Soccer (Football)

Soccer (Football)

The sport of soccer (called football in most of the world) is considered to be the worlds most popular sport. In soccer there are two teams of eleven players. Soccer is played on a large grass field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to get the soccer ball into the opposing team's goal. The key to soccer is that, with the exception of the goalie, players cannot touch the ball with their hands, they can only kick, knee, or head the ball to advance it or score a goal.

Soccer is played at all levels throughout the world from small kids leagues to professional and international teams. Perhaps the most famous soccer tournament is the World Cup. Held every four years, the World Cup is a soccer competition among countries and is one of the most watched events in the world.

One of the reasons soccer is so popular is that it really only takes a ball and a flat open area to play. Kids throughout the world will make up fields and goals just about anywhere and start playing the game. The game is also fun and competitive.

Soccer is a great form of exercise as there is lots of running for good distances. The sport is also a good test of dexterity and a great way to learn balance.

Many people consider soccer at its highest level to be so beautiful as to be practically an art form. The skill at which great players and great soccer teams work the ball, strategize, and flow as one can be an awesome thing to watch.

Soccer Formations

Soccer Formations

Kids Sports >> Soccer >> Soccer Strategy

How the players are set up on the field and the roles they have in the game is called the formation. There are a lot of different formations possible depending on the team strategy. If your youth team has less than 11 players, your formations will be different that those we discuss below. However, many of the same concepts will be the same.

Which soccer formation is the best?

There is no single best formation. Coaches may choose a formation for a number of reasons. Reasons could include the type of players and their strengths as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent.

What do the numbers in formations mean?

Formations are usually referred to by numbers. An example of this is the 4-4-2 formation. This refers to 4 defensemen, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. The 11th player is the goalie. The goalie isn't mentioned in the numbers because it's assumed there is always a goalie guarding the goal.

4-4-2

You can see how the players are set up for the 4-4-2 on the field below:

The 4-4-2 formation is the most popular today in soccer. It's used by a lot of professional teams as their main formation and is likely one of the first you will learn when you start playing for an 11 player team.

4-3-3

Another example of a formation is the 4-3-3 formation. In this formation there are only three midfielders, but also three forwards. This can be a popular formation in youth leagues as it is a fairly easy formation to learn. See the diagram below:

The 4-3-3 soccer formation

4-2-3-1

This is a popular formation used by professional and World Cup teams today. It is complex and is built for a team with a strong offensive lineup, especially one with strong midfielders.

Offensive or Defensive Focus (3-5-2 and 4-5-1)

Two other common soccer formations are the 3-5-2 and the 4-5-1. The 3-5-2 has more of an offensive focus than the 4-4-2 having an additional midfielder to assist with the forwards. The 4-5-1 is a strong defensive formation and is often used by weaker teams to keep the score close and then hope for a quick strike goal.

Other Formations

There are a number of other soccer formations. Some teams use flexible formations and change throughout the game depending on whether they want to focus on offense or defense. Formations also go in and out of style over time. What is a popular formation today may not be tomorrow.

Coverage Area

The general idea of the formation is held as the ball moves up and down the field. Players should move around in the area assigned to them keeping good spacing to allow for passing and defense

Soccer: Dribbling

Soccer: Dribbling

Kids Sports >> Soccer >> Soccer Gameplay

What do soccer players and babies have in common? They dribble!

Okay, so that is a corny joke, but it is true that dribbling is one thing that all soccer players must learn to do. It's how you get the ball around the field by yourself. If you can't make a pass or there is a lot of open area in front of you, you can dribble to get to where you can make a pass or shot.

The Basics

When dribbling the ball, you don't want to kick the ball hard but nudge it along. Think of it as sweeping the ball. You keep the ball just ahead of you as you run along by sweeping it with your feet.

Use Both Feet

You should learn to use both feet as well as both sides of your feet. Typically, you will use the inside, or instep, of your foot to move in a single direction. You can then learn to use the outside or inside to change directions and trick your opponent.

Head Up

Another basic skill is to be able to look up and around you while dribbling. If you keep your head down and looking at the ball the entire time, you won't be able to spot defenders to avoid or open teammates downfield for a pass.

Shielding

A great skill to protect the ball from defenders is shielding. This is where you put your body between the opponent and the ball. You can't always do this for a long time, but it's a great skill to buy yourself a second or two of time while you find an open teammate.

Shielding the ball from the defense

Turning or Changing Direction

A nice play to learn while dribbling is the turn. This is when you are dribbling down the field in one direction and you make a quick turn in another direction. Turns are generally used when you have a defender running along with you at full speed. With practice, you can stop and change direction while the defender, who isn't ready for such a change, runs right past you.

There are a number of ways to accomplish a turn. One way is to put your foot on top of the ball and drag it backwards. You spin and go with the ball. Another is to step over the ball with one foot and use the inside or outside part of your foot to move the ball in a different direction.

