FOOTBALL

Ground Markings:

Field markings
The field of play is rectangular and marked with lines called boundary lines.
The two longer boundary lines are touch lines and the two shorter lines are
goal lines. It is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the
midpoints of the two touch lines.

The centre mark is at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius
of 9.15m is marked around it.

Marks are made off the field of play, 9.15m from the corner arc and at right
angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to ensure defending players
retreat this distance when a corner kick is taken.

The length of the touch line is greater than the length of the goal line. All
lines are not more than 12cm wide.
Length (touch line): Minimum 90m, maximum 120m.
Width (goal line): Minimum 45m maximum 90m.

For senior football the recommended field dimension is 105m long and 68m
wide.

Run-off area
The run-off area or buffer zone is 3m minimum. Where pitches are located
alongside each other, a minimum of 6m is required.

The run-off area beyond the pitch is free of any obstacle (including dugouts
and floodlight columns) to ensure players and officials do not injure
themselves by running into any fixed object.

The run-offs are surfaced with exactly the same surface as the playing
area.
Goal area
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5m from the inside of
each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of
5.5m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area
bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.

Penalty area
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5m from the inside
of each goalpost. These lines extend 16.5m into the field of play and are
joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11m from the midpoint
between the goalposts and equidistant to them.

An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15m from the centre of each penalty
mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Flag posts
A flag post, not less than 1.5m high, with a non-pointed top and a flag is
located at each corner.
Flag posts are also located at each end of the halfway line, not less than
one metre outside the touch line.

A flag post, not less than 1.5m high, with a non-pointed top and a flag is
located at each corner.

Goals
A goal is located on the centre of each goal line. A goal consists of two
upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by
a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood,
metal or other approved material. They are square, rectangular, round or
elliptical in shape and are not dangerous to players.

The distance between the posts is 7.320m and the distance from the lower
edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44m.

Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth of 12cm.
The goal lines have the same width as the goalposts and the crossbar.
Goal nets are attached to the posts and ground behind the goals that
conforms to the Australian Standard 4866.1—2007 Playing Field
Equipment – Soccer Goals. The goalposts and crossbars are white. For
safety reasons goals are anchored securely to the ground.

Fundamental Skills:
Offensive Fundamentals of Soccer
Basically, there are three soccer fundamentals for all the offensive moves.
These are penetration, support, and mobility. Beyond that, there are
secondary factors like communication, creativity, and using the entire
width of the field while attacking.
Offensive strategies in soccer can vary based on the skill level of the
players and the match conditions. However, when it comes to soccer for
beginners, you need to focus on the following aspects of the game.
Dribbling
Dribbling is one of the basic skills in soccer that involves moving the
soccer ball past the defenders by keeping it close to the feet. It also helps
to create new passing angles and move out of pressure.

While many experts believe that dribbling is “an art and not a science,” there are
basic footwork and ball control skills that young soccer players need to learn.

These include the ability to use the leading edges of the feet to
manipulate the ball and change directions quickly without losing control or
balance.
The heel or the instep can also be used to gently control the ball, as long
as the player remains balanced and ready to make the next move.
It is natural for young players to focus on the ball while practicing
dribbling skills. But you need to reinforce the idea of observing the ball
with peripheral vision while using direct vision to look out for opportunities
created by teammates.
Passing
One important point of dribbling is to create opportunities for passing.
Passing helps to maintain ball possession and will create opportunities for
scoring.
For example, when a defender comes to challenge a dribbling midfielder,
open space is created in the field. A teammate can rush to this position to
receive a pass.
Basic soccer training should include making and receiving strong passes
directly to the feet. If that is not possible, a player should not make it too
difficult for the teammate to receive the pass.
A passing drill should consist of long passes, wall passes, and backward
passes. Players should also practice signals to communicate while
passing. Other than that, power, precision, and timing are three factors for
successful passing.
Trapping/Stopping
The art of trapping the ball is an essential soccer skill that every player
should perfect. In fact, successful trapping is essential for effective
passing and dribbling. Great players like Cristiano Ronaldo have excellent
trapping skills that make them champion dribblers.
With proper trapping, the ball should stop at the player's feet. Now they
can shoot it or dribble with it. While practicing, players should learn to
trap rolling, bouncing, as well as high balls.
Trapping involves receiving high balls as well as low passes. Low balls can
be stopped with the inside of the foot, the bridge of the foot, or the thigh.
For receiving high balls, the chest or the head is used.
No matter how a player traps the ball, they should allow that body part to
relax to prevent the ball from bouncing off.
Shooting
The main objective of shooting the ball is to propel it into the opponent’s
goal by overcoming the goalkeeper. Once the young players learn the
basic skills of dribbling and passing, they should be introduced to the
more advanced skill of shooting.
To start with, the players should learn to make the shot along the ground.
For the goalie, it is more difficult to get down and stop such shots.
Besides, adding a spatial dimension to the shot at an early stage may
cause a player to sacrifice accuracy.
Ideally, the inside of the foot is the best spot for hitting the ball with
maximum power. Players should learn to plant the non-striking foot in the
right spot and point it at the target before making contact with the ball.
The focus should be on the point of the ball where the kick will land.

