Futsal vs Soccer – The Key Differences & Similarities

Are you a budding soccer enthusiast struggling to decide between futsal and outdoor soccer? Have you heard of the two sports but know little about them beyond their names? If so, then this article is for you! Here, we’ll compare futsal and outdoor soccer in terms of rules, playing field size, and more. 

We’ll also discuss which one may be better suited to your preferences and goals as an athlete. So if you’re ready to make an educated decision regarding these two similar yet distinct games, keep reading!

Futsal and Soccer are two distinct sports. Futsal is played on a smaller, harder court with fewer players and a heavier ball, while soccer utilizes an outdoor field with 11-a-side teams and a lighter ball. Depending on your preferences for practice space size, team numbers, playing surface, or even the type of ball used, you can decide which is best suited to your needs.

Field Dimensions and Layout in Soccer and Futsal

Field dimensions and layout can greatly impact how a soccer or futsal game is played. In both sports, the size and layout of the field are carefully regulated to ensure a fair and enjoyable game for all players. Here is a closer look at soccer and futsal field dimensions and layout.

In soccer, the field is typically rectangular in shape, and the length and width are regulated by the laws of the game. For example, according to FIFA, the minimum length of a soccer field is 90 meters (100 yards), and the maximum length is 120 meters (130 yards). Likewise, the minimum width of a soccer field is 45 meters (50 yards), and the maximum width is 90 meters (100 yards). 

The field is divided into two halves by a halfway line, and there are also markings for the penalty area and the goal area. The goals are positioned at the center of each end of the field and are 7.32 meters (8 yards) wide and 2.44 meters (8 feet) tall.

In futsal, the field is also rectangular in shape, but it is typically smaller than a soccer field. According to FIFA, the minimum length of a futsal field is 38 meters (41 yards), and the maximum length is 42 meters (46 yards). In addition, the minimum width of a futsal field is 18 meters (20 yards), and the maximum width is 25 meters (27 yards). 

The field is divided into two halves by a halfway line, and there are also markings for the penalty area and the goal area. The goals are positioned at the center of each end of the field and are 3 meters (3.3 yards) wide and 2 meters (2.2 yards) tall.

Playing Time and Number of Players in Soccer and Futsal

In both sports, there are specific rules and regulations governing these aspects of the game to ensure a fair and enjoyable match for all players. Here is a closer look at playing time and the number of players in soccer and futsal.

In soccer, the length of a game is typically 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. There is also a halftime break of 15 minutes. In some cases, extra time may be added at the end of the game if the score is tied, and if the score is still tied after extra time, the game may be decided by a penalty shootout. 

In soccer, each team is allowed to have a maximum of eleven players on the field at any given time, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Therefore, a team must have at least seven players, including the goalkeeper, to start or continue a game.

In futsal, the length of a game is typically 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. There is also a halftime break of 10 minutes. In some cases, extra time may be added at the end of the game if the score is tied, and if the score is still tied after extra time, the game may be decided by a penalty shootout. 

In futsal, each team is allowed to have a maximum of five players on the field at any given time, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A team must have at least three players, including the goalkeeper, to start or continue a game.

Benefits of Playing Futsal or Soccer

Futsal and soccer are two popular sports that offer a wide range of benefits to players of all ages. Whether you choose to play futsal or soccer, or perhaps even both, there are many benefits to be gained from participating in these sports. Here are just a few of the benefits of playing futsal or soccer.

One of the main benefits of playing futsal or soccer is the opportunity to stay active and improve physical fitness. Both sports require a high level of cardiovascular endurance and involve running, jumping, and changing direction.

This can help to improve overall fitness and help players to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, both sports also provide a good full-body workout, strengthening muscles and improving flexibility and coordination.

