Futsal is played 5 v 5 (including goalkeepers) on a hard court. There's no offside, the ball is restarted with a kick-in when it goes out, restarts must be taken within 4 seconds, substitutions are unlimited and on the fly, and teams that commit too many fouls in a half give the other team a free shot. Youth leagues often shorten game times.
Updated 2026-11-07 · Fortaleza 269 Futsal Club, Kalamazoo, MI
The basics
- Players: 5 per team on the court, including the goalkeeper.
- Court: about the size of a basketball court, with lines (not walls).
- Ball: a futsal ball, which is heavier and bounces less than a regular soccer ball. Younger players often use a smaller size; older players use the official size.
- Game length: official games use two 20-minute halves with a stopping clock; youth leagues usually shorten this.
Restarts
- Kick-in: when the ball crosses the touchline, it's kicked back in from the line (not thrown).
- Goal clearance: when the attacking team puts the ball over the goal line, the goalkeeper restarts by throwing it.
- Corner kick: when the defending team puts it over their own goal line.
- The 4-second rule: kick-ins, free kicks, corners and goal clearances must be taken within about 4 seconds. This keeps the game fast.
Substitutions
Substitutions are unlimited and "flying": players come on and off at any time from the substitution zone, like hockey. That means lots of playing time for everyone.
Fouls
- Fouls are similar to soccer: no pushing, tripping, holding or dangerous play.
- Accumulated fouls: each team's fouls are counted every half. After a set number, every additional foul gives the other team a free shot from a mark in front of goal. It teaches players to defend with good positioning instead of fouling.
No offside
There is no offside rule in futsal, which opens up the game for quick combinations.
Youth rule changes
Leagues for young players often adjust rules, for example shorter halves, smaller balls or relaxed restart timing. Coaches will explain the version being used.
Want your child to learn futsal the right way? Fortaleza 269 Futsal Club trains ages 4–16 in Kalamazoo. Join the interest list.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there offside in futsal?
- No. Futsal has no offside rule.
- How many players are on a futsal team?
- Five on the court at a time, including the goalkeeper, with unlimited substitutions.
- Can you throw the ball in futsal?
- Field players restart with a kick-in, not a throw-in. The goalkeeper restarts with a throw on goal clearances.