Fakes

Once you have the basics down, you will want to work on fakes. A fake is where you make the defender think you are going one direction, but then you go another. You can fake with your head or your body that you are going one way and then dart the other. You can also fake to kick the ball for a pass and then keep dribbling. Another fun fake to practice is the step-over. This is where you pretend to kick or dribble the ball in one direction, but lift your foot just over the ball.

Practice

You can practice the basics of dribbling anywhere. In your yard, the field, wherever there is open space where you can play ball. To work on your control, you can set up an obstacle course to dribble around. You can use cones or whatever is available to dribble around while maintaining control. Another skill you will want to practice is speed. Work on dribbling as fast as you can down the field. Time yourself over a course or stretch of field to make sure you are improving

Soccer Rules: Players and Substitutions

Soccer Rules: Players and SubstitutionsSoccer Rules: Players and Substitutions

Kids Sports >> Soccer >> Soccer Rules

Number of Soccer Players

In a typical soccer game there are 11 players for each team. One player is designated as the goalkeeper. The rest of the players are not mentioned in the rules. Player positions and roles are defined by the team and coach, not by the rules.

Some kids' soccer teams may have fewer players per side, especially if the fields are small. Generally, the younger the age group, the less players. Under 12 leagues may go with 8 per side, while under 10 leagues may go with as few as 6 per side.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper, or goalie, is the only "special" player on the field. This is because goalies have special abilities such as using their hands within the penalty area. Any player on the field can become the goalie as long as they notify the referee. The goalie is also supposed to wear a different colored jersey than the rest of the players to help identify who is the goalie.

Other Positions

To learn more about other positions see soccer positions.

Substitutions

There are strict rules for substitutions in professional and international play. These might be different that what is allowed in a youth league. In many youth soccer leagues substitutions are unlimited. This is so the coach can be sure to allot a fair amount of playing time to each player. Also, high school soccer generally allows for unlimited substitutions.

In international play, the general spirit of the rule is that substitutions are for injured players. However, you can substitute for anyone. One thing to keep in mind is that once a player is substituted for and leaves the field, the player cannot return. For this reason, substitutes are not used as much as in other sports. They are often used near the end of the game to get a fresh player or two into the game.

To Substitute a Player

• You can substitute when there is a normal stoppage of play.
• Let the referee know you want to substitute.
• The player leaving the game has exited the field.
• Wait for the referee's signal that says you can now enter the game.
• Enter the game at the center line.

Note: if you enter the game without the referee's permission, you could get a yellow card.

The Soccer Field

The Soccer Field

Kids Sports >> Soccer >> Soccer Rules

Soccer field dimensions and areas (click for larger view)

How big is the soccer field?

The soccer field, or football pitch, is flexible in size. It is 100 to 130 yards (90-120m) long and 50 to 100 yards (45-90m) wide. In international play the field dimensions are a bit stricter in that the length must be 110 to 120 yards (100 - 110m) long and 70 to 80 yards (64 - 75m) wide.

An additional rule is that the length has to be longer than the width, so you couldn't have a square field of 100 yards by 100 yards.

Even though these are the official rules, many kid's soccer games are played on even smaller fields than the minimum. Although the length and width are flexible, other areas of the field are generally fixed in size.

The Goal

At each end of the field is the goal. The goal is 8 yards wide and 8 feet high and is placed at the center of the goal line. They have nets to catch the ball so you don't have to chase it, plus it helps the referee to determine if a goal was scored.

The Boundary

The boundary of the field is drawn with lines. The lines on sides, or the long side of the field, are called the touch lines or side lines. The lines at the end of the field are called the goal lines or end lines.

The Center

At the middle of the field is the center line which cuts the field in half. At the very center of the field is the center circle. The center circle is 10 yards in diameter.


The Goal Area

Areas around the goal

• Goal Area - The goal area is a box that extends 6 yards out from the goal posts. Free kicks are taken from this area.
• Penalty Area - The penalty area is a box that extends 18 yards out from the goal posts. In this area the goalkeeper may use their hands. Also, any penalty by the defense in this area will result in a penalty kick from the penalty mark.
• Penalty Mark - This is the spot where the ball is placed for penalty kicks. It is at the center of the goal and 12 yards away from the goal line.
• Penalty Arc - This is a small arc at the top of the penalty box. Players other than the goalkeeper and kicker may not enter this area during a penalty kick.

The Corners

At each corner is a flag post and a corner arc. The corner arc is 1 yard in diameter. The ball must be placed within this arc for corner kicks. Flag posts must be at least 5 feet tall to prevent injury.

A soccer field during world cup play

Soccer Positions

Soccer Positionssoccer position

Kids Sports >> Soccer >> Soccer Strategy

According to the rules of soccer, there are only two types of players, the goalkeeper and everyone else. However, in actual play, different players will need to have different skills and play different roles or positions. Below we will discuss some of those roles. Click here to learn more about the goalkeeper.

