A systematic review of Futsal literature

MOORE, Richard <http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8865-6746>, BULLOUGH,

Steven <http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8836-5853>, GOLDSMITH, Simon
<http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0271-7772> and EDMONDSON, Lee
Available from Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive (SHURA) at:
http://shura.shu.ac.uk/8140/

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MOORE, Richard, BULLOUGH, Steven, GOLDSMITH, Simon and EDMONDSON,
Lee (2014). A systematic review of Futsal literature. American Journal of Sports
Science and Medicine, 2 (3), 108-116.

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American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2014, Vol. 2, No. 3, 108-116
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajssm/2/3/8
© Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/ajssm-2-3-8

A Systematic Review of Futsal Literature

R. Moore*, S. Bullough, S. Goldsmith, L. Edmondson

Sport Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Received January 27, 2014; Revised February 13, 2014; Accepted February 28, 2014
Abstract This document systematically reviews literature to provide a summary of evidence based research
related to the sport of futsal. The review draws on diverse subjects including coaching, physiological, psychological,
technical and tactical elements of the sport as well as reviewing subjects relating to the development of futsal. The
methodology included a scoping study and review protocol to systematically review 601 documents relating to futsal;
44 of these documents were reviewed in the study. The review aims to provide a resource for fellow researchers, to
study the sport and encourage further English language studies in futsal. To that end, gaps in the literature are
highlighted by the researchers, and therefore this document acts as a guide for further study.
Keywords: development, sports science, participation, tactics, training, psychology, physiology
Cite This Article: R. Moore, S. Bullough, S. Goldsmith, and L. Edmondson, “A Systematic Review of Futsal
Literature.” American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, vol. 2, no. 3 (2014): 108-116. doi:
10.12691/ajssm-2-3-8.

1.2. Review Protocol

1. Introduction
A review protocol was set up to define the review to
Futsal, a variant of football, is a sport played worldwide limit individual bias and ensure an efficient process. This
at amateur, semi-professional and professional level. The enabled a search strategy to be created to establish which
sport has a long standing history, dating back to the literature was to be included or excluded from the review.
1930’s in South America, where it was, and still is known The following criterions were identified:
as 'futebol de salao' (translated from Portuguese as 'hall 1. Academic relevance (futsal and identified keywords)
football'). FIFA standardised the sport and branded it the 2. Only studies produced in the English language
official version of '5-a-side' to create a structure to allow 3. The publication date was post 1990 onwards.
futsal to develop worldwide. 4. The publication length was required to be more than
It is clear that futsal continues to grow as a sport. This 3 pages.
growth has led to an increased demand for futsal related
information, to allow people to better understand the sport 1.3. Conducting a Review
and its qualities and intricacies. Particularly, there is a desire When conducting a systematic review, each stage
for coaches, players, sport scientists and administrators to should be recorded and traceable allowing for the study to
improve their depth of knowledge, to help them contribute be replicated. The first step in the review process was to
to the development of the sport in their respective countries. identify electronic databases which would reveal a broad
From an academic perspective, it is perceived that there array of literature relating to futsal. The following list of
is a lack of research relating to futsal in the English databases were judged as being suitable for the purposes
language, especially when considering the vast amount of of the study:
literature available around football; futsal’s sister sport. 1. Sport Discus - a comprehensive database covering sport.
The following systematic review of literature will be the 2. Scopus - multidisciplinary database for over 18,000
first of its kind in the English language, and will be a peer reviewed periodicals covering a broad range of
source to explore evidence based research related to futsal. subjects.
The paper also aims to highlight gaps in the literature and 3. Web of Science - large index of scientific, technical,
to encourage fellow researchers to contribute to the depth social sciences literature.
of knowledge in the sport. 4. Business Source Premier - database covering subjects
such as sport management and finance.
1.1. Scoping Study 5. PsychINFO - psychological literature including
An initial scoping study of the literature was conducted sports related fields.
to gain a brief overview of the related topics in futsal, 6. Physical Education Index - coverage includes health,
including theoretical, practical and methodological history coaching, sport sociology and sport medicine.
and key discussions relating to futsal. 7. Sage Journals Online - journal articles in various
disciplines.
109 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

