Football and futsal are two very popular sports that share many similarities, but also have some key differences. In this article, we will look at the main differences between these two sports.
Number of players
The main difference between football and futsal is the number of players. In football, each team has 11 players, including the goalkeeper, while in futsal, each team has 5 players, including the goalkeeper.
What does this change? The difference in players results in a faster and more dynamic game in futsal, where each player has a greater role in the game.
Dimensions of the field
The football field is much larger than the futsal field. The football field is 90 to 120 meters long and 45 to 90 meters wide, while the futsal field is 25 to 42 meters long and 16 to 25 meters wide. This also contributes to the more dynamic futsal game, with faster transitions and more intense play.
While the two sports are similar, they have substantial differences that distinguish them markedly.
Surface of the field
The football field is usually covered in natural or artificial grass, while the futsal field is usually covered in parquet or synthetic material. This also affects the game, as parquet or synthetic material provides a smoother and more uniform surface than grass, which makes it easier to control the ball.
In our article "Football and Futsal: Which one requires more running?" we discuss the physical differences in players due to the different field surfaces, so don't miss it!
Duration of the match
A football match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. A futsal match lasts 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. This also contributes to the more intense and contested futsal game, and that player substitutions are more frequent due to the intensity.
While football has more global recognition, futsal is also growing by leaps and bounds, especially in Asia. If you want to know more about the Asian football phenomenon, read our article.
Rules of the game
The rules of football and futsal are similar, but there are also some differences. The spirit of the game is the same and the objective is also the same, but there are hundreds of details of the rules that vary. Probably one of the most evident is that in futsal the side kicks are performed with the foot, while in football they are performed with the hand.
If you are interested in us writing a specific article on the differences in the rules, leave us your opinion in the comments.
Physical requirements
Football and futsal are sports that require a good level of fitness. However, futsal requires a higher level of speed, agility, and skill than football. This is due to the reduced dimensions of the field, the smaller number of players, and the lower rebound of the ball.
Did you know that we have written a specific article on which one requires more running? Don't be in doubt and find out in our article!
Conclusions
Football and futsal are two very exciting and attractive sports. Both require a high level of skill and fitness, but they also have their own unique characteristics. Football is a more traditional and leisurely sport, while futsal is a more modern and dynamic sport.
However, there is one aspect that they have in common: both disciplines can enjoy the benefits of GPS technology, as OLIVER is the only 100% adaptable solution to futsal, and it can also be used in football with the same precision and quality.
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What would you like our next article to be about? Let us know in the comments!