Different teams and formations have different positions, but most soccer positions can be divided up into three categories: forwards, midfielders, and defenders.

Forwards

Forwards play closest to the opponent's goal. Sometimes they are called strikers or attackers. Their main job is offense and to score goals. In general, forwards must be fast and able to dribble the ball well.

Wing Forward

A wing forward plays to the right or the left of the field. Their primary job is to dribble the ball quickly up the sidelines and then center the ball with a pass to the center forward. Wing forwards can also shoot on goal if they get a break away or get a clean shot when coming up the sidelines.

Wing forwards should practice their speed and learn how to get an accurate pass to the center of the field with a defender on them. Left wing forwards need to be able to make a center pass with their left foot. Practicing speed dribbling and then passing the ball to the center will help you in playing this position.

Abby Wambach plays forward
for the US Women's Team

Center Forward or Striker

The center forward's job is to score goals. They should be fast and aggressive and be able to get the ball past the goalkeeper. They need to be able to dribble the ball well, but also to move well without the ball to get open for a pass. Other good skills for center forwards include size, strength, and the ability to head the ball.

If you want to be a center forward, you should practice shots on goal. Being able to make a shot from any angle and even with a single touch (directly from a pass) will help you greatly at this position.

Midfielders

Just like their name sounds, midfielders play mostly around the middle of the field. Sometimes they are also called halfbacks or linkmen. Midfielders usually have both offensive and defensive responsibility. They need to be able to dribble and pass the ball up to the forwards as well as help to break up the opponent's attack.

To excel at the midfield position a player must be able to transition. Transition is when a player receives a pass from a defender, turns the ball up-field, and then passes the ball to a forward. Other good skills for this position include great ball control, quickness, and the ability to run long distances. Midfielders have to run the most, but they also generally have the ball the most, too.

Center Midfielder

Perhaps the most important soccer position besides the goalkeeper is the center midfielder. This player is usually the leader of the team, like a point guard in basketball or the quarterback in American football. Depending on the team strategy, the center midfielder may be heavily involved in the attack and considered a striker, shooting goals from a long distance. They may also be defensive minded, dropping back and helping the defenders.

Defenders

The defender positions, or fullbacks, in soccer play closest to their own goal and are tasked with stopping the other team from scoring. Defenders must be strong and aggressive. They don't need to dribble as well as other positions, but they do need to be able to tackle well. They also need to have a strong kick where they can clear the ball away from the goal.

A key skill for a defender is holding ground. This is where the defender stays between the player with the ball and the goal and slows them up disrupting the opponent's offense.

Sweeper

Some soccer teams have a sweeper position on defense. This player is often the last line of defense behind the fullbacks. It's the sweepers responsibility to pick up any undefended or unmarked player that enters into the penalty area.

Right, Left, or Center

For many soccer positions there is a right, left, and center version. Generally a left footed player will play the left position and a right footed player the right. A player that can play and dribble in traffic is usually good for the center position.

Soccer: Rules and Regulations

Soccer: Rules and Regulations

Back to Soccer

soccer rules and regulation

When the ball is in play the rules of soccer are fairly simple. You cannot touch the ball with your hands or arms intentionally unless you are the goalie. You cannot foul another player or be offside (these soccer rules are described below). Other than that, the main rules of soccer are around the starting and stopping of play.

The Starting and Stopping of Soccer Play

At the start of a soccer period or after a goal, there is a kick-off from the center circle. At the kick-off all of the soccer players must be on their side of the field (the side they are defending). Only the player kicking the kick-off is allowed inside the center circle. After the kick-off the ball will be in play until the ball goes out of bounds or the referee calls a penalty.

Other ways of restarting soccer include:

Throw-in: When the soccer ball has gone out of bounds, the team that last touched the ball loses possession and the opposing team gets to throw-in the ball from the point where the ball crossed out of bounds.

Corner kick: When the defending team last touches the ball and it crosses the goal line (and not scoring a goal), the opposing team gets to kick the ball from the corner of the field.

Goal kick: When the offensive team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line, the goalie gets to kick the ball from the goal box.

Penalty kick: When a foul occurs in the penalty area, the fouled team is awarded a penalty kick.

Soccer Fouls

Soccer fouls can be any number of unfair advantages taken by a player that are called by the referee. These can include tripping, pushing, and touching the ball with the hands. Free kicks or penalty kicks may be awarded to the opposing soccer team. Very unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a yellow card or a red card. Players that get red cards are ejected from the game.

Offside Rule

The offensive player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the second and last opponent and the soccer ball.

Out of Bounds

Out of bounds occurs when the ball completely crosses over the boundary line.

Throw-in

When throwing the ball in at throw-in, the ball must be thrown from behind and over the head using both hands. When the ball leaves the thrower's hands, both of his/her feet must be touching the ground.