What you need to know about futsal

by Jonifer Almedia

Futsal is a fast-paced, indoor variant of soccer that is played on a smaller, hard court with a smaller ball The word "futsal" is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese term "fútbol de salón" or "futebol de salão," which translates to "indoor football " The sport was developed in the 1930s and 1940s in South America as a way to play soccer in a smaller space, and it has gained popularity worldwide since then

The main characteristics of futsal include teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper. The game is typically played in two halves, with each half lasting around 20 minutes. The ball used in futsal is smaller and has less bounce than a regular soccer ball, which allows for more precise control and quick passing on the hard court surface.

Futsal is known for its emphasis on skill, quick decision-making, and close ball control. The smaller playing area requires players to be agile and highly skilled in both offensive and defensive techniques. Due to the confined space, futsal encourages players to develop their dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities in tight situations.

The sport has its own set of rules, which differ from traditional soccer, and it places a strong emphasis on fair play and respect for opponents. Futsal is played in various formats, from recreational levels to competitive leagues and international tournaments, including the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Futsal has become popular as both a standalone sport and a training tool for soccer players. Its fast-paced nature and focus on technical skills make it an exciting and enjoyable game for players and spectators alike. The sport continues to grow globally, with more countries embracing futsal and organizing local competitions to promote its development.

Futsal's popularity has also been fueled by its inclusivity, as it can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, making it a fun and accessible sport for everyone to enjoy.

Philippine Futsal Timeline

• 1960’s to1980’s – an informal form of futsal has been played in the Philippines which is usually played as part of a cross training for footballers during rainy weather using regular association football rules. It was known as indoor football.

• 1995 – Joaquin Preysler of the PFF together with Bob Manlulo, Hans Smit and Noel Casilao organize a team for the Asian Futsal Qualifiers.

• 2007 – Philippine Women’s Futsal team clinched Bronze Medal in Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) held in Thailand

• 2009 - 2016 – Philippine Football Federation organized a futsal league which was known as the “Philippine Futsal League” and was headed by Iranian coach EsmaeilSedigh

• 2013 – Futsal debuts as a Demo Sport in the Department of Education’s PalarongPambansa games

• 2014 - Futsal becomes an official sport in Philippine Sports Commission BatangPinoy games