Team sports · 4 min read
Futsal vs five-a-side: what is the difference?
Futsal and five-a-side football both use five players, but the ball, the court and the rules are different. Here is what changes.
Both games have five players a side, including a goalkeeper, and a small pitch. The similarities end there.
| Futsal | Five-a-side | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Indoor hard court | Usually artificial grass |
| Boundaries | Lines, kick-ins | Often boards or walls |
| Ball | Size 4, low bounce | Size 5, normal bounce |
| Goals | 3 × 2 m | Varies by venue |
| Match | Two 20-minute halves, clock stops | Varies |
Why teams train with futsal
The heavy, low-bounce ball stays on the floor, so players get many more touches and make faster decisions. That is why many football academies use futsal for skill development.
Booking tips
- Split the court fee across the squad when you book.
- Rent bibs and a futsal ball so nobody has to remember them.
- Book early in the week: weekend evenings fill up first.