Indoor Soccer Vs. Outdoor Cleats/Rules (Differences)

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Soccer played outside is slow-paced in a tactical build-up but action-packed in the goalmouth. Indoor soccer can be intensive without any rest, but it’s fun-packed.

Indoor soccer first became popular as an alternative to playing soccer in the winter periods, especially in certain areas of those countries where the weather conditions can be quite difficult during that time of year.

Indeed, indoor soccer has expanded to other parts of the world, such as Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

Although its growth is truly global at the moment, the world federation that governs it’s the WMF (World Minifootball Federation).

Indoor Soccer Court and Goal - Futsal
Indoor Soccer Court and Goal – Futsal

Indoor Soccer in the United States

Indoor soccer in the United States has the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) as a professional league (in addition to other semi-professional leagues).

Indoor soccer has contacted managers and players with international experiences in classic soccer like Landon Donovan or Jermaine Jones to grow the game.

Indoor Soccer vs. Outdoor Soccer Rules

The indoor and outdoor soccer rules resemble fouls, handbells, and goals with differences in sliding tackles, length of play, and several players.

The turf type is different since the indoor soccer fields are artificial, while the soccer fields are sometimes natural.

With its exceptions, mixed-grass is increasingly common and uses artificial turf in a few cases.

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It’s also worth pointing out that the dimensions of the fields are very different.

The indoor soccer field is half as long and wide as an outdoor soccer field, is typically about 60 m long by 25 m wide.

Womens soccer game indoors Training session

Indoor Soccer: Number of Players

For indoor soccer, there are 6 players per team, including the goalkeeper, compared to 11 for an outdoor team.

The size of the pitch also means that there’s no offside rule.

Since there’s less space due to the dimensions of the pitch, it also needs fewer players than in indoor soccer.

Length of Game

The duration of each match is also different because an indoor soccer match lasts 60 minutes vs. 90 minutes for an outdoor soccer game.

The section of the game for indoor soccer has 4 quarters of 15 minutes, the first and third interruptions are 3 minutes, and the second, the half-time is 15 minutes.

The outdoor game is split into two halves of 45 minutes with a 15-minute break.

Another characteristic of indoor soccer that separates it from outdoor soccer is the number of substitutions, which in this case is unlimited/rotating players.

Slide tackle on artificial turf - Indoor soccer vs outdoor soccer rules
Five a Side Soccer Game

Can you slide in indoor soccer?

In the regulations established by the WMF, only slide tackles are allowed as long as there’s no contact with the opponent or any danger for any player on the field,

In any other case, it will be sanctioned with a direct or indirect free kick and disciplinary action depending on the type of foul.

Similarly, it’s rare for someone to want to do a slide tackle in indoor soccer regardless of the type of grass used.

What is a blue card in indoor soccer?

In some competitions, they use a third card, usually blue, in addition to the typical yellow and red cards of outdoor soccer.

As an option to caution a player for an action that can be considered more serious than a yellow card but not So serious as to be sent off permanently.

So with this blue card, you take the player out for a defined period of time where your team will play with one less player.

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Are there throw-ins allowed in indoor soccer?

As already mentioned, indoor soccer uses walls that limit the pitch, and if the ball touches the walls, the game continues normally.

The walls are part of the game in the same way that occurs in hockey, for example.

This is a very important element in developing this game and one of the main characteristics that separate it from other variations of classic soccer.

If the ball overcomes any of the walls and leaves the pitch completely, the team opposite the last player who touched the ball will have a free kick from the closest point in the field.

Where the ball came out, this also occurs if the ball is kicked too high and touches the stadium’s ceiling.

Outdoor soccer game corner kick - Indoor soccer vs outdoor soccer rules

Is indoor soccer harder than outdoor?

Outdoor soccer is harder to play than indoor soccer. There’s more space in outdoor soccer, so players need to be more tactical, faster, aware, and focused.

Although indoor soccer is faster, more goals can be scored due to the smaller space. The longer minutes can be tougher. The goals are twice as big outdoors also.

That said, indoor soccer does not allow for a rest. There’s constant action and fitness shows after a while.

Can you wear outdoor soccer cleats indoor?

It’s not recommended as outdoor soccer cleats have higher lugs that help maintain stability and grip on natural pitches.

