Have you ever played mini soccer and thought it was just like futsal? Both sports are played on a smaller field, use goalposts, and involve team-based gameplay.
However, the way mini soccer is played is different from the rules of futsal that you may already be familiar with. In addition to how they are played, the difference between mini soccer and futsal can also be seen in the number of players, field dimensions, types of shoes, and pace of the game.
To avoid confusion, make sure to understand the differences between mini soccer and futsal first in the article below!
Understanding Mini Soccer and Futsal
Before discussing the number of players and the rules of mini soccer and futsal, you need to understand the basic characteristics of both sports.
What Is Mini Soccer?
Mini soccer is a simplified version of traditional soccer, but with fewer players. This game is usually played on artificial turf, either outdoors or in semi-indoor facilities.
This sport is popular because it requires fewer players, making it easier to play with coworkers, community groups, or family members.
In international mini football rules, each team consists of up to 6 players, including the goalkeeper. A match cannot be started or continued if one team consists of fewer than 4 players.
What Is Futsal?
Futsal is a sport played on indoor or outdoor courts with more standardized rules than mini soccer.
According to FIFA futsal rules, each team consists of up to 5 players, including the goalkeeper.
This game emphasizes quick passing, ball control, and fast-paced teamwork. Because of the smaller size of the field, futsal players are required to have excellent ball control skills. No wonder futsal is often considered a sport that relies heavily on individual skills and quick decision-making during the game.
The Differences between Mini Soccer and Futsal
Both mini soccer and futsal are played on smaller fields. Here are the differences between mini soccer and futsal that you should understand.
1. The Number of Players
The most noticeable difference between futsal and mini soccer is the number of players. Futsal is played by 5 players per team, including the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, mini soccer is played by 6 to 7 players per team, depending on venue regulations or the competition organizer's rules.
With more players in mini soccer, the playing area is also wider, and the game is more likely to resemble traditional soccer.
2. The Size of Fields
Futsal courts are smaller than mini soccer fields, typically 25–42 meters in length and between 15–25 meters in width. This can make a futsal game faster-paced and more intense, requiring players to make quicker decisions.
Meanwhile, mini soccer has a larger field, generally 60 × 40 meters, allowing players to move more freely, build attacks, and utilize long passes.
3. Types of Field Surface Jenis Permukaan Lapangan
Futsal is typically played on indoor courts with hard surfaces, such as vinyl, interlocking tiles, or parquet. These surfaces allow the ball to move faster and require good ball control skills.
Unlike futsal, mini soccer is generally played on artificial turf fields. The use of this type of field creates a game experience that resembles traditional soccer.
4. Types of Shoes Used
Futsal shoes use flat soles specifically designed for indoor court surfaces. These soles help players move quickly, maintain better ball control, and change direction more stably on hard fields.
Mini soccer players usually wear turf shoes, which are specially designed for artificial turf. These types of shoes are designed with better grip suited for artificial grass.
5. The Size of the Ball
In futsal, the size of the ball used is No. 4, weighing around 400–440 grams. Meanwhile, mini soccer uses a No. 5 ball with a weight of around 410–450 grams.
6. Playing Style
Futsal has a fast-paced playing style, which relies on short passes. Due to the limited area of play, players should have better ball control and make quick decisions.
On the other hand, mini soccer tends to have a more flexible tempo. Players can sprint, make long passes, cross the ball, and build attacks from the back.
7. Playing Rules
Futsal rules are generally more standardized, especially during official matches. For example, each team consists of 5 players, substitutions can be made on a rolling basis, and the ball that goes out of play is usually put back into play with a kick-in.
Meanwhile, mini soccer tends to be more flexible. Some fields apply rules similar to traditional soccer, while others adjust the rules based on the needs of the tournament or community.
8. Match Duration and Game Intensity
Futsal has a shorter match duration, typically 2 × 20 minutes. Players should keep moving because the distance between players is shorter and the ball moves quickly. Meanwhile, mini soccer matches typically last 2 × 15 minutes.
Those are the differences between mini soccer and futsal, ranging from the number of players, equipment standards, and rules that must be followed.
By understanding the differences, you can more easily choose the type of sport that suits your needs, the number of friends, and your preferred playing style.
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