Futsal is FIFA's official form of small-sided indoor football, and its court specifications are entirely distinct from 11-a-side football. FIFA Futsal rules specify a rectangular court of 38–42 metres long and 18–25 metres wide for international competition. For recreational and club play, dimensions can range from 25–42m × 15–25m. The playing surface must be flat, smooth, and non-abrasive — typically a wooden sports hall floor or synthetic resin surface rather than grass.

The most distinctive feature of a futsal court compared to football is the penalty system. Instead of an 18-yard box, futsal uses an arc (quarter circle) of 6 metres radius from each goalpost to define the zone where goalkeepers can use their hands. The penalty spot is 6 metres from goal, and a unique second penalty spot at 10 metres is used when a team accumulates 6 or more team fouls in a half — preventing cynical professional fouling. The goals themselves are 3m × 2m — much smaller than the 7.32m × 2.44m football goal.

Substitutions in futsal use a flying substitution system where players can be replaced without stopping the clock, similar to ice hockey. This allows intense, fast-paced play throughout the match. The ball is a size 4 with lower bounce than a standard football, keeping play close to the ground. Futsal is hugely popular in India as a recreational and training game — many professional footballers cite futsal as foundational to their technical development because the small court demands rapid decision-making and precise touch.