How To Play Soccer: A Beginner's Guide

Now let's take a look at the basic rules of soccer. These are the same whether you are playing in a park with your friends or watching a professional match on TV.

A soccer match takes place on a rectangular field of play. The dimensions of this can vary slightly depending on the level of the game, but it must be between 100 and 130 yards (90-120m) long and 50-100 yards (45-90m) wide.

At each end of the field is a goal. This comprises two vertical posts placed eight yards (7.32m) apart, with a horizontal crossbar joining them.

The posts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or another approved material and must be a minimum of eight feet (2.44m) high. The goal nets are attached to the back of the posts and the crossbar and extend downwards to the ground.

The whole goal area is known as the penalty area. This extends 18 yards (16.5m) from the goal line and is where a goalkeeper can handle the ball (more on later).

In addition to the goal lines, lines running the field length at either side are known as touchlines. These delineate the playing area.

There are lines drawn across the field at regular intervals, known as yard lines or goal lines. These are usually placed every five yards (4.57m).

A soccer game is split into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes. The clock runs continuously, so if the ball goes out of play or there is a stoppage for any other reason, the clock keeps ticking.

At the end of each half, the referee will add on any time lost due to injuries, substitutions or time-wasting. This added time is known as stoppage time or injury time and is usually displayed on a board held up by one of the officials.

The game starts with a kickoff from the center of the field. Then, one team kicks off to the other, and the receiving team must let the ball travel past the halfway line before they can touch it. After that, all bets are off, and both teams can go for the goal.

Players can run with the ball but must bounce it or kick it every few steps. They can also pass it to teammates using any part of their body except their hands or arms.

The only player allowed to handle the ball is the goalkeeper, and they can only do so within their penalty area.

If a team scores a goal, the game is restarted with a kickoff from the center of the field. The team that conceded the goal kicks off to the other team.

If the ball goes out of play over either touchline, the team that did not touch it last restarts with a throw-in. The player must throw the ball over their head with both hands behind their back and keep both feet on the ground.

If the ball goes out of play over the goal line (but not a goal), then the team that did not touch it last restarts play with a goal kick. The ball is placed inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, and they can kick it anywhere they like.

If the ball hits the referee or another official and goes out of play, then the team that did not touch it last restarts play with a drop ball. The referee drops the ball at the spot where it went out of play, and play continues as usual.

A goal is scored when the ball goes into the opposition's goal, between the posts and under the crossbar. It does not matter how the ball goes in, whether it is kicked, headed or otherwise.

A team can also score their own goal, which is when the ball goes into their own goal. This counts as a goal for the other team.

If the ball hits the goal-post or crossbar and does not go in, it is not a goal. The goalkeeper can touch the ball as long as they are inside their penalty area.

A foul is any infringement of the rules by a player. The other team is awarded a free kick if a player commits a foul.

There are two types of fouls, direct and indirect. A direct foul is when a player commits an infringement that results in a goal being scored directly from the resulting free kick. An indirect foul is any other infringement.

A free kick can be taken from anywhere on the field, depending on where the foul was committed. A direct free kick can be taken from anywhere inside the fouled team's penalty area. An indirect free kick must be taken from outside the penalty area.

A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick but must be touched by another player before it goes in.

If a player commits a severe foul or is guilty of unsporting behavior, the referee may show them a yellow card. This is a caution and means the player is at risk of being sent off.

If a player gets two yellow cards during one game, they're instantly sent off with a red card and must leave the field. They can't be replaced, so their team has to play with one less player for the remainder of the game.

A red card can also be shown for severe foul or violent behavior.

A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a foul inside their penalty area. The fouled team is awarded a free kick from 12 yards (11 meters) out, with only the goalkeeper to beat.

All other players must be outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards (9 meters) away from the ball.

If the goalkeeper saves the penalty kick, they are said to have "kept a clean sheet".

Soccer games are divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes. There is usually a break of 15 minutes at half-time.

If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will go into extra time. This consists of two 15-minute periods with a 5-minute break in between. If the game remains tied at the end of extra time, it will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Each team takes turns to take five penalty kicks, and the team that scores the most goals wins. If it is tied after five kicks each, it goes to sudden death, with each team taking a further kick until one team scores and the other does not.

A substitute can replace the goalkeeper during extra time but not during the standard 90 minutes.

A team is allowed to make up to 3 substitutions during a game. This means they can bring players off the field and replace them with other players on the bench.

Substitutions can be made anytime, but only during a break in play. The referee must be informed of any substitutions before they happen.

A player who has been substituted cannot come back onto the field of play.

There are 11 players in a soccer team, made up of a goalkeeper and ten outfield players. The outfield players are usually split into four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards.

The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands, and they are responsible for stopping the ball from going into the net.

The defenders are responsible for protecting their own goal and preventing the other team from scoring.

The midfielders are responsible for linking up the play between the defenders and the forwards.

The forwards are responsible for scoring goals.

A captain is also responsible for leading the team on the field of play. They also have the authority to speak to the referee about decisions that have been made.

Soccer players wear a kit consisting of a shirt, shorts, socks, shin pads and boots. The kit must be all one color, so it is easy to tell which team each player is on.

The goalkeeper wears a different colored kit so that they can be easily distinguished from the outfield players.

Shirts must have sleeves, and shorts must be just enough. Boots must not have metal studs or blades, as these could injure another player.

Shin pads are worn inside the socks to protect the shins from being kicked by another player.

Playing soccer is great fun, but there are a few things to remember if you want to stay safe and have a good time. Here are some tips:

Wear the suitable kit. This includes boots that fit correctly and shin pads to protect your shins

Warm up before you start playing. This will help you avoid injuries.

Play to the whistle. This means you stop playing when the referee blows their whistle and don't start playing again until they have blown it again.

Don't argue with the referee. They are the ones in charge, and their decisions are final.

Respect your opponents. This includes not trying to hurt them and shaking their hand after the game.

Be a good sport. This means being a good winner and a good loser.

Have fun! Playing soccer is supposed to be enjoyable, so make sure you are!

Now that you know the basics of playing soccer, give it a try!