5-a-side substitution planner
To calculate equal playing time in 5-a-side soccer and futsal, multiply 5 players by match duration and divide by squad size: 5 players × 40 min ÷ 8 squad = 25.0 min each. With 7 players over 40 minutes, each plays 5 × 40 ÷ 7 = 28.6 minutes. Plan your rolling substitution intervals below.
Updated
Match
Squad
Players marked Starts begin the game and the rest come on in list order. Use Shuffle to change who starts.
- 1Starts
- 2Starts
- 3Starts
- 4Starts
- 5Starts
- 6Bench
- 7Bench
- 8Bench
Every player gets 25 minutes.
- 6 sub stops, 6 changes
- Fair share: 25 of 40 min
- Bench: 3 at a time
Rotation chart
On the pitch In goal Break
Substitution schedule
1st half 0'–20'
- Player 6 Player 4
- Player 7 Player 2
- Player 8 Player 5
2nd half 20'–40'
- Player 4 Player 3
- Player 2 Player 1
- Player 5 Player 6
- Player 3 Player 7
Example: 8 players, rolling subs
With the keeper rotating like any other position, one change every 5 minutes gives all eight players exactly 25 minutes:
| Time | Change |
|---|---|
| Kick-off | Player 1, Player 2, Player 3, Player 4, Player 5 start |
| 5' | Player 6 on for Player 4 |
| 10' | Player 7 on for Player 2 |
| 15' | Player 8 on for Player 5 |
| Half time | Player 4 on for Player 3 |
| 25' | Player 2 on for Player 1 |
| 30' | Player 5 on for Player 6 |
| 35' | Player 3 on for Player 7 |
| Total | Everyone 25 minutes each. |
5-a-side minutes per player
The fair share for common 5-a-side squads and match lengths.
| Squad | 2 × 15 min | 2 × 20 min | 2 × 25 min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 players | 25 | 33.3 | 41.7 |
| 7 players | 21.4 | 28.6 | 35.7 |
| 8 players | 18.8 | 25 | 31.3 |
| 9 players | 16.7 | 22.2 | 27.8 |
| 10 players | 15 | 20 | 25 |
What you get
How to plan 5-a-side rolling subs
- Check the match. The planner opens on 5-a-side, two 20-minute halves, with the keeper rotating. Change any of these to match your game.
- Set your squad. Enter how many players you have, from 5 up.
- Name the players. Type the names. Players marked Starts begin and the rest come on in order.
- Run the subs. Print the sheet or copy it to the team chat, and make each change at the minute shown.
Questions
How many minutes does each player get in 5-a-side?
Multiply 5 by the match length and divide by the squad. Over two 20-minute halves (40 minutes): 6 players get 33.3 minutes each, 7 players get 28.6, and 8 players get 25.
How often should I sub in 5-a-side?
With 8 players over 40 minutes and the keeper rotating too, one change every 5 minutes gives everyone exactly 25 minutes. Divide the match length by the squad size for the gap between single changes.
Who goes in goal in 5-a-side?
Choose Rotate with all and the keeper is just another position: whoever comes on takes the spot that is free. Choose Swap at half time for two set keepers, or Same all game if you have one keeper.
Does this work for futsal and walking football?
Yes. It works for any small-sided game with rolling subs: futsal, 5-a-side leagues, walking football and junior mini soccer. Pick 4, 5 or 6-a-side to match.
How many subs should a 5-a-side team have?
One to three. With 6 players everyone gets about 83% of the game; with 8, everyone plays 62.5%. More than three subs means long spells on the bench.
Read the guide
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