Is Futsal better than Indoor Soccer?
Futsal and Indoor Soccer are two different types of leagues. They have different rules, field sizes, goals and more. It is hard to say which one is better than the other. For example, a Futsal court is smaller than an Indoor Soccer court which means that players can play with more speed as they are closer to each other.
Both in futsal and indoor soccer there is no offsides rule meaning that there will always be a man advantage for the team in possession of the ball meaning that they could keep possession of the ball for longer periods of time as defenders cannot enter their half without the attacker coming back into play.
It’s a common misconception that Futsal is just a small-sided soccer game. Futsal is in fact the most popular form of indoor soccer and is played on hard, flat surfaces, such as basketball courts. The size of the playing area is usually smaller than that of outdoor soccer. The aim of Futsal is to keep possession and avoid defending players at all costs.
Nowadays, people who play indoor soccer do so for competitive reasons or recreationally with friends in an organized league. For competitive purposes, Futsal players have a number of advantages over those who play indoor soccer: they are more skilled dribblers and passers (due to the smaller playing area), they are better at taking shots from outside the box (due to faster movement), they are better at maintaining possession of the ball (due to fewer players on the field), and they are less likely to become injured because there is less physical contact.
What is Indoor Soccer?
Indoor soccer is a variation of the sport which is played indoors.
Indoor soccer is played in a much smaller field compared to outdoor soccer, which is typically on natural turf and surrounded by sides. Indoor soccer fields are usually around 200’ x 85’ – about the size of a hockey rink.
An indoor soccer game usually lasts 60 minutes and is split into either halves or quarters.
Indoor soccer teams consist of 5 field players and a goalkeeper.
To play indoor soccer you use a standard soccer ball, read our review of the best indoor soccer ball.
Pros and Cons of Playing Indoor Soccer
Playing indoor soccer has a lot of benefits. First off, it’s generally safer than outdoor soccer. It also doesn’t have to be played on a full-sized field, which can make it easier to find an open court. This means that players can play at any time with no matter the weather conditions outside.
Indoor soccer does not depend on the ball being in play so much as outdoor soccer does, but there is still kicking, dribbling, and shooting involved. The ball will often bounce off the walls and ceiling of the court before returning to play though so players must keep a sharp eye out for it and be quick enough to catch it when it does come their way.
The pros of playing indoor soccer are shorter games because there is no stoppage time for breaks, a more intense game due to the use of only one ball, and improved ball control.
What is Futsal?
Futsal is played on a smaller field than outdoor soccer (82-138 ft x 49-82 ft), just a bit larger than a basketball court.
Futsal is a type of soccer that is played on a hard surface with no walls.
The ball used for this sport is smaller than the standard size used in soccer and has less bounce to it.
The game lasts for 40 minutes in two halves of 20 minutes each.
Futsal teams consist of 4 field players and a goalkeeper.
Pros and Cons of Playing Futsal?
Futsal is a game that requires a lot of skill and finesse, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking to enhance their abilities in the sport.
The quickness of futsal and the limited amount of space on the court makes it difficult to score goals – something that can be frustrating to new players. This means that even if you are a beginner when it comes to futsal, you will still have plenty of opportunities to score goals. This is why many believe it’s an excellent way to improve one’s foot skills.
Many people believe playing futsal soccer is an excellent way to work on their technical skills, such as ball control and passing accuracy.
- Futsal can be considered one of the most important sports for children. It teaches them coordination, agility, speed, balance, and quick thinking.
- It is great for your heart because it increases your cardiovascular endurance while reducing body weight and body fat.
- It can be played indoors or outdoors which makes it popular in all four seasons.
- It promotes teamwork while improving every player’s individual skills including problem solving, teamwork, and quick decision-making
Playing futsal is more challenging than playing regular soccer. The ball doesn’t bounce, and the game is played on a smaller field so you have to be much quicker with your decision-making.
Some players are put off by the size of the ball, which is smaller than a typical soccer ball, plus the fact that it’s easy to trip over it because of its wobbly nature on hard surfaces.
Futsal isn’t as popular in North America as other parts of the world. In fact, most people haven’t heard of it at all.
You only get a very small amount of space to dribble and pass so you have to use quick feet and be extra sharp in order to beat an opponent.
| Indoor soccer | Futsal | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Players | 5 players + 1 goalie | 4 players + 1 goalie |
| Game Duration | 60 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Field Size | 200′ x 85′ (approx.) | 82′-138′ x 49′-82′ |
| Field Surface | Turf | Hard Surface |
| Ball | Normal Soccer Ball (size 4 or 5) | Special futsal ball |
| Walls | Yes | No |
Conclusion: Which type of the sport is right for you?
There are many factors that will affect what type of soccer you should play. You should know what your goals are when you decide to play.
Futsal is played on a smaller court with a normal soccer ball, which makes it more challenging than outdoor soccer. Indoor soccer is also played on a shorter court and the ball is usually heavier or made of foam to make it easier to keep in bounds and bounce off walls. What will you be playing for? Do you want to have fun, be competitive or both? Will there be many people playing around your age? Is cost more important than anything else? Look at these factors and decide which type of soccer would best suit your needs.
