WHAT IS FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

The game of soccer -- more commonly referred to outside the United States as football -- has long been one of the most popular sports in the world. With origins that date back many centuries, soccer is played by young children, College students, Professionals. Amateur clubs and weekend warriors. Soccer is a game played by two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular field, with two goal lines and a goal post at each end. The object being to gain possession of the ball and advance it in running or passing plays to deceive your opponent and scores by allowing the circumference of the ball to pass over there goal line between the two uprights of there goal, at the end of regulation time with is 90 mins the team scoring the most goals wins.

HISTORY Although soccer's international governing body, the International Federation of Association Football, recognizes the birth of the modern game as 1863 in England, the deepest origins go back centuries. The Han Dynasty in the second century B.C. saw the emergence of a game similar to soccer called tsu' chu. Several centuries after that, the Japanese game Kemari began. Kemari was less competitive, with participants passing the ball from one another using their feet, trying to keep it from touching the ground. Much later, a violent town game emerged called mob football in Europe during the Middle Ages.

RULES OF FOOTBALL

START OF THE GAME A match begins with a handshake between you (if you are the captain of the team) and the opposing team captain. Usually players say hey to each other and wish the referee and the other team good luck. The official soccer rules state that a game must start with a kick off from the centre of the soccer pitch END OF THE MATCH The match is over when you and your teammates say "thanks for the match" (this is not a must but the official soccer rules state that this is fair play and should be adapted by all teams). Both teams captains handshake the referee and say "thank you for the game" (even if no one is satisfied with the referees decisions during the match). THE FUNDAMENTAL RULES YOU MUST LEARN Before we start, I just want you to keep in mind that it is not necessary to learn these rules in one day. Instead, reflect over them while you are watching a soccer game and try to memorize at least one of them per week. Now, lets study these rules in more detail. THE FREE-KICK

A soccer free-kick is a great scoring opportunity. It is often occurred when one of your opponents commits a foul on either you or one of your teammates (for example; pushing, tripping or missing a slide tackle). The referee may also reward your team with a free kick if one of your opponents touches the ball with his hands.

DIMENSIONS OF A SOCCER FIELD

Know by experience that soccer field dimensions can be pretty confusing, especially if you have recently started to play soccer. However, I know also that many people that have been played soccer many years do not know the size of a regular field. So, how big is a soccer field? Well, the minimum length is 100 yards and maximum 130 yards. The width can be maximum 100 yards or minimum 50 yards. THE SIZE OF THE BALL

In soccer, there are generally three sizes of soccer balls. Size 5 which is the most common one, size 4 is generally used for U 12 and size 3 for U4. However, there are also custom made balls that are only used for inside play. These balls cant bounce especially high and are easier to control then if you were playing with an outside ball. An official ball must weigh somewhere between 410 to 450 grams.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS So, how many players on a soccer team is allowed in a game? Well, according to the official soccer rules, a team can have 10 outfield players and one goalie on the field. The amount of substitutions may vary but in official competition games there are only 3 substitutions allowed per team. In other type of games like friendly games or inside soccer the coach is usually allowed to perform an unlimited amount of substitutions. In youth games there are generally 6 outfield players and a goalie. The field and goals are also smaller than the regular ones.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENTS The most basic soccer equipment you need to wear in order to play in a competition is a jersey, a pair of shorts and socks. You also need a pair of boots and approved shin pads. You will generally need to purchase the last two mentioned of your own money, beside that you dont need anything more in order to play a soccer game. The colors of your team cant be the same as the colors of your keeper.

THE SOCCER REFEREE

Being a soccer referee can be pretty tough sometimes. Besides knowing all the soccer rules, the referee need also to keep his calm and make right decisions during the whole game. Thats why it is so important to treat the referee with respect. My experience is that if you show respect against the referee, he will do the same against you. But, dont criticize his decisions as he is also a human being and we all make mistakes. You will never win anything by arguing with him about his decisions; you will just make him more unsecure which will impact on his performance.
THE ASSISTANT REFEREE

An assistant referee does not actually make any binding decisions. During a regular soccer game two assistant referees oversees the touch lines on each side of the field. The assistant referees were called lines men but in 1996 FIFA changed the soccer rules and came up with a new name to better reflect the modern role of these officials. Still, many people like to referee to them as "referee's assistants" or the "linesmen". The main referee may discuss his decision with the assistant referee but as I said before, he can also refuse them if he believes that they are not correct.