Another benefit of playing futsal or soccer is the opportunity to improve mental skills such as focus, problem-solving, and decision-making. Both sports require players to make quick decisions and think on their feet, which can help to improve mental agility and concentration. In addition, participating in team sports can also help players to develop social skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Finally, playing futsal or soccer can be a great way to relieve stress, have fun, and make new friends. Both sports provide an opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy the camaraderie and fun of playing with a team. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner, there are many benefits to be gained from participating in futsal or soccer.

Is Futsal Good For Soccer Players?

Futsal and soccer are two sports that have a lot of similarities, and many soccer players choose to play futsal as a way to improve their skills and stay in shape during the off-season. So, is futsal good for soccer players? In many cases, the answer is yes.

One reason why futsal can be good for soccer players is that it provides an opportunity to practice and improve technical skills. In addition, the smaller field and heavier ball used in futsal mean that players need to have excellent ball control and be able to make quick decisions with the ball. This can help soccer players develop their footwork, ball handling, and passing skills, which can benefit the outdoor game.

Another reason why futsal can be good for soccer players is that it can help to improve fitness and endurance. Futsal is a fast-paced sport that requires players to be constantly moving and making quick decisions, which can be physically demanding. This can help soccer players stay in shape and improve their endurance, which can be beneficial in the outdoor game.

Finally, futsal can be a great way for soccer players to stay engaged and have fun during the off-season. It provides an opportunity to continue playing and practicing their skills while also getting a good workout and having fun with friends.

Is Futsal Better Than Soccer?

Futsal and soccer are two sports that are often compared to each other due to their similarities. Both involve a ball and a group of players working together to score goals, and both are popular worldwide. However, there are also some key differences between the two sports that make them unique.

One of the main differences between futsal and soccer is the size of the field and the number of players. Futsal is played on a smaller field, usually indoors, with only five players per team. 

This smaller space means that the game is generally faster-paced and more intense, with players needing to be quick on their feet and make quick decisions. In contrast, soccer is played on a much larger field, typically outdoors, with eleven players per team. This larger field allows for a more strategic and tactical game, with players having more time and space to make decisions.

Another key difference between the two sports is the type of ball that is used. In futsal, a smaller and heavier ball is used, which is designed to be played on a hard surface such as a gym floor or artificial turf.

This ball is easier to control and is less bouncy than a soccer ball, which is designed to be played on grass. The use of a smaller and heavier ball in futsal means that players need to have excellent ball control and be able to make precise passes and shots.

So, which is better – futsal or soccer? Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference. Some people may prefer futsal’s fast-paced and intense nature, while others may prefer soccer’s tactical and strategic elements. 

However, both sports have their own unique set of rules and challenges, and both can be enjoyable to play and watch. Whether you choose to play futsal or soccer, or perhaps even both, the important thing is to have fun and stay active.

Is Futsal Harder Than Soccer?

One factor to consider is the size of the field and the number of players. Futsal is played on a much smaller field than soccer, with fewer team players. This smaller space means that players have less room to work with and must be constantly aware of their surroundings and teammates’ positions. 

The fast-paced and intense nature of futsal can make it a physically demanding sport, as players need to be quick on their feet and have good endurance. In contrast, soccer is played on a much larger field with more players per team, allowing for a more strategic and tactical game.

Another factor to consider is the type of ball that is used. In futsal, a smaller and heavier ball is used, which is designed to be played on a hard surface such as a gym floor or artificial turf. This ball is easier to control and is less bouncy than a soccer ball, which is designed to be played on grass. 

The use of a smaller and heavier ball in futsal means that players need to have excellent ball control and be able to make precise passes and shots. In addition, this can make futsal a more technically demanding sport, as players need to be skilled in ball handling and be able to make quick decisions with the ball.

Manuel Esposito

Manuel Esposito

Hello everyone! My name is Manuel and I've recently got my PhD in Sport and Excercise Science at the University of Portsmouth. I'm raised and born in New York, and I've been a big fan of soccer my whole life. Soccer is the reason why I got my PhD in Sport and Excercise Science, and my goal with this blog is to help you improve your soccer techniques, strategies, and knowledge!

Press ESC to close