Futsal has
been around for many years but interest is just starting to explode in the United States.

History of the Game

Futsal is a variant of soccer that is played on a smaller field (court in futsal terms) and most
often played indoors. Its name is derived from the Portuguese, futebol de salão and the Spanish,
fútbol de salón (colloquially fútbol sala), which can be translated as "hall football" or "indoor
football". During the sport’s second world championships held in Madrid in 1985, the name
fútbol de salón was used. Since then, all other names have been officially and internationally
changed to futsal.

The origins of futsal can be traced back to Uruguay in 1930, where amid the euphoria that
greeted the country’s victory at the inaugural FIFA World Cup on home soil, there was a football
being kicked on every street corner in their capital, Montevideo.

Juan Carlos Ceriani, an Argentinean physical education instructor living there at the time,
observed many youngsters practicing football on basketball courts owing to the shortage of
football pitches. It was there and then that the idea for a five-a-side variation came about.

Borrowing from the rules of water polo, handball and basketball, Ceriani drew up the original
rules of game, which were quickly adopted across South America. It became especially popular
in Brazil, where a similar form of street soccer had already caught on. Rules for the new sport
were first published in Brazil in 1936

In 1965, the Confederacion Sudamericana de Futbol de Salon (South American Futsal

Confederation) was formed, consisting of Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Argentina and Brazil. That
same year, the first international competition took place, with Paraguay winning.
Six more South American Cups were held through 1979, with Brazil winning all of them.

The sport spread across South America, and its popularity ensured that a governing body was
formed under the name of FIFUSA (Federación Internacional de Fútbol de Salón) in 1971. The
members at that time were, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Protugal, Uruguay and Argentina.
Futsal crossed the Atlantic to Europe along with the many Spanish and Portuguese immigrants
returning from South America at that time. The continued growth in the sport then led to the
foundation of FIFUSA, the Federacion Internacional de Futbol de Salon (International Futsal

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Federation), comprising of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal and Uruguay.

The first Futsal World Championship conducted under the FIFUSA was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil,
in 1982, with Brazil finishing in first place. The Brazilians repeated as champions at the second
World Championship in 1985 in Spain, but lost in the third World Championship in 1988 in
Australia to Paraguay.

FIFA took control of the World Championships in 1989. Under new rules made by FIFA, the
technical aspects of the game for players and spectators were improved. The linesmen were
replaced with a second referee, and there were unlimited substitutions. It also introduced a
size 4 football, which was weighted to reduce bounce by 30% compared to a conventional
ball. The new ball enabled faster play and, for the first time, scoring goals with the head was
introduced.

FIFA’s participation allowed more countries to gain knowledge and resources about futsal. FIFA
soon began to administer its own indoor football games, hosting its first FIFA Indoor Soccer
World Championship in 1989 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. With Brazil crwoned as the first World
Champions. In Hong Kong, 1992, ithe Championship was called the FIFA Five-a-Side World
Championship. Since Spain of 1996, it has been called the FIFA Futsal World
Championship. The Seleção also won the those Championships.

Due to the increase of the number of nations that participated in the FIFA Futsal World
Championships held in 2000, Brazil’s dominance in the competition was ended. It would be the
Spaniards who relieved the Brazilians of their crown, and then successfully defending it four
years later in Chinese Taipei. In the 2008 Cup, Brazil extracted revenge on Spain. The 2012
FIFA Futsal World Cup will be played in Thailand and has expanded from 20 to 24 teams. It is
now the fourth longest-running FIFA tournament.

Law in Futsal

What are the General Rules in Futsal?

General Rules

Teams may call one one-minute timeout per half (when in possession of ball, ball out of play).
There is no overtime, injury time or stoppage time.
Teams are comprised of four outfield players and one goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper must wear a different color jersey than the outfield players.
There is no offsides in futsal.

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Substitutions

All substitutions are on the fly, this includes goalkeeping substitutions. Referees will not stop
play for goalkeeping substitutions. A substitute may not enter the pitch until the player leaving
the pitch leaves through the substitution zone in front of his teams’ bench. Any substitute who
enters the pitch before the player being replaced has completely left the field of play may be
shown a yellow card. All substitutions must take place through the substitution zone in front of
his teams’ bench -- not at the half-way line.

