CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION TO FUTSAL
Introduction
How Futsal began
What managers and players say about Futsal

2 GETTING STARTED
Pitch and equipment
Futsal pitch guidance

3 THE RULES OF THE GAME

General rules
Four second rule
Kick ins and restarts
Accumulated fouls and red cards

4 ON THE PITCH
Basic Futsal concepts
Key warm-up activities
Key training drills

5 FURTHER INFORMATION
1. INTRODUCTION
TO FUTSAL
INTRODUCTION WHAT THE MANAGERS AND THE
Entering your club or school in the FA Pokémon Futsal Cup PLAYERS SAY ABOUT FUTSAL:
will provide many benefits to your players

∙∙  Develop skills

∙∙  Improve decision making
∙∙  Learn to innovate on the pitch
∙∙  Develop different game strategies
∙∙  Gain more flexible movement
∙∙  Learn different tactics

Futsal is a fast paced, skilful, tactical small sided game

that is really enjoyable for anyone that plays.

FUTSAL -
HOW IT BEGAN
Futsal was first played on basketball courts in Uruguay in the 1930s.
As a fast moving, skilful version of football, it soon spread to other
South American countries such as Brazil. Futsal became popular in
large, crowded cities where there was a shortage of football pitches.

The skills and techniques developed by playing Futsal were very

apparent in the wonderful World Cup winning Brazilian teams of
the 1970s and still today most Brazilian children will mostly play
Futsal until they are 14 before specialising in either Football or
Futsal thereafter.

Now Futsal is recognised not only as a development tool for foot-

ball, but as a brilliant game in its own right. Futsal has been embed-
ded into the England DNA at the highest level. It promotes the key
technical, tactical, physical and social attributes and skills that the
FA would wish to see in young players.

JADON SANCHO,
MIDFIELDER - ENGLAND

6 7
 MICHAEL SKUBALA,
ENGLAND FUTSAL HEAD COACH

LET YOUR FUTSAL

ADVENTURE BEGIN…

8 9
2. GETTING
STARTED
In preparing to take part in the FA Pokémon Futsal Cup
it’s essential that your team prepares with a genuine
Futsal experience and not just play normal five a side.
Futsal involves these five essential criteria:

1.
THE GAME IS PLAYED
TO LINES AND FUTSAL
PITCH MARKINGS
(either permanently through tape or just
by temporarily marking the pitch with flat
disc markers).

2.
USE OF A FUTSAL BALL

3.
USE OF FUTSAL GOALS

4.
MATCHES PLAYED TO
FIFA FUTSAL LAWS
OF THE GAME

5.
MATCHES PLAYED ON A
HARD-PLAYING SURFACE
(not on grass or an artificial surface)

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3. THE RULES
OF THE GAME
GENERAL RULES GOALS:
Futsal goals are 3m × 2m (the same as Hockey or Handball
goal size). The goalposts and crossbars should be a different
PLAYING AREA: colour to the pitch.

Safety is always the first consideration with any goalposts.

The goals should be secured so that they do not collapse
or overturn.

Portable goals should only be used if they comply with the above.

TIMING
OF GAMES:
A Futsal match consists of two 20-minute halves real time.
This means that the clock stops whenever the ball goes out
of play. However, at a grassroots level, you may need to use a
running clock and adjust the duration of games to match the
availability of the facility and the number of games to be played.

Each team is allowed a 60-second time out in each half.

MATCH
OFFICIALS:
Two referees are normal at games, but one can manage with
younger age groups.

All referees are able to officiate a Futsal game, even if they are
FUTSAL PLAYING AREA DIMENSIONS ARE ABOVE.
not fully qualified. At grassroots level, the aim is to get more
children playing the game. The number of officials available
A hard surface is required. Indoors is preferable but outdoors on a
should not prevent this.
hard surface is also fine. The game cannot be played on grass or on
artificial grass pitches.

The pitch has marked lines so that the ball can go out of play. Futsal
cannot be played with board or wall surrounds.

THE BALL:
Playing with a Futsal ball is essential.
The ball is smaller, heavier and bounces less than a normal football.
Futsal balls are available in age appropriate sizes.

U12 and Under U14s - Seniors

Size 3 Size 4
Futsal Ball Futsal Ball

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GOALKEEPERS: HEAD HEIGHT:
Goalkeepers are allowed to come OUT of the penalty area. There are no restrictions on the height of the ball in Futsal.
Outfield players are allowed IN the penalty area.

