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Exploring the research challenges shaping the future of futsal
Dr. Alireza Abbasi, Ph.D. in Sports Physiology, has emerged as a vital figure in the advancement of futsal research. His work has garnered widespread recognition, including from José Venancio Lopez Hierro, a former Spanish professional futsal player and current head coach of Uzbekistan’s national futsal team.
In the letter of appreciation, José commended Dr. Abbasi for his contributions, writing, “The work of intellectuals like you for the development of sports is greatly appreciated by the football and futsal community.” He described Dr. Abbasi’s research as playing a crucial role in elevating futsal and football on a global scale. Such recognition reflects the respect Dr. Abbasi has earned within the international futsal community.
We are delighted to share Dr. Abbasi’s insights on the challenges and opportunities in futsal research and development.
Research and Development Challenges of Futsal
By Dr. Alireza Abbasi, Ph.D. in Sports Physiology
The Growth of Futsal
Futsal, an indoor team sport, is played worldwide by men and women, boys and girls. It has gained traction in professional and amateur leagues and is a significant tool in schools and academies for player development. Over the past 15 years, the sport has grown in popularity, as seen in the increasing number of participants and the backing of FIFA and UEFA through initiatives like European youth and senior women’s competitions.
However, the sport’s rapid expansion has not been matched by a corresponding increase in research to support coaching and player development. To bridge this gap, I reviewed 26 manuscripts submitted for research purposes, of which 22 were accepted. These manuscripts were led primarily by authors from Spain (40%) and Brazil (32%), with additional contributions from Portugal and Taiwan (9% each) and Croatia and Japan (4.5% each).
Physical and Physiological Demands
Fourteen of the manuscripts focused on the physical and physiological demands of futsal, including one systematic review. Other topics included technical-tactical aspects, female player performance, and psychological and biomechanical elements. A significant portion of the research addressed the physical and physiological aspects of futsal, delving into internal and external load indicators in training and competition.
A total of seven manuscripts explored external load. Using Local Positioning Systems (LPS)—technology similar to GPS but focused on localized areas—researchers conducted a detailed assessment of external load during competition and training. High-intensity demand scenarios were identified, often occurring during matches or training sessions held two days before competitions. Positional differences in external load were also noted, with defenders, wingers, and pivots exhibiting distinct workloads across different time frames. These studies underscored the importance of contextual variables like match difficulty in determining external load.
One study focused on pre-competition warm-up routines, noting how these sessions feature increased intensity due to higher accelerations and decelerations per minute. Another highlighted the significance of deceleration as a variable, demonstrating how elite players master space-time relationships to gain an advantage in match situations. Performance comparisons between elite and non-elite players revealed that speed and agility differentiated them, though lower body contractile characteristics were not determining factors. Additionally, a study on elite referees’ physical demands used LPS to detail their activity during matches, providing essential knowledge for designing specialized training programs.
Internal Load
Internal load was also a prominent area of study, with seven manuscripts addressing this topic. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate ([La-]) concentrations were measured, confirming that balancing player substitutions and time on the field ensures consistent intensity levels across both halves of a match. Two studies compared high-intensity interval training (HIIT) models, finding them to be better suited to futsal’s intermittent nature than traditional aerobic exercises. Another study measured short-term heart rate variability to assess players’ recovery and adaptation, providing critical insights into the autonomic nervous system.
Further research examined perceived training load measures at both respiratory and muscular levels, identifying their utility as indicators of young players’ demands. Seasonal variations were also explored, with significant differences found in training load during competitive and preseason periods. Additionally, the structural validity of a visual scale for perceived effort was confirmed, highlighting its applicability across futsal, soccer, and beach soccer.
Technical and Tactical Aspects
Technical and tactical aspects of futsal were examined in two manuscripts. One analyzed attacking sequences in elite European leagues, using sequential delay analysis to identify patterns that consistently led to goals. Another focused on defensive tactical behavior, employing a non-linear learning approach with small-sided conditional games to improve decision-making and execution under high-pressure scenarios.
Female Futsal
The research on female futsal performance remains limited, with only two manuscripts addressing this area. These studies emphasized the importance of understanding the unique physiological and technical demands of female players to improve coaching practices and competition outcomes.
Psychological and Biomechanical Considerations
Psychological and biomechanical considerations were also explored. A single study on psychological aspects examined stressors in elite futsal players using a two-factor exploratory model, offering practical recommendations for mental health interventions. On the biomechanical side, supervised machine learning techniques were applied to predict lower extremity non-contact soft tissue injuries, helping identify players at higher risk. An additional study assessed the impact of futsal shoe design on performance, revealing its role in injury prevention and agility.
Future Directions
The research collectively highlights the need for further studies that combine physiological data with technical-tactical insights to better address the demands of futsal. Leveraging new technologies, such as video tracking and advanced analytics, will be critical to bridging the gap between research and practice.
Dr. Abbasi’s extensive analysis provides a detailed roadmap for addressing futsal’s research and development challenges. From understanding physical demands and tactical strategies to addressing gaps in female futsal and psychological support, his findings offer actionable insights for players, coaches, and researchers. By advancing interdisciplinary approaches and leveraging emerging technologies, futsal can continue to grow as a globally recognized and strategically developed sport.
Organ Donation
Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/
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