DURATION OF THE GAME The duration of the match is different and depends on what competition you are participating in. If you play a regular soccer game (11 vs. 11), the time is 45 minutes per half plus overtime. However, in a cup there can also be extra time, 30 minutes (15 minutes per half). However, if you are playing an inside game the time is usually much shorter (about 12 minutes in futsal).

THE RESTART OF PLAY

The most common situations where restart of play occurs are following; start of the game, after a goal is scored, at the start of the second half or extra time, a throw in, goal kick and a free kick. You should also know that it is possible to score directly from a kick-off. Ive seen one of my teammates score few times so I know it is possible.

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

According to the official soccer rules, a soccer ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal or touch line independently on whether the ball is on the ground or in the air. The ball is in play at all other times, plus these; when it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or a corner flag and remains on the field. It is also in play when it rebounds from the referee (assistant as well).

METHOD OF SCORING In order to score a goal you need to send the whole ball over the goal line, between the goalposts and also under the crossbar. If not, then the referee might not approve the goal. If your team scores more goals then your opponents, the victory will be yours. However, if the game ends without goals or if both teams score an equal number of goals, then the match will end as draw. In some competitions, the soccer rules are little different as a game cannot end as a draw. Instead, an extra time is added. If the game ends as a draw even after the extra time a penalty shootout is used to determine the winner of the game. THE OFFSIDE Many people see the offside rule in soccer as something very complicated and hard to understand. However, I ensure that it is not harder to learn than any other of the soccer rules presented in this guide. So, let me give you some examples on some common offside situations. You will be in offside if you are nearer your opponents goal line than your second last opponent and the ball. However, you will not be in offside if you are nearer your own half, in level with the second and also in level with the last two opponents.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCTS According to the official soccer rules of FIFA, you will be cautioned and the referee will show you the yellow card if you commit any of the following offences; you are delaying the restart of play. The referee found you guilty for unsporting behavior. You are throwing or kicking the ball away after the referee blows his whistle. You are entering or re entering a game without referees permission. Leaving the field without referees permission will also get you a yellow card. There are more things that may give you a yellow card but the above mentioned are the most common things players are punished for. THE PENALTY KICKS The soccer penalty kick rule is a type of kick that is taken from twelve yards (about 11 meters) out from the goal line of your opponents. The goal kick taker, keeper and the referee are allowed to stand inside the 18 yard box. However, all other players must remain outside the 18 yard box until the ball is kicked. A player is allowed to kick the ball another time if the ball rebounds back to him. However, during a penalty shootout this rule is not available.

THE THROWING

A soccer throw in is a method for restarting a soccer game. Your team will be awarded with a throw in when some of your opponents is the last player on the ball before it leaves the side line. It is also important to keep in mind that the whole ball must be completely over the side line (also known as the touch line). THE GOAL KICK Your team will be awarded with a goal kick when the ball has completely crossed the goal line. The ball must also be touch by one of your opponents. The official soccer rules state that as a goalie, you will have 6 seconds from placing the ball onto the ground to sending it upon the field. If you refuse to take the kick during the six seconds, the referee may punish you with a yellow card or an indirect free kick. You can also score a goal directly form the goal kick. However, you really need to have powerful kicks in order to succeed with that.

THE CORNER KICK A soccer corner kick is another way of restarting a soccer game. It is also a very good scoring opportunity; in fact, many goals are scored from this type of kick. When taking a corner kick you need to control that your opponents are at least 10 yards from the ball. Keep in mind also that as soon as you touch the ball it will be counted as being in play.

THE TWO TYPES OF CONTROL

Cushion control taking the sting out of the ball by pulling back the controlling surface on impact. This has the effect of cushioning or absorbing the pace of the ball so that it drops at the feet. Wedge control by making the controlling surface, say the sole or outside of the boot, more rigid, the ball is wedged between it and the ground. This is used when a player wants to force the ball downwards or into space so they can move onto it. PROCEDURES OF CONTROLLING Move into position to intercept the ball early.

Select the controlling surface early and place it in the balls path. Stay balanced using the arms. Watch the ball carefully to judge its direction and speed. Keep the head steady. Be relaxed.