Both teams will switch benches (and ends) at the beginning of halftime, ensuring that all
substitutions take place in the defensive half.

Restarts

Kickoffs: A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-off. The ball must be played forward first.
Tapped balls are not in play – the ball must move forward.

Kick-ins: are indirect. The ball must be placed on or no more than 10 inches behind the line and
the kick must be taken within 4 seconds. The kicker's non-kicking foot must be out of bounds or
on the line. (A kick-in that goes directly in the opposing goal is a goal clearance for the opposing
team. A

Kick-in that goes directly in the defensive goal is a corner kick of the opposing team.) If the
kick-in does not enter the pitch or if the kick is not taken within 4 seconds the kick-in is taken by
the opposing team.

Goal Clearances: are taken when the ball wholly crosses the goal line and not under the crossbar
and between the goalposts and after being touched last by the attacking team. The goalkeeper
must use his hands to roll, bounce or throw the ball from anywhere inside the penalty area to
outside the penalty area.

Corner Kicks: are direct. The ball must be placed directly on the corner arc and the kick must be
taken within 4 seconds. If the kick is not taken within 4 seconds the restart becomes a goal
clearance for the opposing team.

Free Kicks: may be indirect or direct. The ball must be stationary before the kick may be taken.

Penalty Kicks: are taken from the penalty spot and must be taken by a clearly identified kicker.
Defenders may not be nearer to the ball than 16 feet and even or behind the ball when the kick
is taken.

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Fouls and Misconduct

Indirect Free Kicks: When a player plays in a dangerous manner, impedes an opponent, prevents
the goalkeeper from releasing the ball with her hands, goalkeeper takes more than 4 seconds to
release the ball when in possession in his own half, plays the ball again within his own half after
releasing the ball and the ball doesn’t touch an opponent or has gone out of play, or commits
any offense for which play is stopped to caution or eject a player.

Direct Free Kicks: When a player kicks an opponent, tackles an opponent, trips an opponent,
jumps at an opponent, charges an opponent, strikes an opponent, pushes an opponent, holds
an opponent, spits at an opponent or handles the ball deliberately.

Yellow Card / Caution: The offending player is shown a yellow card. If a player is shown two
yellow cards in a match, he is shown a red card.

Red Card / send-off: The offending team plays with one less player for two full game minutes or
unless scored upon before the two-minute penalty expires. The offending player serves a
minimum one-match suspension.

Accumulated Fouls: All direct free kick fouls are recorded on the scoresheet and on the
scoreboard. If one team accumulates 6 or more direct free kick fouls in one half, the opposing
team will take a direct free kick without a wall. If the foul occurs farther from the attacking goal
than the second penalty spot, the Direct Free Kick Without a Wall is taken from the second
penalty spot. If the foul occurs nearer to the attacking goal than the second penalty spot (but
outside the penalty area, of course), the attacking team may choose whether to take the Direct
Free Kick Without a Wall from the second penalty spot or from the spot of the foul. All Direct
Free Kicks Without a Wall must be kicked with the intention of scoring a goal by a clearly
identified kicker. The defending team may not make a wall and may not be nearer to the ball
than 16 feet and even or behind the ball when the kick is taken. The goalkeeper may be off the
goal-line but may not be nearer than 16 feet from the ball. Accumulated fouls are reset to zero
at the beginning of the second half and carry over into extra-time if being played.

Second Penalty Spot: 30 feet from goal-line and the center of the goal

Penalty Spot: 20 feet from goal-line and the center of the goal and placed at the top of the
penalty area line.

Advantage: Advantage is applied in Futsal. Direct free kick foul will count as accumulated fouls if
advantage is applied even if play is not stopped by the referees. If the referee gestures with

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both arms, the foul was a direct free kick foul and will be counted accordingly. If the gesture is
with one arm, the free kick would have been indirect and will not count as an accumulated foul.

The Goalkeeper

 Must wear a different color shirt.

 He may wear long pants and/or other padding as deemed safe by the match referee.
 May receive a kick-in directly.
 May kick the ball directly over the half-way line.
 May score directly with his feet during the run of play.
 May not possess the ball for more than four seconds in his own half.
 May throw the ball directly across the half-way line.
 May not score a goal by using the hands (cannot throw or hit the ball directly into the
goal)
 Cannot touch the ball again in any way within his own half after releasing the ball into
play unless an opponent has touched it or it has gone out of play.

