How to Play Soccer

Just for kicks

It is easy to get a game of soccer going almost anywhere. All you need is a ball, some friends, and a general understanding of the rules. If you're new to the game, a general overview of the soccer field and basic rules of play should help get you started.

The object of the game

The object of soccer is to score more goals than your opponent by moving the ball across the goal line and into the opponent's soccer goal. The team with the most goals when time expires wins the match.

Basic rules of soccer

Players may advance the ball downfield and into the opponent's soccer goal using any part of their bodies except their arms and hands.

The ball is ruled out of bounds only when it has completely crossed any of the touch lines around field perimeter, whether on the ground or in the air. (As such, a goal is only counted if the ball completely crosses the goal line in the soccer goal.)

Balls that go out of bounds on the sidelines are put back into play via a throw-in. Balls that go out of bounds on the goal lines are returned to play with either a corner kick or a goal kick, depending on which team the ball was last touched by before it left the playing field.

The playing field

Soccer fields can vary in size according to the ages and skill levels of the players or as dictated by the space you have available. Generally, as long as you have a field on level ground that it is longer than it is wide, with the soccer goals centered at each end, you can begin a game.

Field markings

A soccer field is divided widthwise into two equal halves. A rectangular area, known as the goal box, is drawn around each of the soccer goals. Around this soccer goal area, a larger rectangle, called the penalty box, is drawn. The goalkeeper is allowed to use his or her hands to defend the goal as long as he or she is within these boxes.

Goals

For proper game play, as well as safety reasons, soccer goals must be securely anchored to the ground. Shifting soccer goals are dangerous both to players and the integrity of the game by potentially giving one side an unfair advantage. Use stakes or auger anchors to secure all portable soccer goals.

Players

Regulation soccer games call for 11 players per side, but this number can be easily adjusted to suit circumstances.

Game time

An official soccer match consists of two 45-minute halves. Extra time may be added if regulation ends in a tie.

Because soccer is the most widely played sport in the world, the rules can vary greatly. However, the object and basic skill set are the same everywhere, which may explain the sport's global appeal.

More information on soccer goals