FUTSAL PROGRAM

Introduction
Indoor 2017/18

Coaching Resource
RESOURCE CONTENT

1. Objectives
2. What is Futsal ?
3. Participation
4. Benefits
5. Quotes
6. Amended Futsal Laws
7. What makes a good Futsal Coach
8. Coaching Children
9. Planning your session
10.Club Philosophy
11.Game day
12.Game Schedule
13.Additional Resources
 Objectives?

Richmond Hill Soccer Club had identified Futsal as the training tool
to be used during the 2017/18 winter months in school
gymnasiums. This resource is designed to assist all the clubs
coaches in designing a training and competition program for your
age group.

Previous futsal programs in the club were well intentioned, but

disjointed and fragmented. By using this resource the club will have
a consistent program for all applicable age groups.

All club Coaches are expected to deliver this futsal program

whenever their programs are using a gymnasium.
 What is Futsal ?

The name is derived from the Portuguese ‘futebol de salao’ and the
Spanish words ‘futbol de salon’, abbreviated to ‘futbol sala’,
meaning ‘hall football’ or ‘indoor football’.

Futsal is played indoors on smaller playing areas. The ball is smaller

and a little heavier.

Futsal is the format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and

supported by FIFA and UEFA with World and European
Championships for Club and National Teams.
 Global Participation

• Professional leagues in: – Brazil, Iran, Japan,

Italy, Portugal, Spain & Russia

• 30 million players worldwide

• National leagues in 50 + countries

• Terrestrial TV coverage. Very popular in Spain,

Italy and Brazil
 Some Benefits Of Futsal?

• Small court and lack of walls = decision making

situations, good ball control, creative passing
• Players are not just a defender or an attacker but a
complete player resulting in a much better all around
understanding of the game
• Futsal is fast and exciting
• As the rules of Futsal include the pitch having sidelines
and end lines, players must be more accurate with their
passing as opposed to just kicking the ball wildly off a
wall
• The smaller ball with restricted bounce makes it easier
for young players to master their ball control skills
 Some more………
• Playing in reduced space helps develop creativity;
players are encouraged to find their way out of tight
situations with a clever pass or piece of individual
skill.
• Futsal can encourage self reliance & free expression
• The continuous rapid action means players quickly
learn to develop their awareness in relation to game
situations, positional sense and their reading of the
game.
• Futsal is the smallest, easiest way of playing football
without losing any of the ingredients such as the ball,
opponents, team mates, space, pressure, rules, time,
and direction
• Frequent touches on the ball and increased
opportunities to score goals
 Benefits

In a 40 minute Futsal match, a field player on a

team using a dynamic system of play will touch
the ball once every 29.5 seconds . . . that's over
80 possessions per player per match, if the
player plays the entire match. This compares to
only 30 to 40 possessions per player in a full 90
minute outdoor soccer match!!
 Quotes
“In futsal you need to think quick and play quick so it's easier for you
when you move to normal football" - Pele
“As a little boy in Argentina, I played Futsal on the streets and for my
club. It was tremendous fun and it really helped me become who I am
today." – Lionel Messi
“ Futsal helps a lot because you need to think quickly. It’s a more
dynamic game and in European football there is not much space so you
need to think quicker. Futsal is one of my passions and has helped a lot
with that” - Neymar
“During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was Futsal. The
smaller court helped my footwork skills, the nature of the game made
me feel free. If it wasn’t for Futsal I would definitely not be the player I
am today” - Cristiano Ronaldo
“A lot of the moves I make originate from Futsal and to this day my
ball control is pretty much a futsal player’s ball control." - Ronaldinho
Laws of the Game
FUTSAL
The Pitch
Futsal is played on a marked pitch and the ball can go out of play.
Head Height
There are no height restrictions.
Substitutions *
Up to 12 players can be used in one match and there us no limit to how
long a player must stay on or off the pitch. Players must enter and leave
the field of play from in front of their respective teams bench.
Substitutions can be made on the “fly”
Pass In
In order to restart the game after a ball has gone out of play the ball is
passed back into play from the touchline and from corners. The ball
must be placed stationary on the touchline and the feet of the player
taking the pass in must not cross the line.
The Four Second Rule *
For kick in, free kicks goal clearances and corner kicks the player in
possession of the ball has 4 seconds to restart play. The referee will
count 4 seconds with their fingers in the air. If play is not restarted
within 4 seconds possession is surrendered to the opposing team. The
GK is not allowed to control the ball for more than 4 seconds in his/her
own half.