The next step in the process, was to identify an country was alluded to in the study. Altmann and Dos
appropriate list of search terms, identified from the Reis [3] suggested Brazil is perceived as having a well
scoping study. These search terms were then used in developed structure for the sport of futsal, which poses the
search strings, input into the databases, to maximise the question as to why players from Brazil would choose to
opportunity to identify literature linked to futsal. The migrate to Europe to play futsal. Futsal is a global sport
following search terms were chosen by the review panel: and therefore players will migrate, but further research
1. Futsal would enable us to understand why this occurs, where
2. Sport Science players travel to, and what impact this has on participating
3. Training nations, particularly as economic and lifestyle reasons are
4. Participation often speculated.
5. Development From elite to grassroots participation; the challenges
6. Education impacting on players can vary considerably, particularly
7. Professional those playing at a minority level. Macbeth [4] examined
8. Football barriers to participation experienced by partially sighted
Search strings were then created from these search individuals when accessing opportunities at the grassroots
terms to provide a list of literature relevant to the level in Britain. The study found that players had to travel
keywords and linked to futsal. Seven search strings were long distances to participate, and had poor awareness of
identified by the review panel: opportunities to play, which presented a socially imposed
1. Futsal AND sport science restriction of activity. Furthermore, the change in the
2. Futsal AND training format of football in the British Blind Sport Visually
3. Futsal AND participation Impaired Football League (BBSVIFL) from five-a-side to
4. Futsal AND development futsal, raised further concerns. Although a specific
5. Futsal AND education example, this study represents the challenges faced by
6. Futsal AND professional organisations, clubs and participants in participating in a
7. Futsal AND football sport which receives little attention and support in some
countries. Furthermore, there is a great need for social
1.4. Results of Literature Search studies of this kind to provide an insight into the
challenges and opportunities arising in the development of
Overall, 836 documents were returned. Of these, 235 the sport. Generally, further research is required to
were duplicates. 601 documents were reviewed and 44 understand participation trends worldwide as a huge
were referred to in the document. disparity exists between countries.

2. Review of Literature 2.2. Futsal Development

The development of futsal, although vague in its
2.1. Futsal Participation description, is of significant interest to people, partly
because there is a desire to understand how the sport has
To understand the characteristics of futsal, it is essential
become established in certain countries, particularly
that its participants, the people who embrace the sport are
people based in new futsal territories aiming to progress
studied, to determine who participates, where, why and
the sport.
how? FIFA's 'Big Count' [1] study states that 265 million
Futsal, however, has a relatively limited body of
male and females worldwide are registered with their
evidence around the development of the sport, although
National Governing Body to play football. In terms of
studies do exist in (or about) a number of countries
futsal participation, the 'Big Count' indicates that in 2006
(Australia, China, Cuba, Brazil and Portugal) focussing
just over 1 million male and females registered to play
specifically on this subject. A study in the Wallonia-
futsal. This is likely to be a conservative figure, given the
Brussels region in Belgium outlined that, in order to
study only includes players registered with their national
deliver high performance in sport, governing bodies
football governing body, whereas futsal, in some countries,
should be 'developing innovative activities for their
is governed independent of these organisations. Generally,
members', be proactive in providing elite sport services,
the evidence base for futsal participation is virtually non-
and either involve paid staff in decision-making processes
existent. For example, the literature searches for futsal &
around these innovative activities; or 'involve committed
participation returned only 30 studies post 1990, many of
volunteers in decision-making processes and delegate
which mentioned participation, but were not
activities they are not able to deliver themselves' [5].
predominantly participation based studies.
Futsal was one of the 49 sports under consideration in this
A small number of studies focus on migration,
study and the associated strength of the governing body in
considering the experiences of elite Brazilian futsal
areas such as strategy was deemed to be a key factor for
players who travel from Brazil to Europe to play
development. This study provides a good basis for
professional futsal. Dimeo and De Vasconcellos Ribeiro
countries to plan and set up their approach to futsal
[2] interviewed professional players using questions based
development, dependent upon the resources available.
upon three key themes: 'adaptation to the new country in
Other studies in futsal development have taken place to
social and sporting terms, questions of national identity,
determine how competitive advantage can be gained at the
and general questions about their attitudes and plans'. The
elite level. Benton [6] outlines that, in Australia, the
answers provided by these players suggest that migration
national team were able to qualify for the 2012 FIFA
has broadly turned out to be a positive experience,
Futsal World Cup in Thailand. This qualification was
although the affinity these players have for their home
 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 110