A goal clearance must be thrown out by the goalkeeper. BACK PASSES:

The goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again until he or she has
Once the goalkeeper has played the ball, he/she cannot touch
crossed into the opponent’s half or a member of the opposition
the ball again unless an opposition player has touched the ball,
has touched the ball.
or if the goalkeeper receives the ball in the opponent’s half.

The four second rule also applies to the goalkeeper in possession.

FOUR SECOND LAW:

When the ball goes out of play, the player in possession
of the ball has four seconds to restart play with a kick-in,
goal clearance, corner kick or free kick.

Referees count with their fingers in the air to show

how many seconds.

If play has not restarted within the four second limit,

a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
Goalkeepers are not allowed to control the ball for
more than four seconds in their own half.

KICK INS AND RESTARTS:

ROLLING KICK INS:
SUBSTITUTIONS: To restart the game after a ball has gone out of play, the ball is
There is no limit on how long a player must stay on or off the kicked back into play from the touch line and from corners.
pitch. Players must enter and leave the field of play from the
substitution zone. The ball must be stationary on the touch line.

Roll on or roll off substitutions can be made at any time during The feet of the player taking the kick in must not cross the line.
the game with permission from the referee, including players
who have already been substituted.

SLIDING
TACKLES:
Slide tackles are not permitted in Youth Futsal in England
(up to age U16). The only time players ARE permitted to slide
is to keep the ball in play. No Throw Ins Kick The Ball Only

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RESTARTS:

OPPOSITION PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO REMAIN 5M

FROM THE BALL AT RESTARTS.

KICK IN = 5 METRES
GOAL CLEARANCES = 5 METRES
FREEKICKS = 5 METRES
CORNERS = 5 METRES
PENALTIES = 6 METRES OR EDGE OF THE ‘D’

ACCUMULATED FOULS
AND RED CARDS:
ACCUMULATED
FOULS:
Each team will be allowed to give away five direct free kicks in
each half. On the sixth foul, a 10m penalty kick is awarded to the
opposing team and every foul after that in the same half is also a
10m penalty.

The defending team is not allowed to position any players (other

than the goalkeeper) between the ball and the goal. The kick may
be taken from the 10m mark or, if the foul was committed closer to
the goal than 10m, from the position where the foul took place.

RED CARDS:
If a player is sent off, their team must remain with four players until
either two minutes have passed or the opposition has scored a goal.

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4. ON THE PITCH
BASIC FUTSAL
CONCEPTS
HOW TO It is easiest to control the ball if players use the sole of the foot.

It is also important for the players to be able to shield the ball to

HOW TO Common passes in Futsal are the 1-2 pass, diagonal passes
between players, and little flick passes over the defender’s
feet for players to run on to.
keep it away from the defender. This requires the player to keep
their body between the defender and the ball and keep the ball at
the furthest foot from the defender.

Sole Control Shield the ball Keep the ball 1-2 Passing Diagonal Passes Flick passes
far away
24 25
HOW TO In addition to striking a ball with the laces or instep of the foot in
Futsal players often toe-poke the ball because it creates lots of
power with the very little back-lift of the shooting leg. In such a
HOW TO Because players are often marked tightly it is difficult to create
space as an individual and as a team. So players often move
once they have passed the ball to create space for a team mate
quick game, this is sometimes the best way to catch defenders to fill. This is called rotation and as the ball and players are
and goalkeepers unaware. moving constantly eventually gaps in the defence appear.

In Futsal because the goals are relatively small it is a Futsal is an ‘invasion game’ and as such evading your marker
characteristic of the game that many of the goals are scored as a is a key skill. A common way for players to find space to receive
‘tap-ins’ at the second / far post to evade a goalkeeper who is able the ball is to run away so the defender follows them and then
to cover much of the goal. As a consequence, encourage your ‘check’ back in to the original space to receive the ball.
players to make support runs to fill these positions in attacks.

Toe Poke Catch goalkeepers Make support runs Rotation Movement Cut-back
unaware
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HOW TO 1v1 defending in Futsal is very important, so players must
defend on the half turn with a low body position in order to
change direction and follow the movements of the attacker.

Team defending is very important, so players should try

to cover their teammates.

In Futsal, it is also common to have to defend 1v2 or 2v3.

In this situation players should try to position their body so
that they block both the ball and a pass to the extra player.