*Full version of Laws can be found at www.fifa.com

The Five Metre Rule
Player are required to keep 5m from the player in possession of the ball
on free kicks, corners, goal clearances , pass ins and penalties.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers are allowed to come out of and players are allowed to go
into the penalty area. A restart from a GK must be thrown out, but the
GK can use their feet to distribute the ball from open play.
Back Passes *
Once the GK has played the ball he/she cannot touch the ball again
unless an opposition player has touched the ball or if the GK has passed
the ball into the opponents half.
Red Cards
If a player is sent off then the team to which they belong must remain
with 4 players until either 2 minutes have passed, or the opposition has
scored.

*Full version of Laws can be found at www.fifa.com

Accumulated fouls
Each team will be allowed to give away 5 direct free kicks in each half of
the game, then on the 6th foul a direct kick will be awarded to the
opposing team and the defending team is not allowed to position any
players (other than the GK) 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 the 10m mark then the kick may be taken from where the
foul took place.
Duration *
Matches are played with a stopping clock (real time) whereby the clock
is stopped whenever the ball goes out of play or when there is a
stoppage in the game.
Timeouts *
Each team is permitted one timeout for 60 seconds in each half.

* RHSC approved deviations from the FIFA rules. See next pages

*Full version of Laws can be found at www.fifa.com

RHSC Approved Rule Deviations
Substitutions
All players must play an equal amount of game time. The coaching staff must
be mindful of this to promote a development mentality, for all players.
The Four Second Rule.
Up until U10, this 4 second requirement is relaxed. Players will be
encouraged to play quickly but we will allow up to 6 seconds for the young
player to make a decision.
Back Pass
This requirement is removed; back passes to the GK are allowed.
Duration
Use the maximum time allocated to you in the gym. You may have to have 3
periods to give players a break.
Timeouts
These timeouts are to be used for coaches to make a coaching point(s) to all
the players on the floor and on the bench. The time out may be extended for
educational purposes, but remember the players must play.
Futsal Pitch Dimensions and Layout
Futsal Pitch
• The game of futsal is commonly played in a school gymnasium or
games hall

• If the floor is not marked for futsal the field can be marked using
field markers or by using tape

• Minimum pitch size is 25m x 15m, maximum 42m x 25m; a

minimum of a 2m safety zone around the pitch is required

• The futsal ball is a low bounce ball, similar in size to a size 4 soccer
ball, and must be used in all RHSC futsal games

• Maximum team size is 5v5, including the GK; larger sizes are not
permitted. In the event of lower numbers of players smaller teams
can be arranged e.g. 4v4 or 3v3

• Futsal goals are 3m wide by 2m tall. This size is preferred but

flexibility in size will be allowed.
Motivation to Play and Develop Futsal

Development of Players
• Increases contact with ball
• Increased shots on goals
• Involves and motivates all players
• Facilitates accurate passing

Easy Accessibility
• Little infrastructure is required, you can use existing
facilities
• It is easy to begin playing and not many players are
required
• It is easy to access in remote communities where 11v11
can be difficult due to the climate or lack of space
New Opportunities
• New careers – players, coaches, referees, administrators etc.
• New opportunities to host and take part in international events
• New opportunities to co-operate with governments and sponsors

Marketing, Advertising and the Media

• One of the fastest-developing sports in the world.
• Associated with football while avoiding the saturated market
• An attractive game: lots of goals, very honed skills
• The indoor nature of the game make it a new focus for advertising and
marketing

Complement to Football
• Potential first step to 11s: very skilled players, educating children, using
fewer resources.
• Expands football’s base by attracting more players and fans
• Makes the football association activities more diverse expansion of
activities
• Only FIFA approved version of indoor football.
What Makes a Good
Futsal Coach?
 Characteristics of a Futsal Coach

