When the ball leaves a futsal court over the touchline, the restart happens with the foot rather than an overhead throw. That small-looking difference changes the speed and shape of the next play. The player taking the kick-in needs the ball, teammates and timing ready together.
Law 15 in the FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game 2025–26, hosted by Canada Soccer, requires a stationary ball on the touchline at the correct restart point. Opponents must remain at least five metres away. The ball becomes live when it is kicked and clearly moves.
Four seconds is a restart limit
The ball must be put into play within four seconds of the team being ready, or the referee signalling that it is ready. This is not four seconds of unrestricted possession after a player has dribbled onto the court. The taker also cannot touch the ball again before another player touches it.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in. If the untouched ball goes straight into the opponents’ goal, the restart is a goal clearance; if it goes directly into the taker’s own goal, it is a corner kick. Those outcomes explain why an apparently spectacular long kick may not add a goal to the scoreboard.
Watch the preparation around the ball
During a match, look at the receiving players before the kick is taken. Are they creating a clear passing option, or standing behind a defender and expecting the taker to solve everything? The short restart window makes early movement and simple communication valuable.
For a practice exercise, agree the competition rules with the coach, place the ball correctly and rehearse one safe passing option before adding defensive pressure. Keep the exercise focused on a legal, controlled restart rather than complicated combinations from the first attempt.
Check which edition and permitted local modifications your competition uses. Knowing the basic procedure helps you follow the play, but the match officials apply the rules adopted for that event.