achieved despite limited administrative support and on a tactical abilities are more likely to promote 'development
small budget. Overall, the study demonstrated that futsal of players capable of intelligent and creative actions',
is developing in Australia as more associations become which is a key requirement particularly for elite futsal
involved in the administrative organisation of the game. players. This demonstrates that playing the sport does not
Furthermore, an Australia Soccer International publication necessarily lead to the development of intelligent and
[7] discussed the future of futsal, reporting that there is a creative actions, unless coaching actions provide the
National Football Development Plan which aims to environment for such development to occur.
improve and sustain 'the education of future football Gomes et al. [12], conducted research into factors
players, coaches and supporting infrastructures', with key influencing leadership, cohesion and satisfaction in
considerations around the development of futsal in the sporting teams - important factors in creating successful
future. The plan also aims to investigate 'whether futsal players and teams. This study focussed on 200 athletes
players are born or made' alongside considerations aimed from both futsal and football (soccer). Coaches were
at developing the future of futsal in Australia. analysed in order to assess their leadership styles, whereas
A researcher [8] studied the competitive futsal structure analysis also took place on athletes' levels of cohesion and
in Brazil with a view to developing the sport in China. satisfaction. The results highlighted that men and women
The study found that there were positive characteristics in had different preferences in terms of coaches' behaviours
terms of organisation, chain of command, and precise and leadership approach. In addition, the authors
departmental functions, which contributed to the success discovered that females assumed higher levels of social
of Brazilian futsal competitions. The study found features cohesion than their male counterparts. Further research in
of multi-level work (e.g. competitions) and good this area could centre on other sports, to see whether
convergence across competitions that have stability and research findings could be transferable to futsal in subjects
continuity, which ensures that futsal is embedded into the such as coaching communication, approach to create a
countries sporting culture. A follow up study by the same conducive environment for futsal players to succeed.
author [9] proposed a strategy with a series of future
development requirements for Chinese futsal, including; 2.3. Physiological Elements of Training and
continuing to work with colleges and universities to Competition
develop futsal, strengthen commercial development,
arrange more training for coaches and establish multi- Futsal is a very physically intense sport, and
level competition systems (as concluded in the review of consequently evidence from the literature shows that the
the Brazilian system in the 2011 study). Evidently, this is physical demands of futsal are important considerations
a very broad area of study, and therefore research into for coaches in applying training for competition. Various
developmental procedures undertaken in other sports may authors Castagna et al [13]; Baroni and Leal Jr [14];
help guide future research in this area, to create a blueprint Álvarez et al [15]; Karahan [16]; refer to the aerobic and
to enable countries to plan a sustainable futsal anaerobic requirements in futsal; the different
development programme. physiologies between players at various competitive levels,
and how systems can be trained to improve maximal
2.2.1. Development of Futsal Coaching performance.
To provide more opportunities to play and learn the Alvarez et al. [15], explored the aerobic fitness of futsal
game, it is crucial that the education of coaches is at the players in different competitive levels, to determine
forefront of futsal bodies' plans to develop the sport. whether aerobic fitness in futsal players is a discriminative
Again, there is a limited body of evidence in this area, variable for futsal success. The maximal oxygen uptake
although a couple of studies that exist provide insight into (Vo2max), ventilatory threshold (VT), and running
how the expertise level of futsal coaches can have an economy (RE, Vo2 at 8 km-h-1) were examined for both
impact on several aspects of futsal performance, training professional and semi-professional players. The main
and the delivery of futsal specific drills. Serrano et al., [10] finding of this research was that aerobic fitness levels
examined futsal coaches with different coaching education were significantly higher in professional, highly trained
levels, to assess sports performance factors (technical, players than in lower-level, semi-professional players,
tactical, physical and psychological) by analysing the suggesting that aerobic fitness may be considered a
training provided during sessions. Three coaching groups competitive-level dependent physical variable in futsal.
were devised (novice, intermediate and elite) depending These findings are further supported by Castagna et al.
on the degree of specific education, coaching experience [13], who also studied the match demands of professional
and the level of the teams that the coaches trained. The futsal. The authors examined the physiological responses
results showed significant differences between the novice and activity pattern for futsal simulated game-play in
and elite group of coaches in small-sided games, professional players, and found that futsal played at a
inferiority games, execution timing, and opposition of the professional level is a highly demanding physically
training and drill items. The analysis also showed intense exercise which stretches the aerobic and anaerobic
significant differences between the novice and capabilities of players.
intermediate group in inferiority games drill items. Similarly, Baroni & Leal Jr [14] carried out a study to
Another coaching related study by Moreira et al., [11] evaluate the aerobic capacity of male professional futsal
observed teaching, learning and training processes by players, using both goalkeepers and on-court players to
coaches in futsal, and how the application of certain examine maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max), second
methods influenced, 'the acquisition of procedural tactical ventilatory threshold (VT 2), speed and heart rate (HR).
knowledge'. The study concluded that training methods The study found that on-court players displayed higher
that are centred on decision making and development of Vo2max and VT 2 in comparison to goalkeepers, whilst
111 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