1. Personality 2. Qualities

• Knows how to listen

• Positive Attitude
• Knows how to communicate and
• Fair transmit the club’s philosophy
• Open-minded • Knows how to express him/herself
• Clear Objectives clearly
• Determined • Knows how to settle disputes
• Innovative . • Good decision maker with a
capacity for self-criticism
• Knows how to motivate and
encourage
• Exemplary conduct (appearance,
language, attitude, punctuality)
3. Knowledge 4. Conduct that MUST be
Avoided
• Techniques and tactics of
futsal • Constant shouting
• Physiological • Criticizing players in front of the
• Psychological and mental group
preparation • Concentrating on the negative
• Nutritional aspects (overlooking positive
• First Aid aspects) and long, confusing
• Organisational Abilities speeches
• Methodologies • Continual interruptions of the
• Awareness of team level coaching session
and each individual. • Exercise repetition
Coaching
Children
Special Features of Coaching/Education of Children

Profile
• Knowledge of children’s physical and mental characteristics.
• Serving as an example
• Always approachable
• Interest in children and their aspiration
• Ability to establish good relationship with parents

Code of Conduct
• Emphasis on the play aspect (learn by play)
• Welcome all levels to training
• Encourage a feeling of unity & identity
• Ensure children feel safe & valued
• Instil confidence in children & encourage them
• Do not treat like small adults
• Adapt equipment & size of training area
• Do not insist on a competitive atmosphere; let them play and enjoy the
game
• Balance the strength in the teams and do not allow excessive difference
in game scores
Planning
Your
Session
Coach Interventions
Explain Demo Observe Intervene Progress

Explanation:
• Of the objective of the exercise
• Of the tasks of each player, depending on their different roles
• Using appropriate resources.
Demonstration:
• By the coach or players
Observation:
• Of players during the performance of the activity/game
• Considering the coaching points previously established by the coach
Intervention :
• At the right moment
• For instructions, when activities/techniques are not performed properly
• To revise coaching points
Progress:
• The degree of difficulty of the exercise
• The allocation of tasks
• Taking into account the current ability & physical condition of the players
Planning a Coaching Session

Take into account:

• Objectives (technical, tactical, physical, psychological etc.)

• Last match & next match
• Previous coaching sessions
• Positions of players (incl. Goalkeepers)
• Facilities and equipment available
• Season
• Day of the week
• Number of sessions per week
• Number and standard of available players
Planning a Coaching Session
Exercises

Specify:

• Objectives
• Duration and intensity of the exercises and rest breaks
• Aspects that require special attention (coaching points)
• Organisation of the exercise, making sure the players are as
active as possible
• Progression of exercises: from simple to complex
• Equipment needed
• Number and position of players
• Position of coach
Planning a Coaching Session

Equipment

Prepare:

• The court (check it)

• Goals (portable)
• Balls and pump
• Pinnies
• Cones
• First aid kit
Club Philosophy
RHSC Philosophy
• Futsal is to be used at gym training
• Pools should be divided into teams and a regular
schedule played. Different variations:
• For smaller player pools, mix players each week or work
with other age groups
• For larger player pools, divide pool into 4-8 tiered teams
but play a complete schedule even weaker vs. stronger;
rebalance at half time if necessary
• Play with balanced teams on occasion which benefits
both stronger (need to show & teach which reinforces
their own learning and leadership) and weaker players
(benefit from playing with stronger players)
RHSC Philosophy
• Most gym games should be 5v5 futsal
• Don’t play with larger numbers i.e. 7v7, 9v9
• Want to maximize player touches on the ball,
so reduce the number of players and have
more teams in each pool
• Futsal ball must be used
• Develop Futsal specific skills
• Use preferred size goals (flexibility is allowed)
RHSC Philosophy
• Focus on creativity, 1v1 skills and playing out of the
back; all players play all positions including GK
• Equal playing time for all players
• Should be at least 3 coaches at each game for larger
pools
• Coach for each team and a referee
• Need to manage the experience as a game
• Stop the game (timeout) for a major coaching point if
necessary (max. 1 per half) and do a group review at
half time and full time
Game Day
Game Day
• For a 1 hour time slot in a gym the first 20 minutes are to be used
as a warm up
• The warm up will include a Futsal technical, tactical component
• During this 20 minutes the coach can teach the players a new skill
and/or technique or for the older players a tactical component of
Futsal
• The next 40 minutes are to be used for a game(s)
• During the game a timeout in each half can be used to make a
coaching point to all the players; this intervention should be short
and follow good coaching practices
• At half time, a couple of relative points from the game can be
discussed with the players
• At full time, following a cool down, a short review of the learning
objectives should take place with the players
Game Day
• It is recommended that scores be recorded for the games,
but the emphasis should not be on winning but rather
trying new techniques and challenging themselves
individually
• Score are maintained to allow standings to be maintained
• If you are using a double gym and you have sufficient
numbers , two games are to be played simultaneously
• In the next section, Schedules, we will show how a program
coach can develop a competition with in the program
 Game
Schedule
Game Schedule