Defend on the Cover your team Block the pass

half turn
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OUT OF POSSESSION IN POSSESSION
STRATEGY STRATEGY

3v1
The target player stands high up the court. The
other three outfield players try to keep the ball
and rotate until they can play the ball to the target
player. Once the ball is played to the target player,
the others aim to try and support this player. The
target player can then either lay it off to their team
mates or turn and shoot themselves.

4v0
There is no set forward player. All 4 outfield
players try to rotate and keep the ball in their
own half to encourage the defenders out
towards them. This leaves space behind the de-
fenders to play clever passes for forward runs.

FLYING
GOALKEEPER
HOW TO This can be a high-risk strategy that is frequently
Depending on the players involved and the game situation adopted by teams that find themselves behind in
most Futsal teams will adopt Zonal marking – this is where a game. This tactic involves a designated keeper
Stripe Zone - Zonal Marking
players have a designated zone to mark and try to press a playing outside their area and seeking to create
Red/Blue - Player Marking
player when they enter this zone. In some cases, such as opportunities from the 5v4 overload. This can be
defending a set piece or attempting to limit the impact of a an effective tactic but if possession is lost the goal
particular opponent Player-Player marking may be adopted. is empty and the goalkeeper stranded upfield.

30 31
KEY WARM-UP
ACTIVITIES
Before starting a match, there are some key warm-up activities your players
can do to get into the right mindset and to help develop their skills.

YOU’VE LEARNED THE BASICS.

LET’S EVOLVE INTO SOMETHING
MORE ADVANCED...
COLOURS CROSS THE COURT:
TAG: SKILL-SET TO DEVELOP:
EXCITE WITH THE BALL AND
SEEK CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.
SKILL-SET TO DEVELOP:
EXCITE WITH THE BALL AND

SET UP
SEEK CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.

∙∙  Split into 3 groups – 8v2 in thirds of the court.

∙∙  The aim of the game is to cross the
court without being tagged.
∙∙  If a player is tagged, they join the
defenders in the middle.
∙∙  The winner is the last player to be caught.

ADAPTATIONS AND
PROGRESSIONS
∙∙  Give the attackers a Futsal ball and the
defenders have to tackle them and dribble

SET UP
the ball back over the start line. The attackers
can tackle them back to keep their ball, but
if they lose the ball, they put it in the bag and
join the defenders.
∙∙  Split into 3 groups of 10. ∙∙  A nutmeg (putting the ball through an
∙∙  Play a normal game of tag but there will be opponent’s legs and collecting it on the
3 taggers (one from each group) instead of other side) gives a player an extra life.
1 tagger. Taggers will carry a Futsal ball and ∙∙  Play the same game with one ball between
can only tag those of the same colour. DIFFERENTIATION 2 so the attackers have to pass the ball to
∙∙  Players tag each other by touching the each other to get across. The defender has to
opponent with a Futsal ball on the upper tackle or intercept and dribble the ball back
body and then passing them the ball so Easier: over the start line. Two attackers would then
they become a tagger. ∙∙  Setting coloured groups put their ball away and join the defenders.
based on confidence.
∙∙  Allowing use of orange spots DIFFERENTIATION
ADAPTATIONS AND and loading zones as safe areas.
PROGRESSIONS Harder: Easier:
∙∙  Use the safe spots as an inner square that ∙∙  Allow players to use safe spots dotted across
∙∙  Give the attackers a Futsal ball and the some have to stay within so they are easier the area. If a player puts their foot on a cone,
defenders a bib. The defenders have to tackle to catch. they are safe. One person per cone at a time.
them and dribble the ball and stop it on a
boundary line. The attackers can tackle them ∙∙  Add more taggers or tagging balls
for certain groups. Harder:
back to keep their ball, but if the defender is
successful, they keep the ball. The attacker ∙∙  Create 1v1 tagging battles where players ∙∙  Funnel off a tight area which
takes their bib and becomes a defender. only chase each other. certain players have to stay within.
∙∙  Create 1v1 tagging battles.

34 35
HANDBALL 1v1 IN
KEEPBALL: THEIR
SKILL-SET TO DEVELOP:
CONNECT AND COMBINE
CREATIVELY WITH OTHERS.
BOX:
SKILL-SET TO
DEVELOP:
STAY ON THE BALL,
MASTER THE BALL.

