Futsal Formations and Tactics

Futsal is a modified form of football played on a smaller, typically indoor, pitch between sides of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines and not by walls or boards. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football due to the surface of the field. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

Success in Futsal is dependent on the skill of your players, the keys to winning games comes from good organization, and playing smart. This is where Futsal tactics and formation are absolutely vital. Good tactics can transform an average team to a very competitive outfit.

The formation you select should depend on the ability and fitness levels of your team members and the opposition. Regardless of whichever formation you select, there are two simple principles that are applicable to the game of futsal.

1. Always keep one person dedicated for attacking. A good offensive player who can release the pressure from the defense is very vital in futsal.
2. One dedicated player for defending. Often in futsal teams fall apart because there is no player who is just committed to defending and stays back. The “last man” plays a very important role in futsal.

It is important to remember that there are only four outfield players. Before applying any formation or tactics, it is important to get the basics right. Unnecessary complications will lead to lower efficiency on the field. Hence, work on the formations and tactics only after working out the basics like organization and communication.

Now let us get to the formations: