Introduction
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. The FIFA World Cup held every four years attracts millions of fans from around the globe. The national and international soccer leagues have become a cultural phenomenon. With over 3.5 billion estimated fans, soccer is not just loved in Europe, America, and Africa, but also in Asia and other parts of the world.
Watching soccer is fun but playing it is even more thrilling. If you are wondering how to play soccer, we have got you covered. Just read through this comprehensive guide to get started in the game.
Basics of Soccer
Let’s start with the basics. The game consists of two teams with 11 players each. The aim of both the teams is to score maximum goals in the given time which is two halves of 45 minutes each. There is a break of typically 15 minutes between the two halves. The team who manages to score more goals, wins. Simple, right? But the game has its own rules and conditions. Once you grab the nuances, you are good to go.
Terms
There are some important terms that you should be aware of before you start playing soccer.
Kickoff:
kickoff refers to the initial kick to begin the game. Besides the beginning of each half, kickoffs are also mandatory after every goal. The kickoff must take place from the center of the field and the player kicking off cannot touch it again until another player hits the ball.
Dribble, Pass, and Shoot:
These three tactics are what you will need the most to play the game. Dribble refers to the act of using one’s feet to control the ball. Passing means to transfer the ball to another player while shooting means to kick the ball with the intention of scoring a goal.
Header:
In soccer, you are not allowed to touch the ball except with your feet. But interestingly enough, there is an exception to that rule. You can use your head and chest to strike the ball too. When a player strikes the ball with the head that is called a header.
Fouls and Consequences
If a player commits an illegal action on the field and breaks the rules of the game, then the referee takes the necessary action. The opposing team against which the foul is committed is given a free kick, corner kick, penalty kick, or a goal kick depending on the foul. The referee may also give a yellow card as a warning and a red card to send off the player from the field.
Roles
Goal keeper:
The goal keeper’s primary objective is to prevent the goal of the opposing team. They are given special privileges like being allowed to touch the ball with their hands. But even those privileges must be exercised within the designated area.
Defender, Midfielder, and Striker:
A defender is positioned to prevent the opposing team from advancing towards a goal. Midfielder is positioned in the middle of the field and their strategy is both attacking and defensive. A striker’s objective is to score the goal so they are positioned near the opponent’s goal side.
Physical & Mental Preparation
Besides understanding the rules of the soccer, it is also important to prepare yourself physically and mentally before entering the game. Whether you want to play as a professional or just as a hobby, your physical fitness plays a crucial role in defining your game. Focus on agility drills, strength training, and endurance training. Also, try to incorporate stretching exercises in your workout routine.
Also, prepare yourself mentally by setting the goals, and staying focused on them throughout the game. Soccer is a game that requires you to handle pressure so try to stay calm and mindful, and replace negative thought with positive affirmations.
Takeaway
Soccer is more than just a game. It’s a sport that helps you discover yourself and teaches you the spirit of team work. Enjoy the thrill of learning and let your passion be bigger than your fears. It’s also important to select the right type of ball that elevates the playing experience. Unlike the professionals, many beginner soccer players underestimate the significance of having the appropriate gear to enhance the learning process.
If you are looking for a suitable ball to kick off your game, soccer ball size 5 is the most appropriate one. It is the standard choice for training as well as for competitions. UNISWIFT is offering one of the best soccer ball size 5 range that you can rely on to develop your skills. Every achievement whether big or small is a stepping stone towards success. So celebrate every goal and remember that every failure is a chance to learn.