How to Play Soccer

Who is this for?

The how to play soccer section is not for advanced coaches who know the game. If you are an advanced coach stop here or you will waste your time. This section is for players, parents and beginner coaches who want to better understand the basics of the game. If you are looking for in depth knowledge about soccer you've come to the wrong place. Advanced coach please stop reading. :)

This resource is meant for more than just trying to get better at soccer. Its a great resource for parents who want to teach their young kids some of the fundamentals. Their may even be regular citizens of the world who are fans of the game but don't understand what's going on. They want a deeper understanding.

What is the object of the game?

Soccer is about outscoring your opponent by kicking the small round ball into the big wide net with the player standing in front trying to stop you. Sorry.  I was this basic on purpose. Don't hold it against me.  I know you knew this already.

What are some basic rules I need to know?

• Unlike some other sports each goal only counts for one point.
• Only goalkeepers can toach the ball with their hands. If a field player touches the ball with their hands the ref stops play and gives the ball to the other team at the spot of the foul. If it is a really serious hand ball that is on purpose and stops a goal there will more than likely be a penalty kick and you will get a red card.
• The game is played 11 v 11.
• The duration of the game depends on the level and age of the players.  The most widely known time is 90 minutes.  That is 45 minutes per half plus injury time. Usually the game would end in a tie regardless of score. But, championship games, quarter final and semi final games would require overtime because of winner must be decided to move on. If you have a young kid playing soccer its possible you'll see shorter games.
• The clock never stops in soccer. It stops at half-time and the end of the game.

What is injury Time?

During the course of the game players will get injured. As a result they will rant and rave while rolling around on the ground like it's the end of the world (I am talking about the pro ranks) for a few minutes.  During this time that play was stopped the referree keeps track of time and adds it to the end of the half or game. (I overexagerated on purpose.  I was trying to be funny. If you are a soccer fan you know exactly what I am talking about.) All images built with Coachfx

What is a penalty kick?

At each side of the field is a box 18 yards big that is called the penalty box. When a foul happens in that box the offensive team is rewarded a penalty kick. The penalty kick happens from a small circle that is located in between the six yard box and the 18 yeard box.

Generally speaking I recommend teaching young soccer athletes to find a location in the goal and let it rip. Read the penality kicks article to learn more.

How many substitutions are allowed?

This too depends on the level of soccer. In the pro ranks they are only allowed three substitutions per game. If a player gets injured and you've used all three you must play a man down.

The Positions

Typically the positions are broken up into 3 primary categories. Inside each category are the individual positions.

• Midfield-Midfielders are usually broken up into center midfielders and wingers. The center midfield is referred to as the engine room. They are responsible for attacking and playing defense. Center midfielders require a large workload. In the center you will sometimes see a defensive midfieler to play along side a more attacking minded midfielder. The other position in the midfield is the winger. They play out wide closer to the sidelines. The wingers job is to provide width to the attack and cover the opposing teams wide attack. A winger needs to be able to beat the other team with the dribble and cross the ball.
• Forward- The forward/striker plays up top of the formation. The key role is to provide goals and assists. You will find strikers come in different shapes, sizes and what they provide. Some strikers are better with their back to goal while others are better with the ball at their feet running at players. Good strikers possess the skill to put the ball in the net but there is no one way to do that. It can happen with their feet or head. Another attribute of some strikers is the ability to hold up possession of the ball. To be a fully well rounded forward you should also be able to assist on goals and play defense. Strikers have a great opportunity to extend the defense by providing extra pressure further up the field.
• Defense-The defense is broken up into center backs and fullbacks.  The center backs are located in the center of the field. The center back must be able to win headed balls and be strong in the tackle. You will sometimes see defenders as the start of the play forward by having a goalkeeper play to them first. The center backs are heart of the defensive back players. The other position on the backline is the fullback. The fullback plays out wide on both sides of the field. It is vital for the winger to be able to play good one v one defense. You will also see fullbacks play forward and provide support in the attack.

Soccer Formations

The naming of soccer formations are based on how to players are laid out on the field. The first number stands for how many players are in the defense. The second number is based on how many players are in the midfield.  The third number counts the number of forwards.

3-4-3

The 3-4-3 formation is an offensively minded formation. It is played with 3 players up front, 4 in the middle and 3 players in the back. Defending in a 3 4 3 Formation

3-5-2

The 3 5 2 formation has three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards.

 

4-3-3

The 4 3 3 soccer formation has four defenders with three midfielders and three forwards. This is an attacking formation and has been used by a variety of national sides.

4-5-1

The 4 5 1 formation has four players in the back, 5 players  in the midfield with one forward. The 4 5 1 is a term that can be applied to 3 different formations.

5-3-2

The 5 3 2 formation has five defenders, three midfielders and two strikers. The 5 3 2 soccer formation is a defensively oriented formation.

4-4-2

The 4 4 2 Soccer formation offers balance. It allows the team to get amble number of players up for the attack or behind the ball for defense. Attacking in a 4 4 2 Soccer Formation

 

 

 

 

How to kick a soccer ball?

Follow these tips for better Instep kicking technique:

• The plant foot is put parallel to the ball with foot pointed in the direction of the kick.
• In the instep kick point the toe outward to allow contact to be made with the instep. You must lock the ankle of the kick foot.

Follow these steps for better laces Kick:

• The plant foot may be behind the ball a little for longer swing before contact.
• The kicking foots toe is directed to the ground, ankle is locked, in line with the knee.
• For more height on the ball lean back. For a lower shot the knee and chest should be over the ball.

For more details on kicking a soccer.

How to shoot a soccer ball?

Follow these tips on shooting a soccer ball:

• The planted foot should be placed next to the ball with the toes pointed toward the target.
• When you strike the ball, strike it with the laces, and hit the ball at the midline.
• The follow through needs to be directed towards the target.
• Shoot for the corners of the goal.

For more details on how to shoot

How to head a soccer ball?

Follow these tips for better heading:

• Keep your eye on the ball
• The forehead is the goal when making contact.
• Before contact lean back and lean forward while heading through the ball.
• The final motion includes looking in the direction of where you want to head the ball.

For more details on how to head the soccer ball

How to dribble a soccer ball?

Follow these tips to dribble better:

• Ball contact should happen at the laces. The toes should be pointing toward the ground.
• Keep the touches under control and small.
• Keep your eyes up and able to see surroundings

Form more details on how to dribble

Soccer Juggling Tips

Juggling is an aspect  of practice for soccer players.  It can help to develop soccer skills. For some ideas on soccer juggling check out the link.

How to trap the ball?

Follow these tips to receive the ball better with your foot:

• The standing foot should be close to receiving point.
• Use the side of foot to receive. Focus on making contact with the midline of the ball
• Cushion the coming ball by moving foot back upon ball hitting foot. Pretend you are trying to stop a flying egg without breaking it.

How to become a better player?

Becoming a better player should include listening to your coaches and practicing on your own. Without individual practice you don't always get the repetitions to overcome your weaknesses. For example, in practice the coach has an outline of what he wants to go over. Some of that might be working on individual skills. During this individual skills session you may not get the number of repetitions needed over time to develop an excellent left foot, for example. This requires some time to train alone. So what is it done.   To learn how to train alone read the article.