That is why there are cleats made specifically for playing on artificial surfaces.

Mini cleats that help improve traction and ball control are made of a more resistant material.

Indoor Soccer Shoes 1. Flat Soles 2. Studded Soles
Indoor Soccer Shoes 1. Flat Soles 2. Studded Soles

Here are two great examples of soccer cleats. On the left, longer studs to grip the longer turf outside and shorter grips for indoor;

Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 Mens Football Cleat…
  • Wide stud placement helps you make quick cuts
  • An internal chassis provides the flexibility and support of…
  • The lightweight upper is covered with an overlay for added…
  • The elastic cuff is comfortable and breathable; Ghost lacing…

Product: Updated 2024-03-22 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad – soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

adidas Performance Men’s MUNDIAL TEAM Athletic…
  • Soft synthetic lining; Traxion outsole
  • Die-cut EVA insole; Moulded EVA midsole
  • Legendary boots with a touch of class.

Product: Updated 2024-03-22 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad – soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

Do indoor soccer players wear shin guards?

Indoor soccer players require the same protection as outdoor soccer players, using shin guards. Any official match will require them for play to go ahead.

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If the game is casual between friends, wearing shin guards is not always necessary.

Indoor Soccer

Indoor soccer is a sport with a lower global impact than outdoor soccer. However, it turns out to be a very interesting option.

Not only for those who live in places with adverse weather conditions but for anyone who is an admirer of classical soccer and wants to entertain themselves.

It can also be an excellent complement to outdoor soccer training since it helps to improve the mental dexterity and speed of the players’ passes.

Indoor soccer is fast-paced and fun, while outdoor soccer is tactical and technical.

Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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/// Awesome Adidas Cleats ///

Product: Updated 2024-03-27 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

Product: Updated 2024-03-27 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

Product: Updated 2024-03-27 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

Soccer Rules FAQ

How long is a soccer game?

Soccer games include two 45 minute halves, which is 90 minutes of play. Those who have ever watched a game know that, like many sports, real-time is longer than the match time.
In real-time, the length of a soccer game varies immensely. At the bare minimum, it will be 90 minutes of play + 15 minutes of halftime for a total of 105 minutes.

What is offside in soccer?

The offside rule in soccer is to stop player ‘goal hanging’ – standing near the opposition goal. This also stops soccer from being a long ball game, balls hit from one goal to another.

What are yellow card offenses?

+ Charging an opponent – caution if reckless.
+ Holding an opponent – When the ball is in play and the holding continues.
+ Handling the Ball – When a player handles the ball to break up attacking play. If an attacker + uses their hand to attempt to score a goal.
+ Dangerous play – If a player makes an action that can risk an injury to another player.
+ Impeding the progress of an opponent – If a player holds another player back or blocks a player on purpose, that prevents an attack.
+ Breaking up an attack - where there is the possibility of creating a scoring chance.
+ Simulation - where a player tries to con a referee into thinking that they are injured in order to punish the opponent. If a player tries to make out that they have been fouled.

What are the red card offenses?

+ Serious foul play
+ Violent conduct
+ Spitting at a person
+ Deliberate handball – denying a goal-scoring opportunity
+ Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity
+ Offensive, aggressive, abusive language or gesture
+ Receiving a second caution

Soccer field size, size of goal, number of players and minutes played per age;

+ u17-u19 - Halves 2 x 45 minutes - Number of players 11 vs 11 - Goal Size 8 x 24 - Field size 50-100 by 100-130 yards
+ u15-u16 - Halves 2 x 40 minutes - Number of players 11 vs 11 - Goal Size 8 x 24 - Field size 50- 100 by 100-130 yards
+ u13-u14 - Halves 2 x 35 minutes - Number of players 11 vs 11 - Goal Size 8 x 24 - Field size 50-10 by 100-130 yards
+ u11-u12 - Halves 2 x 30 minutes - Number of players 9 vs 9 - Goal Size 7 x 21 - Field size 45-70 by 70-80 yards
+ u9-u10 - Halves 2 x 25 minutes - Number of players 7 vs 7 - Goal Size 6 x 18.5 - Field size 35-45 by 55-65 yards
+ u6-u8 - Quarters 4 x 10 minutes - Number of players 4 vs 4 - 4 x 6 Goal Size - Field size 15-25 by 25-35 yards


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