The Basics Of Soccer

Essentially, the gameplay involves two opposing teams, in brightly colored uniforms, going after a spherical ball and racing to make a score. They kick the ball around in this big field, being careful not to pass it on to an opponent or open the chance for an opponent to steal the ball. During the game, players (with the exception of the goalie), are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands, but they can use any part of their body to pass the ball or even score. Often, players use their feet and some even use their heads to bump and pass the ball around.

A kick yards away from the goal makes the game really very exciting, especially when that kick makes it inside the goal. Equally, blocking a possible winning kick evokes an elating reaction from the crowd and even the players themselves.

At the end of the game, the team who has made the most goals, wins.

The duration of the game is 90 minutes, with 45 minutes each in two halves. An official or a referee supervises the players all throughout the game. In soccer, there is one main referee with two assistants, who all keep track of what is going on in the big soccer field. Sometimes penalties are imposed on players who go against the rules or have committed fouls.

The Variations of Soccer

Playing soccer doesn’t necessarily mean having to strictly follow regulation rules for someone to be able to enjoy the game. There are, in fact, a couple of variations soccer fans can participate in, so that they can experience the game.

First of which is regulation soccer, which is the standard soccer; the soccer as 200 million people all over the world knows it. This is played in a big field, with eleven team players each.

The other one is small-sided soccer, generally played in smaller fields and can be played in the absence of a goalie. Participating players can be as many as 8 per team or as few as 4 per team.

Lastly, there is the indoor soccer. This game is played with a slight variation similar to hockey.

Soccer Equipment

These are the equipment you will normally need to play the game:

• The ball – The ball should follow the specifics as provided by the FIFA Federation or your local league federation. Depending on the age group and the league, soccer balls come in three sizes (size 3, 4, and 5) and there are different types of materials for it.

• Cleats or Boots or Shoes – this is the most important soccer equipment. Good soccer shoes can help players improve their game. Soccer cleats come in different types and are made for different types of weather conditions.

• Gloves for Goal Keepers – Goalies need gloves for better grip. Gloves also protect the fingers of the goal keepers, especially when they are trying to block or catch a forceful kick.

• Shin Guards – The use of shin guards is to protect the legs from possible injury. Remember that this is a game which doesn’t require players to have a lot of bulky protective covering for the body, even when it gets too physical out there on the field.

Soccer Facts

Did you know that there are over 200 member countries in the FIFA Federation. (FIFA is The Federation of World Football)?

Did you know that soccer is an all-weather sport and games are played even when it is raining?

Did you know that in 1872, head dresses like bobble hats or caps were normal uniform provisions at that time?

Did you know that back in the day, the ball they used was made of pig bladders tied inside a leather case?

Did you know that soccer originally was an upper-class sport until students from England’s public schools adopted it?

Did you know that soccer is a word which was coined by Oxford Students to shorten the term “Association Football”? Adding -er to certain words was something these students were partial to during those times.

Did you know that before 1927, goals were not scored from direct free kicks, a skill that David Beckham is famous for?