Number of Futsal Players on a Team & the Rules of the Game

Futsal is one of the most popular sports enjoyed by people of all ages. Unlike football, where each team fields 11 players, a futsal team consists of five players.

Since each futsal team has fewer players than a soccer team, every player takes on greater responsibility, and the rules of the game differ slightly as well. Read on to learn more about futsal, including its player positions and basic rules of play!

How Many Players Are on a Futsal Team?

Unlike soccer, where each team has 11 players, a futsal team consists of five players, including the goalkeeper. Each player has a specific position: one goalkeeper, one anchor, one pivot, and two flank players.

During a futsal match, each team may have up to seven substitute players. Compared to football, futsal offers greater flexibility in its rules, as it does not require assistant referees, allows unlimited substitutions, and permits the goalkeeper to switch positions with an outfield player during the game.

Futsal Player Rules

Now that you know a futsal team consists of five starting players and can have up to seven substitutes, let's take a look at the basic rules of the game below.

1. General Rules of the Game

There are several general rules in futsal that you should know. First, the game is played with a size 4 futsal ball, which has a circumference of 62–64 cm and weighs approximately 400 grams.

Second, compared to a soccer pitch, a futsal court is much smaller. A futsal court measures 16–25 meters wide and 25–42 meters long, and its playing surface is typically made of synthetic grass, polypropylene, vinyl, or rubber.

Third, a futsal match consists of two 20-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime break and a maximum 10-minute interval between periods. If the match ends in a draw and a winner must be determined, it proceeds to two 5-minute periods of extra time.

2. Player Positions

Futsal is a team sport that relies heavily on coordination and teamwork. With only five players on the court for each team, every player has a crucial role to play. Here are the main player positions and their responsibilities:

a. Anchor

The anchor plays a key defensive role while also helping to organize the team's attacks. In football terms, the anchor's role is similar to a combination of a defender and a central midfielder. An anchor must have excellent ball control, as they are responsible for both defending and building up attacks throughout the match.

b. Flank

The flank position is typically filled by two players, who operate on the left and right sides of the court. Their primary role is to support the attack by creating scoring opportunities. Flank players need excellent ball control, speed, and the ability to exploit space and create chances to score.

c. Pivot

The pivot is the team's primary attacking player, playing furthest forward on the court. In addition to leading the attack, the pivot helps hold up play and apply pressure to the opposing team before they can advance into the defensive area. Like the anchor, the pivot also plays an important role in controlling the flow of the game and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

d. Keeper

The goalkeeper is responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring by protecting the goal. They are the only player allowed to handle the ball with their hands during the match, provided they do so within the designated penalty area.

3. Player Substitution Rules

Substitutions are an important part of maintaining a team's performance throughout the match. Players who are fatigued or injured may be replaced by a substitute. Here are some of the key substitution rules in futsal:

Player substitutions must be carried out during the match in accordance with the official competition regulations set by FIFA, the relevant association, or the confederation.
Each team may have a maximum of seven substitute players.
There is no limit to the number of substitutions during a match, and players who have been substituted off may re-enter the game.
The goalkeeper is allowed to switch positions with an outfield player.

4. Player Substitution Requirements

Besides understanding the substitution procedures, it's also important to know the requirements for making a player substitution in futsal. Here are the substitution requirements during a futsal match:

Players entering or leaving the court must make the substitution through their team's designated substitution zone.
A substitute may only enter the court after the player being replaced has completely crossed the touchline.
A substitution is considered complete once the substitute has entered the court and replaced the outgoing player.
All substitutions are subject to the referee's authority.

5. Fouls and Penalties

Like most sports, futsal has a number of rules regarding fouls and misconduct. Some of the common violations during a futsal match include:

Players are prohibited from committing physical fouls against opponents, such as pushing, striking, kicking, elbowing, or making reckless tackles.
Outfield players are not allowed to deliberately handle the ball with their hands.
Players must not impede opponents through excessive physical contact, such as holding, pulling, or forcefully restraining them.
The goalkeeper may not control the ball for more than four seconds while in possession.

If a foul is committed during a match, the referee will determine the appropriate penalty for the offending team. Some of the penalties that may be awarded in futsal include:

Indirect free kick: For a goal to count, the ball must touch another player, either a teammate or an opponent, before entering the goal.
Direct free kick: This free kick is taken from the spot where the foul occurred, and a goal can be scored directly without the ball touching another player first.
Penalty kick: A penalty kick is awarded for serious fouls committed inside the penalty area. During the kick, only the penalty taker and the goalkeeper are involved/

Although it differs slightly from soccer, futsal is just as exciting and challenging to play. With fewer players and a smaller court, it's a more flexible sport that's perfect for fitting into a busy schedule. By understanding the number of players, their roles, and the basic rules of the game, you can develop more effective strategies and enjoy the match even more.

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