being able to reach these levels at higher exercise levels quickly and make the correct judgments. The
(speed) than goalkeepers. psychological impact of players, and in particular, the
These studies highlight the importance of both the competitive stress and anxiety in the game of futsal, is a
anaerobic and aerobic systems in futsal and the differences topic that has been analysed by both Geisler and Kerr [20]
which exist across different competitive levels, but other and Mottaghi et al. [21]. In a study by Geisler and Kerr
studies also consider how these systems can be developed [20] competition stress and emotions were examined for
through training to potentially improve performance. 65 futsal players in Canada and Japan. It was discovered
Research undertaken by Karahan [16] examined the that Japanese players felt more tension stress in
effects of skill-based maximal intensity interval training connection with losing than Canadian players, while
on aerobic and anaerobic performance variables among Canadian participants exhibited stronger effort stress
female futsal players. The study found that average before wins. In the examination of emotions, Canadian's
anaerobic power, fatigue index and Vo2max improved by experienced more pleasant emotions after wins than after
10.7%, 22.1% and 9.6%, respectively. These are losses, and more unpleasant emotions after losses than
interesting findings, as they demonstrate significant after wins. However, Japanese players reported more
improvements which may provide evidence that players unpleasant emotions after wins and more pleasant
can improve their competitive level by training these emotions after losses. Geisler and Kerr [20] suggested that
systems. it is the differences in cultural attitudes towards
These physiological characteristics are an important individualism and collectivism that caused such results,
part of the sport, but previous literature also refers to the highlighting that external influences play a major role in
technical and tactical nature of the sport. The link between competitive stress and anxiety. This is an interesting
the two is explored by Sampaio et al. [17], who studied finding and suggests that the approach futsal psychology
training effects in Repeated - Sprint Ability (RSA), and should be planned according to the cultural traits in each
physiological and technical effects of duration and country.
variations in the numbers of players in futsal specific drills. More recently, Mottaghi et al. [21] studied the
The research was then further developed by Duarte et al. relationship between coaches' and athletes' competitive
[18], measuring the physiological and technical effects of anxiety and their performance using a sample population
both duration and variations in the numbers of players in of 600 individuals from 60 futsal teams. It was discovered
futsal specific drills. Heart rates and technical skills of 8 that there was a positive significant relationship between
semi-professional futsal players were recorded during four the coaches' anxiety level and sport competition anxiety
specific drills; half-court games with official rules, played level in the athletes. The authors concluded that coaches
in 4v4 (10 minutes), 3v3 and 2v2 (4 minutes), with a and officials should consider sport competition anxiety
break of 4 minutes between each repetition. The lowest among athletes before and during competitions,
percentage of HRmax was observed in response to the 4v4 suggesting that formal and planned competitions, training
drill, independent of the exercise duration. In players' sessions, and preparation practices can be a major factor
number variations, significant differences were found in assisting to decrease athlete's anxiety. Further research,
the percentage of time spent between 65-85% HRmax, in into the psychological stresses imposed on futsal players,
the number of successive contacts with the ball and and comparisons with other similar sports would help to
number of dribbles. In exercise duration, significant understand how the intensity of futsal impacts on players,
differences were found in the percentage of time spent and how competitive advantage can be gained from
above 85% HRmax, in the number of successive contacts coaches adopting the right approach.
with the ball, number of dribbles and number of tackles.
The decrease in the number of players and exercise 2.5. Studies of Futsal Related Injury
duration resulted in intensity increases and more frequent
individual tactical play. The research suggests that The prevalence of injuries in contact sports is a subject
coaches have the ability to modify drills, both in terms of frequently studied by academics and in this respect futsal
numbers and durations, in order to set the drill intensity to is no exception. Several authors have discussed the topic
a specific level to achieve improved performance. of injury prevalence within futsal including Junge and
These aformentioned studies support the view of Dvorak [22] who studied player injuries during 3
Gheorghe & Ion [19] who added that; teams with the best consecutive World Cups using 'an established injury
physical training can apply more tactics during report system'. Physicians of participating teams reported
competitions, whereas those with poor physical training all injuries after each match on a standardised injury
can negatively affect athletes' will, compromising their report form - the average response rate was 93%. A total
learning ability and endurance during both practice and of 165 injuries were reported from 127 matches, an
competitions, potentially hindering performance. The incidence record rate of 195.6 injuries per 1000 player
number of studies in this field ensures that there is a good hours or 130.4 injuries per 1000 matches. Most injuries
base of evidence for further research to take place. were caused by contact with another player and involved
the lower extremity (70%), with most frequent diagnosis
being contusion of the lower leg (11%), ankle sprain (10%)
2.4. Psychological Elements of Training and and groin strain (8%).
Competition Ribeiro & Costa [23] analysed the incidence,
The review of literature thus far indicates how the circumstances, and characteristics of injuries recorded
tactical, technical and physiological elements of futsal during the 15th Brazilian Sub20 Futsal Championship,
combine to create an intense, fast paced sport which demonstrating similar results to the previous research. The
creates an environment which requires players to think study found that contact injuries were predominant in
 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 112

