Playing the Game
PitchA football pitch is between 90m and 120m long and 45m and 90m wide. The touch lines (side lines) and goal lines (at either end of the pitch) are clearly marked. At either end of the field are goal posts about 2m high and 7m wide. Other markings on the pitch show the halfway line, the centre circle, the goal areas and the penalty areas.
Teams
The game is played by two teams of eleven players. Versions of the game are also played by five-a-side or seven-a-side teams. Substitutes are allowed during the game but the number of subs depends on the rules of the league or the competition.
Positions
The players are divided into three groups - defence, midfield and attack. Defenders such as the central defenders, left backs and right backs try to stop the opposition scoring but they can help out in midfield or attack if necessary. Midfield players such as left or right wingers, and central midfielders help with defence and attacking moves. Attackers or strikers try to get themselves in a position to score goals, but any member of the team can score if there's an opportunity - even the goalkeeper!
It's a very flexible game where players try to stay in certain areas for most of the game. This is called 'keeping the shape' or staying in a formation.The manager decides on the formation of the team (a typical formation is 4,4,2: 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, 2 attackers) but if the game needs it, the players can change this shape to move into scoring or defending positions during the game.
Rules
As you learn to play the game, you will come across rules about tackling, handling the ball, obstruction and offside. There are also certain rules that apply to the goalkeeper. The referee is in charge of the match and he makes sure that the players keep to these rules. He is helped by two assistant referees who follow the game from the touchlines. Listen to your coach and watch the game being played and you will start understand these rules.
Basic Skills
Passing As it is a team game, football is about passing. Passing needs to be accurate and controlled. If you lose control or make a bad pass, there is a chance that the other team will get the ball.
Kicking
When you kick the ball, you often hit it harder than when you make a pass. Kicks are used if you want to get the ball up field quickly, if you cross a ball, if you take a corner and sometimes when you shoot at goal. Volleys and chips are special types of kicks.
Heading
It's not easy to learn how to head the ball, but its a skill you need when playing football. The ball spends a lot of time in the air and a good header can score a goal at one end of the pitch or save a goal at the other. Move forward to meet the ball rather than let the ball hit you.
Dribbling
Dribbling is running with the ball. The skill is keeping the ball as close to your feet as possible, so you need to develop good control and a good sense of balance. Skilful players can cause problems for the opposition by dribbling the ball passed them.
Tackling
You tackle another player when they have the ball, to try and take the ball from them. A good tackle needs timing and skill. If you touch the player instead of the ball, it is classed as a foul and the opposition will be given a free kick.
Shooting
Shooting is about hitting the ball towards the goal. You can take a shot at goal with your feet or your head. A good striker takes every opportunity to shoot at goal, and makes sure he gets himself in good shooting positions so he is ready when the ball is passed to him.
Set Pieces
During the game, there are certain moves that happen fairly regularly. These are known set pieces because a team has usually practised beforehand what they are going to do on these occasions.These examples describe what happens between two teams, Team A and Team B.
Throw In
If a player from Team A puts the ball 'out of play', over one of the touchlines (side lines), Team B is given a 'throw-in'. A player from Team B throws the ball back into play, trying to make sure it reaches one of his team-mates. This is the only time a player other than the goalkeeper can handle the ball during play. A long throw towards the goal can create a scoring chance.
Corner
If a player from Team A puts the ball 'out of play' across their own goal line (but not between the posts), Team B is given a 'corner'. A player from Team B kicks the ball from the corner spot across the field towards the goal, and the other players try to score.
Goal Kick
If a player from Team A puts the ball 'out of play' across Team B's goal line (but not between the posts), Team B is given a 'goal kick'. Team B's goalkeeper places the ball just in front of his goal and kicks the ball into play.
Free Kick
If a player from Team A fouls a player from Team B, Team B is given a 'free kick'. This can happen anywhere in the field, but it is most dangerous when one team is close to the other team's penalty area. A free kick can be indirect or direct. If Team B is given a direct free kick, they can take a shot at goal, but if the kick is indirect, the ball must touch another player before they take a shot. Team A is allowed to try and stop Team B scoring by defending their goal.
Penalty
If a player from Team A fouls a player from Team B or touches the ball with his hand in his own penalty area, Team B is given a 'penalty kick'. A player from Team B puts the ball on the penalty spot and takes a shot at goal. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to defend.
The Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper's job is to keep the ball out of the net he is defending. He can do this by kicking, heading, punching or catching the ball but he can only handle the ball if he stays inside his penalty area.Goalkeepers need to have good reactions and need to be able to move quickly. They must concentrate on what is happening on the pitch all the time, so they are in the right position to make a save when there is an attack.
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