5 minutes
20 minutes

35-40 minutes
Warm Futsal Cool
up and Games down
practice and
review
Game Schedule (Sample)
Champions League
Game Day Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4
1 Barcelona vs Man City PSG vs Juventus
2 Man City vs PSG Juventus vs Barcelona
3 Juventus vs Man City Barcelona vs PSG
4 - Play off 1ST vs 4TH 2ND vs 3rd
1ST – 2ND – 3RD – 4TH

Change players for next competition, below

Game Day Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4
5 Barcelona vs Man City PSG vs Juventus
6 Man City vs PSG Juventus vs Barcelona
7 Juventus vs Man City Barcelona vs PSG
8 - Play off 1ST vs 4TH 2ND vs 3rd
1st place – 2ND – 3RD – 4TH
Game Schedule
• The previous page shows an example of schedule that can
be used to create competition
• Before setting up each team its important to balance so
each team has equal strength, this is to create meaningful
competition
• For the first schedule, weeks 1-4, you can maintain the
same players on each team
• For the next, weeks 5-8, players should be moved around to
create different teams, but maintain a balance
• 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and record goals
for/against in case its needed to break a tie
• You should see the players improvement after the first 4
weeks
Technical
Resources
Technical/Tactical
This image shows the placement
of players on the futsal field. They are
organised as GK-2-1-1. This is a basic
organization and is strongly
Recommended for RHSC coaches to use.
The “Pyramid” allows the midfield player
To support the pivot (striker) and also to
help out defensively.

This organization shows “the box”. GK

2-2; 2 defenders and 2 attackers. Very
simple to organise to set up an
attacking square. The movement and
rotation of players is key. The GK
anchors the team and when in the
opponents half becomes the center
player.
Technical - Warm up - Practice
In this practice/warm up we have players
positioned at each end of the field beside
each goal, with a GK In each goal. The coach
has supply of balls and plays a ball into the
field at the same time he calls a number
(e.g. 1v1, 2v1). Focus on 1v1 attacking or
defending.

Here we have a simple 4v1 keep away

activity. The numbers can be adjusted to
make it easier or more difficult. The player
in the middle defends for 30 seconds and
then switches with a teammate. Focus on the
quality of the first touch, the quality of
the pass and movement to support.
Technical - Warm up - Practice
Here we have 2 teams, 5v5, playing
into three goals. Each team defends 3
goals and attacks 3 goals. The focus here
is quick, accurate passing and switching
the point of the attack with good
mobility and support. Involve the GK in
this game as a outfield player.

This activity takes place in the middle of the

court in a 20m x 20m area playing 4v4. When
the team in possession can play a teammate
to go 1v1 with the opposition GK. It can be a
shot to score or dribble around. The coach
can put a pass count in the square
(e,g. 3 passes before playing out). Progress to
allowing defender to follow the attacker.
Technical - Warm up - Practice
In this game the area is split into 3
zones. 3 players are placed in each end
zone with the others placed outside the
area, 2 on each side. The object is to
keep possession until you can play a
long pass into the other side. Once the
ball is transferred the other defender
enters to defend on the other side. The
Coach can put a pass count on before
the long pass is allowed.

This game consists of 3v3 in a middle

area to create a 1v1 against a defender
to then score in the goal. Encourage
1v1 dribbling in the attacking zone and
to keep possession in the central zone.
Rotate defenders with central players
after 2 goals.
Additional
Resources
Laws of the Game
http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/footballdevelopment/refereei
ng/51/44/50/lawsofthegamefutsal2014_15_eneu_neutral.pdf

Canada Soccer - Futsal

https://www.canadasoccer.com/futsal-team-s14677

Peel Halton Futsal League

http://www.peelhaltonsoccer.com/page/show/3702114-phdl-futsal-league

Toronto Futsal League

http://www.torontofutsal.ca/
THANK YOU!