Soccer is a ball game played by 2 teams of 11 players each. The object is to get the ball into your opponent's goal. The winner is the team that scores the most goals by the end of the game.
Soccer Positions
There are 11 players on the field at a time. There are a variety of ways the positions can line up on the field, and some positions are called by several different names.
Below is astandard 4-3-3 positional set up. Different teams try different set ups, however.
There are 11 players on the field at a time. There are a variety of ways the positions can line up on the field, and some positions are called by several different names.
Below is astandard 4-3-3 positional set up. Different teams try different set ups, however.
Equipment
You need a soccer ball and a goal to play a game.
It is highly recommended that every player wear shin guards to protect their lower legs when they inadvertently get kicked. A pair of soccer cleats with rubber studs are recommended to help players get better traction on the field.
The goalkeeper must wear different colours than her teammates to distinguish herself from the other players. Goalies may also wear protective goalie gloves.
Officials
There is usually a referee who runs up and down the middle of the field and controls the game along with 2 linesmen. The linesmen are positioned on each sideline holding a flag. The referee:
Duration
The game is divided into two 45-minute halves. Teams change ends at the end of the half. The game clock is a running clock, and time doesn't stop until the end of the half.
The referee will add on additional time for time lost due to injuries, time wasting, etc. Time is also added to allow for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of regulation time.
Starting Play
A coin toss determines which team will kick off first and which goal teams will defend. To start the game, the ball is placed in the centre of the circle at mid-field and teams are lined up on their respective sides of the field. Only the kicker may be in the centre circle for the opening kick, and all other players must remain outside the circle until contact is made with the ball.
Once kicked, the ball has to travel at least one full roll, and the kicker can't touch it again until another player kicks it first.
After a goal is scored, the ball is reset in the center circle again for a kick-off by the team that was scored on. The second half begins with the same type of kick-off by the team that did not open the game with the kick.
Playing the Ball
Except when throwing the ball in from out-of-bounds, no players are allowed to touch the ball with their hands except the goalie. Players can use any other part of their body to contact the ball. They may use their feet, head, thigh, chest, or back to stop, control, or pass the ball.
A penalty (free kick) is assessed when a player touches the ball with any part of their hands or arms.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line under the crossbar and between the goal posts.
A goal is worth 1 point. If the score is tied at the end of the game, the following events may happen:
You need a soccer ball and a goal to play a game.
It is highly recommended that every player wear shin guards to protect their lower legs when they inadvertently get kicked. A pair of soccer cleats with rubber studs are recommended to help players get better traction on the field.
The goalkeeper must wear different colours than her teammates to distinguish herself from the other players. Goalies may also wear protective goalie gloves.
Officials
There is usually a referee who runs up and down the middle of the field and controls the game along with 2 linesmen. The linesmen are positioned on each sideline holding a flag. The referee:
- keeps the time.
- keeps score.
- enforces the rules.
- stops and starts the game.
- cautions or removes players from the game.
- when the ball is out of play.
- which team takes the ball on the throw-in, corner kick or goal kick.
- any infringement of the rules.
Duration
The game is divided into two 45-minute halves. Teams change ends at the end of the half. The game clock is a running clock, and time doesn't stop until the end of the half.
The referee will add on additional time for time lost due to injuries, time wasting, etc. Time is also added to allow for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of regulation time.
Starting Play
A coin toss determines which team will kick off first and which goal teams will defend. To start the game, the ball is placed in the centre of the circle at mid-field and teams are lined up on their respective sides of the field. Only the kicker may be in the centre circle for the opening kick, and all other players must remain outside the circle until contact is made with the ball.
Once kicked, the ball has to travel at least one full roll, and the kicker can't touch it again until another player kicks it first.
After a goal is scored, the ball is reset in the center circle again for a kick-off by the team that was scored on. The second half begins with the same type of kick-off by the team that did not open the game with the kick.
Playing the Ball
Except when throwing the ball in from out-of-bounds, no players are allowed to touch the ball with their hands except the goalie. Players can use any other part of their body to contact the ball. They may use their feet, head, thigh, chest, or back to stop, control, or pass the ball.
A penalty (free kick) is assessed when a player touches the ball with any part of their hands or arms.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line under the crossbar and between the goal posts.
A goal is worth 1 point. If the score is tied at the end of the game, the following events may happen:
- the game is left as a tie.
- an overtime period is played (usually two halves of 15 minutes each).
- there is a shoot-off with each team getting to shoot a series of penalty kicks.
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