65.62% (21 out of 32 injuries) and injury incidence during 30-m sprint (8.9% and 3.3% respectively), agility (4.7%),
the 15th Brazilian Sub20 Futsal Championship was higher slalom (4.8%), and balance also improved decreasing the
than those found in outdoor soccer tournaments. However, number of falls by 30% in the non-dominant limb. It was
a study by Broman, Fearn, & Wittenberg [24] at the concluded that "The 11+" can be used as an effective
European Maccabi Games 2011, found that the majority conditioning tool for improving physical fitness and
of injuries sustained at multi-sport tournaments were technical performance of youth futsal players.
muscle and tendon injuries, with 52/88 (59%) of total
medical encounters affecting muscles and/or tendons. The 2.6. Performance and Tactical Analysis of
study also found that the sport with the highest risk of Futsal
muscle or tendon injury was football with 45% of the total
injuries compared with 27% (14/52) for futsal, A variety of studies exist, in the tactical application of
demonstrating, futsal had a moderate risk of injury, of futsal and methods to both coach and analyse such actions.
injuries occurring in this sport. This study demonstrates This is unsurprising considering that the tactical element
futsal's similarity with football, in terms of the location of of futsal is one of the sports endearing qualities and
injuries, but also the differences, suggesting that futsal therefore of particular interest to researchers.
provides an environment where injuries are less likely to In recent years, training and match analysis has played
occur, compared with football. a major role in supporting the development of modern day
Bolling, De, & Reis [25] found similar findings in football, aiding both coaches and players alike. This area
relation to the type of injures affecting futsal players with of analysis within futsal is also prevalent although to a
the addition that they found a higher level of incidence in lesser degree. Leite [29] analysed the offensive actions of
adults, suggesting that the older you are, the more chance the Portuguese futsal team which resulted in finalisation of
you have of sustaining an injury. In terms of gender, play with Portugal in an offensive phase. Three games
Gayardo, Matana, & da Silva [26] studied the prevalence were analysed during the European Futsal Championship
of injuries in female athletes in the Brazilian National in 2010, which saw the Portuguese team carry out a total
league of futsal reported during the 2010 season. Out of of 167 finalisations. A total of 95 finalisations (56.89%)
135 athletes, 73 (54.1%) presented some form of injury, were originated from the organised or tactical game (OG)
with lower limb injuries accounting for 86.5% of the total; actions, 29 finalisations (17.36%) were from counterattack
28.9% on the ankle, 24% on the thigh and 23.1% on the actions (CA) and 43 finalisations (25.75%) were from
knee. No significant differences were studied in terms of stopped ball (SB) actions. The importance of each action
the type of injuries sustained compared with previous is represented by the total number of goals (13); 2 were
studies of male futsal players. scored (15.39%) in the OG actions, 5 goals (38.46%) in
There is a substantial body of evidence which refers to CA actions and 6 goals (46.15%) in SB actions. Portugal
the nature of injuries caused, but in order to develop finalised their offensive phase mainly in the OG actions
