A dynamic 5v5 version of football, futsal is played with rules and constraints that demand technical skill, quick passing and movement, all performed under pressure in tight spaces. That is just some of what makes it a brilliant game to play and coach, as well as an excellent development tool for the 11-a-side game.

A case in point is that futsal players tend to get significantly more touches than those in an 11v11 game. But futsal doesn’t just help to develop talented footballers – football coaches can also benefit from developing their understanding and coaching of this fast-growing sport. Whether it be the technical, tactical or psychological skills that futsal demands, the benefits are clear to all those who have experienced it.

That is why Coaches’ Voice has partnered with Bloomsbury Football Foundation to bring you a series of futsal sessions, designed to help coaches at every level to engage with the game. A leading futsal coaching provider based in London, Bloomsbury’s men’s and women’s first teams play at the highest level of English futsal competition. Now, in this session on the Coaches’ Voice tactics board, we are delighted to have Bloomsbury Futsal senior team head coach, Sam Masterson, present an introduction to futsal.

From need-to-know futsal rules and constraints, to playing positions and formations, Masterson expertly covers the key topics to get you quickly up-to-speed. We hope you enjoy it, and make sure to look out for more great futsal resources, coming soon on Coaches’ Voice Academy!