The World Cup
Brazil
History of Soccer
Rules of Soccer
- Soccer must be played on grass or turf, and it has to be green. The field has to be a rectangle and marked by 2 short goal lines and 2 long touch lines. The field has to be divided by the halfway line. At the midpoint of the halfway line there is a circle that is 10 yards. Opposing players can not enter this circle during the kickoff.
- Regulations:
- Touch line- Minimum is 90 meters and the Maximum is 120 meters.
- Width (goal)- Minimum 45 meter and the Maximum is 90 meters.
- There must be and 8 yard goal in the center of the goal line.
- The goal box is 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards perpendicular to the goal line.
- The penalty box is 18 yards from the goal posts along the goal line and 18 yards out in the field perpendicular to the goal line.
- All 4 corners must have a 5 foot tall corner flag.
Law 2: The Ball
- The ball must be round and made out of leather. It has to have a circumference of 27 to 28 inches. They may use a smaller ball for children's leagues.
Law 3: The Number of Players
- Only 11 players from each team can play on a field at once( including the goalie). You must have 7 players before game time or else it is a forfeit. Some leagues an unlimited amount of substitutions. A player can only be substituted during a stoppage in the game, and it has to be approved by the referee.
Law 4: The Players' Equipment
- Players must wear their jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and cleats. If they do not meet the requirement then they can not return to the game until they reach the requirement.
Law 5: The Referee
- The referee makes all the decisions. If you question the referee then further punishment may be given.
Law 6: The Assistant Referees
- These referees assist the main referees with major decisions and other decisions.
Law 7: The Duration of the Match
- The matches are timed. The are split into 45 minute halves. There may also be extra time given by the referee for the time that was lost for substitutions. The referee decides when the game ends even though there is a time limit.
Law 8: The Start and Restart of the Play
- To start the game, the winner of the coin toss decides if they want to do the kickoff first and what goal they are shooting for. When a team makes a goal then the ball is reset in the middle where the other team does a kickoff to restart the play. Kickoffs occur at the halfway line.
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play
- The ball is out of play if it goes over the goal line or the touch line. It may also be stopped by the referee. If the ball bounces off the goal post back into the field it is still in play.
Law 10: The Method of Scoring
- To get a goal the ball must cross the entire goal line. At the end the team with the most goals wins.
Law 11: Offside
- When an attacking player receives the ball on the opponents side must be level or behind the second defender. This rule only applies if he is involved in the play.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct
- Direct Kick Awarded When:
- Kicks or attempt to kick an opponent
- Trips or attempt to trip an opponent
- Jumps at an opponent
- Charges at an opponent
- Strikes or attempt to strike an opponent
- Pushes an opponent
- Tackles an opponent
- Hold an opponent
- Spits at an opponent
- Handles the ball deliberately
Yellow Flags:
- No Sportsmanship
- Doesn't follow the laws of the game
- Delaying the restart of the play
- Entering the field without the referee's permission
Red Flags:
- Serious foul play
- Violent conduct
- Spitting at other players
- Using offensive Language
Law 13: Free Kicks
- Direct Kick is when the ball is shot directly into the goal without touching another player. An indirect kick is motioned by the referee, and it will only be counted if another player touches it.
Law 14: The Penalty Kick
- Penalty kicks are awarded by hand balls or when a defensive player fouls an attacking player. All of the players must remain outside of the penalty box during the kick. The players can go in the box after the ball is kicked. The goalie can not move off the goal line until the ball is kicked.
Law 15: The Throw In
- The throw in occurs when the ball goes over the touchline. The player must release the ball with both hands, and they must have their feet planted in the ground. Players can not score directly by throwing it it.
Law 16: The Goal Kick
- Awarded when the offensive team plays the ball out of bounds on the defensive goal line. The goalie must place it 6 feet away from the goal box and kick it back into play.
Law 17: The Corner Kick
- Awarded to the offensive team when the defensive team plays the ball out of bounds over its goal line. The ball is placed in the corner and is kicked in by the offensive team. Players can score directly from a corner kick.
How to Play Soccer
- Dribble with the inside of your shoe. Also learn how to dribble at different speeds.
Step 2: Learn how to Pass
- Place you non dominant foot beside the ball and kick with the inside of you foot. Start out with shorter distances then move up as you become more accurate.
Step 3: Know how to Shoot
- Set your planter foot and place those toes in the direction you are shooting. Kick with the laces of you shoes and keep you foot pointed to the ground.
Step 4: Learn how to Defend
- Keep your eye on the ball at all times and watch around you. Always watch between the ball and the goal. Then anticipate the dribble and send it back to one of your teammates.
Step 5: Practice Heading the Ball
- Hit the ball with you head where the hair meets your forehead. Don't use the top of your head.
Step 6: Learn to Juggle
- It will help you control the ball when it is coming from the air. It will help you with your foot coordination. It takes a lot of practice.
Step 7: Using non dominant foot
- Good defenders will make you use your non dominant foot and you have to be able to play with it.
Step 8: Practice Corner Kicks and Free Kicks
- You want to be able to send the ball right to certain players.
Citations
"Athletic Scholarships." How Soccer Originated. Soccer History. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. <http://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-soccer-football.htm>.
"The History of Soccer. Where and When Did the Beautiful Game Begin?" The History of Soccer. Where and When Did the Beautiful Game Begin? Web. 17 Mar. 2016. <http://www.freeyouthsoccerdrills.com/history-of-soccer.html>.
"What Are The Rules? The 17 Laws of Soccer Explained - Syosset Soccer Club." RSS. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. <http://www.syossetsoccer.org/home/683808.html>.
"World Cup 2014: Soccer Positions and Formations -." Web. 17 Mar. 2016. <http://www.dishtvsignup.com/blog/world-cup-2014-soccer-positions-formations/>.
"How to Play Soccer." WikiHow. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. <http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Soccer>.