training programmes in an attempt to reduce potential (56.89%) but the teams effectiveness was low, compared
injury, a better understanding of how these injuries are to stopped ball actions (SB), where 15% of goals were
caused is required. In relation to this, a study by Serrano et scored. This research is of particular interest to coaches
al. [27], studied 411 Portuguese male and female futsal and players influencing the debate around the varied
players of diverse competitive levels, to identify potential tactical approaches to futsal. Further research is necessary
causes of injuries in futsal. The results found that ankle to compare these results with other elite national teams,
sprain injuries had the highest incidence (48.8%) of injury. but to also broaden the base of knowledge to compare
The study also found no differences by gender or the offensive approaches to support coaches tactical
position of the player (on the pitch) on the frequency of preparation.
the injuries, the type or region of the injury. However, Polidoro et al. [30] developed a pilot study for video
there was significant differences between training and analysis of futsal training to see whether a sample of
competition, with higher incidences of sprains and participants who regularly watch video recordings of their
contractures during training and higher incidence of own games or specific motor performance patterns are
muscle tears and fractures in competition. Moreover, better at learning specific techniques, than a control group
significant differences were found in the mechanism of of participants who did not. Twenty players with the same
injury; with the majority of bone or joint injuries, sprains technical characteristics were asked to practice twice a
and fractures, unsurprisingly a result of contact with week for one year, but only 10 players (sample group)
opponents. viewed training videos before each practice. Each group
In an attempt to further the research in this field, Reis et was tested at the beginning, during and at the end of the
al., [28], carried out an evaluation of FIFA's "The 11+" study on three techniques from the fundamentals of play;
injury prevention program in youth futsal players, control of the ball (sole of the foot), driving the ball
examining 36 futsal players (18 control group and 18 (dribbling with the sole of the foot) and shooting (from the
intervention group), where the intervention group toe or tip). The findings showed that significant
performed "The 11+" twice per week for 12 weeks, using improvement in the execution of the techniques were
Isokinetic testing to measure. The study found the found in the sample group who used video analysis.
intervention group increased quadriceps concentric Recommendations were made to undertake in-depth study
(14.7%-27.3%), hamstrings concentric (9.3%-13.3%) and with a larger study sample.
eccentric (12.7%) peak torque. Also, functional Hamstring: Video technology was also used by Travassos et al.,
Quadricep ratio improved by 1.8% to 8.5%, whilst [31], to study how interpersonal co-ordination tendencies
performance improvements were also visible in; Squat of players in futsal constrained performance of passing
Jump (13.8%), Countermovement Jump (9.9%), 5-m and actions. From 24 digitised video film clips of attacking
113 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