What can you control it with? Anything!

Inside of the foot - Plant the supporting foot 45-90 degrees to the path of the ball. Control the ball with the arch of the free foot. Outside of the foot - Used when the ball is travelling across in front of the player. Just reach forward into the balls path. Sole of the foot - Raise the toes slightly above the heel. Used in dribbling for stopping before changing direction. Instep - For when the balls falling from a steep angle. Stretch the ankle and cushion with the laces by bending the knee and ankle on contact. Thigh - Aim for about halfway up the top of the thigh, although the inside is good for stopping balls flying past. Chest - May involve arching the back slightly, bending the knees and even jumping. Head - Use the forehead, just below the hairline.

FIVE TYPES OF SOCCER PASSES Push Pass Sometimes referred to as a direct pass, this is probably one of the most-used passes in soccer. It tends to be a safe pass, and is typically executed when you're near teammates. The best technique for the push pass is to first plant your non-kicking foot alongside the ball and point it in the direction you want the ball to go. When you contact the ball, use the inside of your kicking foot. You want to hit the middle of the ball with your kicking heel down and the toe pointing up.
Long Pass

The long pass is used to clear the ball to the opposite side of the field to a teammate who is open and has no defenders around him. This changes the area of play and gives your team the opportunity to begin a counterattack. Executing a long pass involves hitting the ball with accuracy and power. A good technique to use is to lock the ankle of your kicking foot, hit the middle of the ball with the laces of your cleats and follow through toward your teammate with your kicking leg.

Backward Pass

This is a defensive pass and is used when defending players have closed off all forward passing possibilities. It is also used when defenders put pressure on the offensive ball carrier, hoping to steal the ball or cause a passing error. The backward pass is a way to neutralize the pressure and still maintain control of the ball. The ball is passed backward with the heel or sole of your foot to another teammate.

Piercing Pass The piercing pass is also referred to as a tunnel pass or a through pass. The opportunity to use a piercing pass does not happen often when playing against a good defense because the defenders typically position themselves to avoid an open space, or tunnel, from the ball carrier to her attacking teammate. This pass requires good timing between teammates because the receiving teammate must not be in an offside position when the ball is passed. This is where the receiving player is closer to the goal than the last defender. When the opportunity does arise, the attacker quickly passes the ball, penetrating the defenders. This creates a scoring potential.

Wall Pass

This is a combination pass involving two teammates and is sometimes referred to as a one-two pass. This type of pass involves a wing player and an inside teammate. The wing player's position usually runs along the outside of the field. When the wall pass is executed properly, the wing player passes the ball from the outside of the field to a teammate playing a position toward the inner part of the field. This player acts as a wall and quickly passes the ball back in front of the wing player. Wall passes are most effective against slower defenses.

TYPES OF HEADING IN SOCCER In Soccer, heading techniques are very important for air game. The team that dominates in the air can win the ball in the danger zone in front of the six yard box both when defending and attacking, and that team can win the ball from goal kicks and long driven balls across the field. Individual heading skills can empower a team to use the long ball tactic to pin down the opposition with long passes towards their penalty area.

There are many differnet types of heading techniques. Defensive headers, attacking headers, diving headers, and the knock-on (flick).

keep eyes open and focused on the ball keep mouth closed for safety strike the ball, do not let the ball strike you snap neck and torso through ball for maximum power use arms for balance, protection and to create space keep feet staggered for balance Common Errors:

eyes closed, mouth open using top of head to strike ball not snapping neck and torso not using arms for balance allowing ball to strike player vs. player striking ball OFFENSIVE HEADING

surface of contact should be middle of forehead, not top of head try to hit the top half of the ball try to head the ball down direct the ball to the corner of the goal closest to where the ball came from Common Errors:

using top of head hitting lower half of ball trying to direct/angle ball vs. striking it back towards corner of goal from whence it came

DEFENSIVE HEADING

surface of contact should be upper half of forehead, not top of head try to hit the lower half of the ball do not wait for the ball to come to you, jump and get to it as early as possible try to drive the ball far and wide Common Errors:

hitting ball back into pressure hitting top half of ball and making it go towards ground using top of head

DEFFENSIVE HEADING

OFFENSIVE HEADING