On some continents, the game is called football; on others, it’s called soccer. Other names for the sport include: footy, fitba, fútbol, calcio, futebol, voetbol, le foot, foci, sakka, and bong da.
Everywhere, however, soccer, as it's known in the USA, is called the beautiful game.
What a soccer field looks like
A soccer field (sometimes referred to as “the pitch”) is at least 100 yards long, 50 yards wide, and has a goal centered at both ends. Within the field are markings, including those for the penalty area and spot, the center spot for kick-offs, and, of course, the corners — without which corner kicks would just be kicks.
The field of play is divided into two halves by the halfway line, which joins the middle of both touchlines. In the middle of this halfway line is the center mark, commonly referred to as the center spot. Around it is marked a circle with a 10-yard radius.
The field can be constructed of grass, or it can be composed of manmade materials, such as FieldTurf. The color of any artificial surface must always be green. The following figure shows the correct layout for a regulation soccer field:
Positions on a soccer team
Each soccer team has 11 players — one goalkeeper and ten field players. Every player, whether playing an offensive or defensive position, works to help the team score goals — and to prevent the other team from scoring. The following list explains the role of each general position on the field:
-
Goalkeeper: The keeper is the only player allowed to use their hands, and that activity is restricted to the rectangular penalty area extending 18 yards from each side of the goal.
-
Defenders: They play in front of the goalkeeper, and their primary duty is to stop the opposition from scoring. Outside fullbacks play on the left and right flanks and rarely move from their sides of the field. Central defenders play in the middle of the field and usually cover the opposition’s leading goal scorer or center forward(s).
-
Midfielders: These players are the link between the defense and attack. Midfielders must be the most physically fit players on the field because they are expected to run the most in a game. They should be able to penetrate deep in enemy territory on attack and make the transition to defense when the opposition retains possession of the ball.
-
Forwards: Their primary job is to score goals or to create them for teammates. A center forward, also known as a striker, should be a team’s leading goal scorer and the most dangerous player in the attacking third of the field.
What is the offside rule in soccer?
The offside rule is the most debated soccer principle (no matter where the game is played), even though what is known as Law 11 isn’t terribly difficult to grasp. Here’s what offside is all about:
A player is caught offside if they’re nearer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-last opponent (including the goalkeeper) when their teammate plays the ball to them. In other words, a player can’t receive the ball from a teammate unless there are at least two other players either level with that player or between that player and the goal; or unless their teammate plays the ball backwards to them.
It’s not an offense in itself to be offside. A player is only penalized for being offside if they are deemed to be involved in active play. So, a player can only be called offside if they are:
-
In the opposition’s half
-
Interfering with play (that is, they’re part of the attacking move)
-
Interfering with an opponent (that is, they’re preventing the opponent from defending against the attacking move)
-
Gaining any advantage by being in that position
A player can’t be offside from a goal kick, throw in, or corner.
Warming up before soccer with a stretching routine
Before a game or practice, every soccer player should run through some sort of stretching routine. A qualified fitness coach can put together a personalized program. If a customized routine isn’t possible or practical, try the following stretches.
-
Quadriceps: Stand by a wall. Bend one leg up behind you using one hand to steady yourself against the wall and the other to keep your leg in place by holding onto your foot. To make the stretch, gently pull your foot upwards.
-
Hamstrings and lower calf: Sit on the ground. With one foot extended out in front of you, extend your arm towards your foot. While sitting bolt upright, keeping your back straight, run your arm as far down your leg as you can.
-
Groin: Sit on the ground. Place the soles of both of your feet together, so your knees are bent out to the side of your body. Then, while keeping your back straight, try to press both of your knees as close to the ground as possible. Push your chest out while you do this.
-
Lower back: Lie down on your back. Pull one or both of your knees towards your chest while keeping your shoulders and head on the ground.
-
Calf muscle and Achilles tendon: Stand by a wall. Place one leg forward, bending it at the knee. Push forward against the wall, keeping your back foot flat on the ground. The forward leg stretches your Achilles tendon and the back leg stretches the calf muscle. Switch legs and repeat the stretch.
-
Hip flexor: Get on one knee. Bend your rear leg so the knee is near the ground while extending your front leg and your hands towards your toes.