phases in competitive futsal, the results found that; defenders, both at the level of individual players and
performance of passing actions was constrained by a teams. Larger dominant regions were associated more
convergence in interpersonal distance values between with attackers rather than defenders. Furthermore, these
players. Pass efficacy seemed to be constrained by regions were more variable in size among players from the
changes in interpersonal distance values between the ball same team but, at the player level, the attackers' dominant
carrier and the 2nd defender without a correspondent regions were more regular than those associated with each
adaptation in ball velocity. In conclusion, findings suggest of the defenders.
three training phases for developing passing performance Fonseca et al. [36] stated that in team sports, the spatial
in futsal by manipulating key constraints in the distribution of players on the field is determined by the
performance environment relative to the interpersonal interaction behaviour established at both player and team
distance values between players. levels. The distribution patterns observed during a game
The passing action of futsal players was further emerge from specific technical and tactical methods
explored by Travassos et al., [32] who studied the effects adopted by the teams, and from individual, environmental
of manipulating the number of action possibilities in a and task constraints that influence players' behaviour. By
futsal passing task, to understand the representativeness of understanding how specific patterns of spatial interaction
practice tasks designs. Eight male senior futsal players are formed, one can characterise the behaviour of the
performed a passing task, where uncertainty on passing respective teams and players. Fonseca et al., [36]
direction for the player in possession of the ball was conducted a study that analysed theoretical patterns of
increased in four conditions and compared with passing spatial distribution using data collected from 19 futsal
data from a competitive match. The results showed that; trials with identical playing settings. The results from this
significantly high levels of regularity were observed in study indicated that it is possible to identify a number of
predetermined passes in comparison with emergent passes characteristics that can be used to describe players' spatial
(passes with a high number of possibilities for action). behaviour at different levels, namely the defensive
Moreover, similar results were found for ball speed methods adopted by the players. Furthermore, Correa et al.
regularity observed between practice tasks with a high [34] conducted a study to investigate and describe how the
number of possibilities for action (emergent passes) and game of futsal could be characterised as a dynamic
competitive performance. Furthermore, similar results adaptive process. A futsal game, which included
were also observed for passing accuracy in practice tasks participation by two amateur teams, was analysed by
with a high number of possibilities for action compared to examining players' individual (space occupied, skills with
competitive performance. It was concluded that increases and without ball) and collective actions (attacks and
in the number of action possibilities during practice defences). Results revealed four attack patterns for each
improved action fidelity of tasks in relation to competitive team, with four defence patterns for one team and seven
performance. Furthermore, Ren [33] analysed passing for the other team. All attack/defence patterns were
characteristics in futsal and identified three main performed in an unpredictable manner, with no absolute
conclusions: correspondence between attacks and defences. Similarly
'1) The most-frequently adopted ball passing distance is to Correa et al., [34], Vilar et al., [37] conducted research
less than 10m. 2) Stop-pass is the most-frequently adopted in an effort to better understand the pattern-forming
ball passing combination in organizing attack in fustal dynamics that emerge from collective offensive and
game. 3) Cross pass is the most-frequently adopted defensive behaviour in team sports, suggesting that a
passing direction in fustal game. 4) The midfield is most- quantitative research method and analysis is important in
frequently used area in the field and the main area for analysis as it is increasingly being used in team sports to
organizing attack' [37]. better understand performance in these stylized, delineated,
complex social systems.
2.6.1. Dynamics of Futsal Players
A characteristic which helps to define the sport is speed 2.7. The Relationship between Football and
of movement and creating space, with good spatial Futsal
awareness a key characteristic of elite futsal players. It is
therefore unsurprising that the dynamics of futsal players Futsal is a global sport in its own right and differs to
is of interest to some researchers, who try to understand football greatly in terms of the rules of the game and
how these particular attributes define a top player. Correa tactical actions. There is however a lack of research which
et al., [34], Fonseca et al., [35 & 36], and Vilar et al., [37] explores any link between them, which is surprising given
have all conducted research into the spatial dynamics of that futsal is used in some countries as a football
team sports. Team sports represent complex systems: development tool, to develop young footballers' technical
players interact continuously during a game, and exhibit and tactical behaviours. A number of studies do however
intricate patterns of interaction, which can be identified examine the relationship between futsal and football
and investigated at both individual and collective levels players in relation to morphological and situational
according to Fonseca et al., [35]. A study of the spatial characteristics and parameters, yet there is a high degree
dynamics of players' behaviour in futsal was conducted by of disparity between studies. Samija et al., [38] conducted
Fonseca et al., [35]. Nineteen 'plays' of a sub-phase of a research on the differences in morphological
futsal game were played in a reduced area (20m squared) characteristics between soccer players and futsal players
from which the trajectories of all players were extracted. using a sample of 42 futsal and 40 soccer players aged 19
Results obtained from a comparative analysis of player's to 36. Significant differences were found between the
dominant region and nearest teammate distance revealed measured morphological (mainly physical) characteristics
different patterns of interaction between attackers and of soccer players and the same characteristics of futsal
 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 114