EQUIPMENT USED IN FUTSAL:

Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and it is increasingly being used as a
developmental tool for young footballers. Played with a smaller, heavier ball, the game
promotes tight control, touch and passing, which is why it is being utilised in professional
football academies all over the world.

The essence of this hugely popular game is rooted in football, but there are some key
differences – one of which is the equipment needed. Whether you are a coach looking to
improve the touch and ball control of your young players or you simply want to get involved in
the sport of futsal, there are some very specific items of equipment needed.

Futsal goals

The regulation size futsal goal is 3 metres by 2 metres. If you are planning to play the game in
different locations, it might be best to choose the lightweight, portable option. Made from
high-impact uPVC, these goals are free-standing, and they can be erected and dismantled in a
matter of minutes. They come with everything you need to get started, including a carry bag,
nets, net clips and ground anchors. Samba futsal goals are among the most popular in the world,
as they have a reputation for being reliable, safe and highly durable.

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If you’re intending to play futsal at a competitive level, you will probably need to invest in an
aluminium futsal goal. The Soccer Store sell indoor or outdoor futsal goals which are
manufactured in the UK by MH Goals.

Balls

Perhaps the biggest difference between the five-a-side version of football and futsal is the ball
used. The essence of futsal involves close control, passing and technique, which is why a smaller,
heavier ball is used. The FA recommends that under-12s play with size-3 futsal balls, while the
over-13s play with size-4 balls.

Mitre is one of the most respected futsal ball manufacturers in the world. Their size-4 balls are
manufactured with a 32-panel finish, which gives them added durability. Reduced rebound and
a filled bladder promote passing and control – rather than long and lofted balls.

Clothing

Most futsal teams play in kits similar to those worn in football and five-a-side. Competitive
action requires numbered shirts, shorts, socks, protective shin-guards and trainers with rubber
soles. Keepers need to wear a different colour than their teammates in the same way they do in
football, and a quality pair of goalkeeping gloves is also needed.

Optional items

There are some striking similarities between futsal and football, so it should come as no surprise
that the sundry items of equipment used in both games are similar. A game of futsal is played
over two halves of 20 minutes, and the action can get intense. It is therefore always a good idea
to have a set of water bottles at the ready – preferably in a bottle carrier.

It’s also worth noting that sliding tackles are now allowed in the official rules of futsal, so any
team will need a fully stocked first aid kit. Hot and cold packs, bandages, freeze spray, sterile
eyewash pods and moist wipes are always good to have at hand in the event of an injury.

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The game of futsal is fast and furious. Players are forced to retain control and pass, which is
ideal for developing the technical skills of youngsters. With the right equipment, you can ensure
that your games are as enjoyable and productive as they possibly can be.

 What is your own interpretation about football and futsal?

 Football or Soccer is a aport that is very known worlwide.Growing up, I thought football and
futsal are the same . Maybe in some points they are the same because Futsal is a type of a
Football or Soccer game. As I read our assignment about this topic I learned that Futsal is
just the small-sided format of football.We all know that Football has 11 players per team
but in Futsal there are only 5 players per team.The other differences that I observed on the
pitures I’ve searched about futsal and football was that the place where the players are
playing.As I observed, in futsal it is played inside the court or like it is indoor game while
ofcourse football is played on the field outside.But in the other side futsal and football will
always have the same basic principles and concept at their heart.At a basic level, the players
is still trying to kick the ball into the opposition’s goal.
 Since Football and Futsal have the same basic concept, I think it also involves teamwork
where as a team they need to work together to achieve the highest scrore of goals on their
game. To be able to achieve this, the team should have a hard work . The player should
master the rules , law and how the game works.
 And also if the person is being engaged in playing football and futsal , they can also receive
benefits from these sports such as; it improves players decision making skills ,provides
players with more touches on the ball, the heavier ball increases the power of players, it
develops the confidence in players to go 1v1 against their opponent ,it allows players to be
creative in getting around their opposition and it improves reaction time.

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REFERENCES:

https://www.britannica.com/sports/football-soccer
https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/who-we-are/the-game/index.html
https://www.football-knowledge.com/what-are-the-basic-football-players-equipm
ent/
http://www.syossetsoccer.org/home/683808.html
https://www.shenandoahfc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1189598