What Is a Futsal Ball?

A futsal ball is the ball used for futsal, the small-sided version of soccer normally played on a hard court.

The biggest difference is its bounce. FIFA describes futsal as being played with a ball that bounces less than a conventional football. That reduced bounce helps keep the ball under control during quick passes, close dribbling and play in tight spaces.

What Size Is a Futsal Ball?

Standard adult futsal uses a Size 4 futsal ball. It is smaller than the Size 5 ball commonly used for outdoor adult soccer.

However, a Size 4 futsal ball is not simply the same thing as a regular Size 4 outdoor soccer ball. Futsal balls are specifically designed to have a reduced bounce.

Futsal Ball vs Soccer Ball

Both are designed for soccer, but they behave differently because they are made for different versions of the game.

Why Does a Futsal Ball Bounce Less?

Futsal is played in a much smaller space than outdoor soccer. A ball that bounced like a normal outdoor ball would be harder to keep under control on a hard court.

The reduced-bounce design helps the ball stay closer to the playing surface, making quick touches, passes and changes of direction easier to control.

The low bounce is achieved through the construction of the futsal ball bladder. Futsal balls use a bladder filled with fibers that help reduce and control the rebound of the ball.

Commonly used materials for stuffing are polyester fibers, foam, or special stuffing materials. These materials are placed in engineered quantities inside the futsal ball bladder. The fiber filling dampens the movement of the bladder when the ball hits the floor, producing the controlled, low-bounce behavior associated with futsal balls.

This is why a proper futsal ball behaves noticeably differently from a normal outdoor soccer ball, even when the two balls may look similar from the outside.

Can You Use a Regular Soccer Ball for Futsal?

You can kick a regular soccer ball on an indoor court, but it will not behave like a proper futsal ball.

A standard outdoor soccer ball generally has more bounce, which changes how the ball responds on a hard surface. If you are actually playing futsal, use a ball made for futsal.

Kickova Tempo Futsal Ball

Should You Buy a Futsal Ball or Soccer Ball?

Choose based on where and how you play.

For outdoor play, Kickova also offers soccer balls such as the Nova, Titan, and Magnus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a futsal ball Size 4?

Standard adult futsal uses a Size 4 ball. Youth competitions may use different specifications, so always check the rules of your league.

Is a futsal ball heavier than a soccer ball?

The key difference is not simply weight. Futsal balls are designed around different size and bounce requirements, which gives them a different feel from a standard outdoor ball.

Why do futsal balls feel harder?

A futsal ball can feel different because it is designed to produce less bounce and more controlled movement on a hard playing surface.

Can I train outdoors with a futsal ball?

You can use one for certain drills, but a futsal ball is designed for futsal. For normal outdoor training and matches, use an outdoor soccer ball.

What ball should I use for indoor soccer?

If the game is futsal, use a futsal ball. Other indoor soccer formats can have different equipment rules, so check the competition requirements.