Differences between Mini Soccer and Futsal

Education

November 9, 2024

Mini soccer and futsal are two types of ball games that are often played on a smaller area than a soccer field. While they share similarities in terms of smaller fields and fewer players, they have significant differences in the rules, playing techniques, and facilities used.
Check out some of the key differences between mini soccer and futsal in this article!

Field and Surface

Mini soccer pitches are usually larger than futsal, though still smaller than a typical soccer field. The surface of a mini soccer pitch is often made of artificial turf or real grass, making it similar to a traditional soccer pitch.

Meanwhile, futsal pitches are smaller and rectangular with a flat, hard surface, usually made of wood or other synthetic materials. This hard surface allows the ball to roll faster and requires players to master better ball control techniques.

Number of Players

Mini soccer is generally played by two teams of 6 to 7 players per team, including the goalkeeper. This larger number of players allows for more dynamic team movement as well as playing strategies that are more similar to big field soccer.

In futsal, each team consists of 5 players, including the goalkeeper. With fewer players, futsal tends to rely more on individual speed and ball control techniques due to more limited space.
Game Duration
The duration of a mini soccer match usually varies depending on the rules agreed upon beforehand, but on average, it lasts for 2x25 minutes or 2x30 minutes with a break between the two halves.

On the other hand, futsal matches have a shorter time of 2x20 minutes, with the running time stopping when the ball goes out of play or there is a foul. This makes futsal more intense due to the more limited playing time.

Substitution Rules

In mini-soccer, substitutions are generally not made on a strict system. Substitutes can come on at any time during the game, and there is no limit to the number of substitutions. This makes it easier for teams to strategize and manage player stamina.

Substitutions in futsal are made on a rolling system, where players who are on the bench can enter at any time without stopping the game. These substitutions are usually unlimited, so players can leave and enter the field in turn to maintain the intensity of the game.

Goal Size

Goals in mini soccer are generally larger than futsal goals with a height of 2 meters and a width of 5 meters. The size of a mini soccer goal is close to the size of a standard soccer goal, but slightly smaller. You can check complete information about the size of the mini soccer field from Datra.

Meanwhile, the size of the futsal goal is smaller, generally around 2 meters high by 3 meters wide. This size is adjusted to the smaller size of the field, so that it can create its own challenges for players in scoring goals. Information on national and international standard futsal field sizes can be read further to find out the full-size details.

Techniques and Style of Play

The style of play in mini soccer tends to be more like traditional soccer, with strategies that emphasize team movement and long passes. Because the pitch is larger than futsal, players can make sprints and long passes that are usually difficult to make on a futsal pitch.

Unlike futsal, ball control techniques are very important in this game. Due to limited space, futsal emphasizes speed and accuracy in passing, dribbling, and individual ability to control the ball in tight spaces. This style of futsal requires players to have quick reactions and better technical skills.

Types of Shoes Used

Mini soccer players generally wear shoes equipped with puls or studs like regular soccer shoes, especially if playing on artificial or real grass fields. These shoes with pulses provide better grip on grassy surfaces.

Futsal shoes have a flat, rubber sole, specifically designed to grip hard and flat pitch surfaces. They are also lighter, giving players better agility.

Offside Rule

In mini soccer, the offside rule may or may not apply depending on the agreed rules of the match. However, some mini soc cer tournaments or competitions apply the offside rule to keep the game structured and soccer-like.

In contrast, there is no offside rule in futsal. Players are free to move and take positions anywhere on the field, which gives more freedom in positioning and attacking strategies. This absence of the offside rule creates a faster tempo of play and prioritizes individual ability in creating goal opportunities.

So, mini soccer and futsal are both attractive options for soccer lovers who want to play on a smaller pitch with fewer players. Both offer a unique playing experience and demand different skills.

For those who want a game more akin to soccer, mini soccer is a great choice. Meanwhile, for those who like the challenge of honing their ball control techniques in tight spaces, futsal is the ideal choice.