players. The major differences were that of height, mass improved offensive play. The authors reported that
and arm span. Interestingly, Jovanovic et al., [39] also participants appeared to have 'markedly less fear of the
conducted research using a sample of 82 subjects: 40 male futsal ball in comparison with other types of balls', leading
futsal players and 42 male soccer players, however no to conclusions that there is a strong level of support to
significant difference was found among futsal and soccer make greater use of futsal balls with young people when
players in the parameters of morphological characteristics, playing indoor football.
possibly because, "futsal players (taking part in the study) In countries where football is particularly dominant
were mainly ex-soccer players" [39]. over futsal, it is important that researchers can evidence
A number of researchers, do refer to the influence that the difference between the two. This will ensure that
the small sided environment has on the development of people are clear of the distinctions between sports,
football and futsal players, per se. For example, Costa et particularly features such as player dynamics, technical,
al., [40], Almeida, Ferreira, Volossovitch [41], and tactical and physiological elements, but also to determine
Frencken et al., [42] have conducted research into the whether the sports can complement each other,
effect of small sized pitches and small sided games on particularly with regards to youth development.
interactive and tactical team behaviour in both futsal and
soccer. Frencken et al., [42] conducted a study in order to 2.8. Futsal and Education
evaluate the effect of pitch size manipulations on
interactive team behaviour in small-sided soccer games. There is a lack of literature about the relationship
Small-sided games were played on a number of different between football and education, even though it is
sized pitches: a reference game (30×20m), length understood that futsal is a popular sport in some countries
manipulation (24×20m), width manipulation (30×16m), played at schools and universities and means of social
and a combination (24×16m). Three measures quantifying improvement linked to national programmes.
the teams' interaction were calculated: longitudinal inter- Storchevoy et al., [44] analysed physical education as a
team distance, lateral inter-team distance, and surface area part of education and vocational training in higher
difference. Frencken et al., [42] concluded that teams educational institutions, aimed at obtaining
seem to adapt their interactive behaviour according to psychophysical readiness for professional work using
pitch size in small-sided games. Conversely, Costa et al., applied vocational physical training (AVPT). The study
[40] studied the tactical behaviours performed by youth looked to determine the role of futsal classes as it was a
soccer players in small-sided games according to different popular sport among young students. They suggested that
goalposts of soccer (6m x 2m) and futsal (3m x 2m) [41]. 'futsal classes facilitate high efficiency and reliability of
The players performed 146 tactical actions in the field central nervous, muscular, thermoregulatory systems, as
with goalposts of soccer and 536 in the field with well as of auditory and visual analysers and such
goalposts of futsal. The authors found no statistical important qualities for potential civil engineers as general
difference for tactical principles performed by players in endurance, hand dexterity, responsiveness, vestibular
the field with futsal goalposts and soccer goalposts. tolerance, volume, distribution and switch of attention,
Almeida, Ferreira, Volossovitch [41] presented a study emotional stability and initiative'. This is an interesting
aimed to analyse the interaction and main effects of study as it considers characteristics of a sport which may
deliberate practice experience and small-sided game impact on the educational development of a young person.
formats on the offensive performance of young soccer Further research is required to understand how futsal can
players. The researchers found that experienced players be used to help young people physically, socially and
produced longer offensive sequences with greater ball educationally as part of an organised programme of
circulation between them, whereas non-experienced activity.
players performed faster offensive sequences with a
predominance of individual actions. Furthermore,
significant differences were observed in the development
3. Conclusion
and finalisation of offensive sequences within each group, The review demonstrates that there is a base of
when comparing small-sided game formats. Evidence knowledge in futsal particularly with regards to the
supports that small-sided games can serve several physiological aspects of the sport; the physical and
purposes as specific means of training; however, the psychological demands on futsal players and research
manipulation of game formats should always consider the around sports injury, particularly their occurrence in major
players' individual constraints. competition. The tactical nature of futsal is also
Another difference between futsal and football is the researched thoroughly, mainly in respect of methodologies
size and weight of the balls, with futsal being slightly utilising video to analyse characteristics and trends of elite
smaller (size 4) and heavier. Heim et al., [43] studied the teams and players. Consequently, the majority of literature
use of futsal balls in physical education lessons by relates to research around performance, predominantly of
comparing them with traditional and other felt indoor elite players. Even so, literature on this subject is hardly
footballs. A sample of 423 5th grade students, male and comprehensive, and because of this, studies are not
female, tested the different ball types against technical comparable; methodologies not standardised, and
game ability and game awareness. The use of futsal balls therefore research often lacks critique. Furthermore, there
was associated with improvements in the areas of is a lack of research in key areas, particularly regarding
assessment tested, with ball-control (of a bouncing ball) player development, participation and governance of the
being significantly faster than leather and felt balls. sport.
Furthermore, use of the futsal ball resulted in the number There is a need for researchers with an interest in the
of touches of the ball increasing for each player, alongside sport to 'fill the knowledge gaps' to provide the
115 American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

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