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NUMBERS OF PLAYERS The game of fustal is played 5v5.
It is well recognised that playing with smaller numbers of players increases the number of individual possessions with some of the most eff ective attacking or defending phases including all the players on the team.
Once the goalkeeper has played the ball to their teammate the ball cannot be played back to the goalkeeper unless touched by an opponent. Players must be willing to receive the ball when marked tightly and look to make eff ective supporting runs to overload the opposition in certain areas of the pitch.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for teams to utilise a fl y goalkeeper who will happily receive the ball in the opponents’ half and join in the play.
This tactic generates a 5v4 attacking overload challenging the defenders to defend outnumbered and testing the fi ve to create a clear-cut shooting opportunity, something which is often achieved through quick passing. It is, however, a high risk strategy when the goal is left unattended.
THE COURT
The size of a futsal playing court is in the region of 40m x 20m.
The surface is made of a hard polished material, such as wood or non-abrasive synthetic material, allowing the ball to travel quickly between players and encouraging quick passing. The pitch design provides a signifi cant challenge for defenders to read situations quickly and defend eff ectively.
Due to its dimensions, space is also extremely tight so dealing with the ball under pressure in tight areas is a key part of the game both individually and as a team.
The problem of fi nding space is highlighted when you consider that when placed on a full size football fi eld you could position over 12 futsal courts on one pitch, and if we transferred the number of players that would accompany seven futsal courts we would be faced with a game of 60 v 60.
Teams may also fi nd themselves in under-loaded situations if a player is sent off . In this scenario teams can substitute their sent off player after two minutes, which means that for those intervening moments they must defend for two minutes with three outfi eld players against four attackers, or possibly fi ve if the fl y keeper joins in the game.
THE BALL
A standard futsal ball is a size 4 weighted ball which has far less bounce than a football.
Controlling a smaller ball challenges the technique of the futsal player. However, the lack of bounce can also make the ball easier to receive allowing players to quickly work on the next phase of the move.
In futsal the ball is often controlled with the sole of the foot and manipulated in one movement, a technique which is useful for creating space in tight areas and setting up the opportunity for the next pass.
"Players must be willing to receive the ball when marked tightly and look to make effective supporting runs to overload the opposition in certain areas of the pitch"
Time and space? Better Players?
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