How to Play Indoor Soccer

Learn how to play indoor soccer. It is an adapted version of the game of soccer. It's also known as arena soccer; across the pond, it's called six-a-side football. The primary difference is that the walls act as the touch lines and the ball can be played off the wall.

How to Play Indoor Soccer 
Although rules differ from country to country, several rules are universal.

• The indoor soccer field is rectangular and usually has an artificial turf floor. The wall surrounding the floor is a minimum of six feet high. Many indoor soccer teams face off on an indoor hockey rink, so the standard measurement is 200 feet by 85 feet.
• The time periods differ from the game's outdoor counterpart. The indoor soccer game is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. Between each period, there is a three-minute gap, and at the end of the second quarter, a 15 minute time out exists. In case of a tie, one 15-minute OT period begins until a team scores one goal.
• Each team starts six players on the field. One of the players is the goalie. Substitutions are allowed.
• The ball will be played off the wall. If the ball goes outside the limits of the wall, the team that did not last touch the ball gets a free kick at the point closest to where the ball went out of bounds.
• The offside rule is not used in indoor soccer.
• Penalties are assessed, and in some cases, a third penalty card color is used. If a sponsoring group utilizes the third penalty card, the player committing the penalty sits out for two minutes.
• Different leagues assess different point values based on where the shot was made.

Once you learn how to play indoor soccer, you'll also be able to play its outdoor counterpart. Though some similarities to the outdoor version exist, the differences in rules make for an exciting game.