SET UP
∙∙  Split into 3 groups across
3 thirds of the pitch.
∙∙  Split the group into 2 teams.
∙∙  The aim of the game is to make a
set number of consecutive passes
to gain a point by throwing and

SET UP ADAPTATIONS AND

catching the ball within a team,
without the opposition team
intercepting the ball. PROGRESSIONS
∙∙  The game is non-contact so the
only way to gain possession is ∙∙  With flat disks mark out x 2 adjacent ∙∙  Switch around the players so they
by intercepting. 5m squares. Designate 1 yellow and 1 red. play against different opponents.
∙∙  Players cannot move when the ∙∙  In groups of 3, with 1v1 in the service zone, ∙∙  A nutmeg (putting the ball through an
have the ball. and 1 referee who times the game. opponent’s legs and collecting it on the
∙∙  The ball must be passed below ∙∙  Players are tackling each other, trying other side) counts as a point.
head height. to keep the ball for themselves. ∙∙  If a player knocks the ball out of the
∙∙  The aim of the game is for the red player playing area, the opponent gains a point.
∙∙ 
ADAPTATIONS AND
to have possession of the ball in the Play the same game 2v2.
DIFFERENTIATION red box when the one-minute time limit
PROGRESSIONS is up. The yellow player is trying to have
DIFFERENTIATION
possession of the ball in the yellow box.
Easier:
∙∙  A player gains a point every time they win.
∙∙  Play using the feet. ∙∙  Use some players from each team as ‘floaters’
∙∙  Play for one minute, then switch Easier:
∙∙  A nutmeg (putting the ball through an (players who play for whichever team has the
ball – they will never defend or tackle) around roles. ∙∙  Use the referee as a supporting
opponent’s legs and collecting it in on
to make it 3v3 +2 (5v3) or 2v2 + 4 (6v2). player to make it 2v1.
the other side) counts as a point.
∙∙  A first time 1-2 pass around a defender or a
Harder: Harder:
flicked pass over an opponent’s legs.
∙∙  Make passes through a certain ∙∙  Use the referee as a defending
∙∙  Make it directional so teams have to pass to a
sequence of players. player to make it 1v2.
teammate over the end line to score a point.
∙∙  Play with certain touch restrictions.

36 37
FUTSAL CAPTURE
DUEL: THE CONES:
SKILL-SET TO DEVELOP: SKILL-SET TO DEVELOP:
ONE ON ONE ATTACKING AND DEFENDING SKILLS. CONNECT AND COMBINE CREATIVELY WITH OTHERS.

SET UP
∙∙  Split into 3 groups across 3 thirds of the pitch.
∙∙  Play 5v5. The aim of the game is to collect
all the opponent’s cones and take them
back to your side.
∙∙  As soon as a player crosses the half way line
they can be tagged. Player cannot be tagged
in their own half or if they are behind the
opponent’s back line.
∙∙  If a player is tagged, they must return to their
half before they are ‘active’ again. If they carry
a cone when they are tagged, they must
return it first.

ADAPTATIONS AND
PROGRESSIONS
∙∙  Give each team 2 Futsal balls and players

SET UP
can only collect a cone if they have a ball
ADAPTATIONS AND with them.
PROGRESSIONS ∙∙  Play the original game but change the
cones to Futsal balls.
∙∙  Organise the players into pairs. Each player ∙∙  Teams have to make one pass in the
∙∙  Add a further goal so that a player can now
gets two cones. The players make their own opponent’s half before they can return.
score in two goals.
pitch by each making a 4m goal with the
∙∙  Play 2v2.
DIFFERENTIATION
cones (i.e the distance between the cones is
4m) . The distance between the goals should

∙∙ 
be 10m.
The objective of the game is to dribble past
DIFFERENTIATION
Easier:
your opponent and score by dribbling the
∙∙  Players can only be tagged on route to
ball through the cones of their goal. The ball Easier: collect a cone. They cannot be tagged if
has to be under control for the goal to count.
∙∙  Have a separate competition in each half set they are on their way back with a cone.
∙∙  Players play 1v1 as independent games and based on confidence. ∙∙  Play 5v4 or 6v4 so they have more players.
play best of 1,3 or 5 goals depending on the
∙∙  Start with the ball in the middle and enable
ability levels of the players.
players to score in any goal. Harder:
∙∙  The winners stay on their pitches. The losing
players seek a new opponent to play. ∙∙  Reduce the size of the opponent’s area.
Harder:
∙∙  Play 4v5 or 4v6 so they have less players.
∙∙  Play 1v2.

