Futsal Rules: 5-a-Side Explained for First-Timers

Your saathi haru just added you to a group chat for tomorrow's futsal match. You've kicked a football around, sure, but the rules feel a bit different. Are slide tackles allowed? What's a kick-in? Why is everyone yelling about a fifth foul?

Here's the 5-a-side rulebook stripped down to what you actually need to play your first match in Kathmandu without holding up the group.

The basics in 30 seconds

• 5 players per side, one of whom is the goalkeeper.
• Match length: 20-40 minutes per side at official games. Local Kathmandu bookings run 60 minutes total, often split as two halves with a 5-minute break.
• Surface: Most "futsal" in Kathmandu is on artificial turf. True futsal is on hard court — same rules apply with minor surface tweaks.
• Ball: Smaller and heavier with low bounce in official futsal. Most local turf courts use a regular size 4 or 5 ball.
• Rolling substitutions — players come on and off any time, no whistle needed.

Rules that matter most in pickup play

No slide tackles

This is the big one. Sliding to win the ball is a foul in futsal, even if you touch the ball cleanly. On a turf court, slide tackles also tear up your knees because of the friction. Stay on your feet.

Kick-ins, not throw-ins

When the ball leaves the touchline, the team that didn't touch it last restarts with a kick-in from the line — no throw-ins. The ball must be stationary, and you have 4 seconds to play it.

Goalkeeper has 4 seconds

In their own half, the keeper can hold the ball for 4 seconds. After that, opponents get an indirect free-kick. The keeper also can't pick up a back-pass from a teammate's foot.

Accumulated fouls

In official rules, after a team commits 5 fouls in a half, every additional foul gives the opponent a direct free-kick from the 10-metre line. In Kathmandu pickup matches, this rule is usually ignored — but if you're playing in a league or tournament, it matters.

Kick-off goal

You can score directly from kick-off in futsal — the ball doesn't need to touch a second player. Worth a try if the opposing keeper hasn't settled.

Corners and goal kicks

Corners are taken with a kick (no headers off long throws). Goal kicks are replaced by a goal clearance — the keeper throws the ball back into play from inside the penalty area. No drop-kicks.

What local Kathmandu rules actually look like

Most pickup matches at Jhamsikhel, Pulchowk, or Chabahil courts run on simplified rules:

• 5 or 6 players per side, depending on court size.
• Two 25-30 minute halves for a 60-minute booking.
• Rolling subs, often unlimited — bring 8-10 total players and rotate.
• Slide tackles informally banned for safety, even if no referee enforces it.
• No accumulated foul rule in most casual games.
• No offside. This is the same as official futsal — there is no offside rule.

If you're new, ask the group's organizer two questions before you play: "Are we doing kick-ins or throw-ins?" and "Any house rules for tackles?" Most courts go by whatever the group agrees.

Fouls you actually need to avoid

In rough order of how often they get called in a casual game:

1. Slide tackling — see above.
2. High kicks near another player — boot above hip height is risky.
3. Pushing or holding off the ball — easy to spot, usually called.
4. Back-pass to the keeper's hands — uncommon but worth knowing.
5. Goalkeeper coming out past the halfway line and using hands — penalty area only.

Equipment notes

• Shoes: Turf-sole or futsal-flat shoes. No long metal studs on artificial turf — courts often refuse entry. We cover this in Futsal Shoes vs Football Boots.
• Shin guards: Optional in pickup, mandatory in tournaments. Cheap insurance.
• Goalkeeper gloves: Recommended on turf if your keeper plans to dive.
• Bibs: Bring two colors. Half the court arguments are about "wait, which team are you on?"

What to do in your first 5 minutes on court

1. Introduce yourself if you don't know everyone — names beat "the guy in the red shirt."
2. Ask which goal you're shooting at.
3. Agree on a captain or organizer to call subs and timing.
4. Pick a position you're comfortable with for the first half. Switch later if needed.
5. Warm up. A two-minute jog and some passing prevents 80% of pulled hamstrings — more in A 7-Minute Warm-Up That Actually Prevents Futsal Injuries.

How Maidaan helps

Maidaan lists futsal courts across Kathmandu and Lalitpur with surface type, court size, and group-size capacity shown upfront. So when you book, you know whether you're playing 5-a-side or 6-a-side before you arrive.

Now book a slot and try it

Knowing the rules is one thing. Playing 30 minutes on turf is what teaches you the rest. Browse futsal courts in Kathmandu on Maidaan, pick a 7-9pm weekday slot when prices are gentler, and bring two friends who've never played before. You'll all figure it out together.