38 39
KEY TRAINING
DRILLS

IT’S TIME TO TRAIN

LIKE A MASTER...
DRILL #1 MASTER THE BALL DRILL #3 THE FINISHER

Players must start on the 6m line (the D) and travel with the ball Place 4 balls on a half-way line. Players start on the 10m line. They
over the goal line, turn back and over the 6m line again using the run and collect a ball and must finish in an open net as quickly as
sole to turn any way they like. The ball must go over the line each possible between the 10m and 6m box. They must score all 4 balls
time. How many can they do in 30 seconds? for the score to count. If they miss, 10 seconds is added to their time.
How long does it take them to score all 4 balls?
Levels:
∙∙  International – 13 times Levels:
∙∙  Excellent – 10 times ∙∙  International – 26 seconds
∙∙  Promising – 8 times ∙∙  Excellent – 30 seconds
∙∙  Solid – 6 times ∙∙  Promising – 33 seconds
∙∙  Room to improve – 4 times ∙∙  Solid – 35 seconds
∙∙  Room for improvement – 40 seconds
Tips for improvement:
∙∙  Stay in control of the ball when you are turning. Tips for improvement:
∙∙  Take smaller touches. ∙∙  Use a variety of turning techniques when retrieving balls.
∙∙  Use the sole of your foot to pull the ball around the turn ∙∙  Aim for the corners when shooting to add realism.
and into your path.

DRILL #2 PINBALL PASSING DRILL #4 THE T TEST

Standing 10m apart, a player must have two touches (the first with 4 cones set up the T (10m across and 10m up). Players must travel
the sole, second being a touch pass) with a partner. How many with the ball around the middle cone, then around the left cone,
times can they control and pass the ball in 30 seconds? and then around the right cone, back around the middle cone to
the start point. How long does it take?
Levels:
∙∙  International – 25 times Levels:
∙∙  Excellent – 22 times ∙∙  International – 10 seconds
∙∙  Promising – 20 times ∙∙  Excellent – 13 seconds
∙∙  Solid – 17 times ∙∙  Promising – 16 seconds
∙∙  Room for improvement – 14 times ∙∙  Solid – 18 seconds
∙∙  Room for improvement – 20 seconds
Tips for improvement:
∙∙  Use directional control – control the ball with the sole of your Tips for improvement:
foot so that it can be played instantly with your second touch. ∙∙  Adopt a lower body position in the turns,
and then accelerate out.

42 43
DRILL #5 ROAD BLOCK SCAN THE OR CODE
TO VIEW ALL THE
TRAINING DRILLS.
In an 8m by 8m box, with a 2v1 setup, the attackers stand on both
end lines and the defender stands on a line half way. The attackers
must pass as many times to each other, only on the floor, moving

LEARN TO MASTER
along the goal line, and the defender must try and intercept as
many as they can in 30 seconds.

THE BALL WITH

Levels:
∙∙  International – 6 interceptions

THE ENGLAND
∙∙  Excellent – 4 interceptions
∙∙  Promising – 3 interceptions

FUTSAL TEAM
∙∙  Solid – 2 interceptions
∙∙  Room for improvement – 1 interception

Tips for improvement:

∙∙  Try to rapidly scan behind and in front of you to identify where
the passing line will be.
∙∙  Adopt a half turn position when you are doing this.
∙∙  Move the body into the passing line with the ball.
∙∙  Try to influence the attacker to pass the ball in a predictable
way by your line of approach, and then try to intercept.

DRILL #6 ENDURANCE TEST

How long does it take a player to stand on the goal line and run with Find out how to master these
the ball to the edge of the D and back, penalty spot and back, half skills by scanning the QR code!
way line and back continually. How long does it take? or visit mastertheball.com

Levels:
∙∙  International – 17 seconds
∙∙  Excellent – 20 seconds
∙∙  Promising – 22 seconds
∙∙  Solid – 25 seconds
∙∙  Room for improvement – 28 seconds

Tips for improvement:

∙∙  Really focus on controlling your turns, and then accelerate into
running with the ball.

44 45
5. FURTHER
INFORMATION
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to visit the
Pokémon Futsal website at thefa.com/pokemonfutsal
for information surrounding all things Futsal!

We encourage you to post and share photos online of your

team’s Pokémon Futsal experience, using the below relevant
handles and hashtags:

HANDLES
INSTAGRAM:
Pokémon - @PokemonNewsUK

TWITTER:
Pokémon - @PokemonNewsUK
The FA - @FA

HASHTAGS
#PokemonFutsal
#MasterTheBall
#FAFutsal

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