Defensive Fundamentals of Soccer

The fundamentals of soccer defensive tactics involve applying pressure
and reducing open space for the opponent. At the same time, defenders
need focus, patience and discipline to avoid mistakes and maintain the
right defensive formation.
Clearances
The most important aspect of defensive soccer basics is clearing the ball
from the defensive third of the field. Defenders require special practice for
controlling difficult balls and kicking them away from the goal.
Note, defenders can clear the ball high and wide without meaning to pass
it to any teammate. Clearing is often preceded by intercepting the ball,
which means taking control of the ball when it is not in possession.
1v1 Defending
In soccer for beginners, 1v1 is one of the fundamental skills needed for a
defender to dispossess an opponent. Even if the defender cannot possess
the ball, the move can make the ball go out of play.
Ideally, the closest defender should reach the attacker at the quickest
possible time. When an arm’s length away from the attacker, the defender
should slow down to match the pace.
For defenders, the best way to approach it is to keep the body at a 45-
degree angle. Keeping an eye on the opponent’s chest and hip without
losing sight of the ball will help in guessing their movements.
Tackling
When the opponent is in an advantageous position, tackling is one of the
best ways to gain possession of the ball. A defender can do a standing or
block tackle while staying on their feet. The other option is a sliding tackle
with the body on the ground.
Since remaining on their feet will give the players a better chance of
gaining control of the ball, block tackles are preferred over sliding tackles.
Catching
Catching the ball in the right manner is an extremely important aspect of
a player’s development as a goalkeeper. The art of goalkeeping involves
taking the right stance and catching the ball with not just the hand but
with the entire body. That makes basic footwork an essential aspect of
goalkeeper training drills.

Rules of the Football:

Objective of a Football Match
The main objective in a football match is to score more goals than the
opponent team. Whichever team has more goals at the end of 90 minutes is
declared the winner of the football match.
If both teams score an equal number of goals, then either a draw is declared
or the game goes into extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the
competition.

Rules for Ball and Players’ Equipment

Used
1. A football game is played using a spherical ball, known as the football (or
soccer ball), of 68 - 70 cm (27-28 inch) in circumference and weighs
between 410 - 450 g.
2. The balls are usually made from leather and filled with air to an appropriate
pressure for playing.
3. Every player must wear appropriate equipment including a jersey, shorts,
footwear, and long socks with protective guards for a standard football
game.

Rules for Football Players

It is one of the most crucial football rules for the game.
1. A football match has two teams playing against each other.
2. The number of players in each team should be a minimum of 7 and must
not exceed 11.
3. Four categories of players are there in a football match. Goalkeeper,
defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
4. There must be one player designated as a goalkeeper in each team. If a
goalkeeper is unavailable/suspended, any position player can become the
designated goalkeeper.
5. Each team is led by a captain, whose one official responsibility is to
represent the team at the coin toss before the kick-off or penalty kicks.
6. Winning the coin toss means your team gets to choose the initial direction
of play. The direction of both teams switches after half time before the
second half starts. The team that loses the toss does the first kick-off and
starts.

Number of Substitutions in Football

Similar to the player formation, the use of substitutions in football is also a
football tactic.
1. A number of players may be replaced by substitutes during the game. A
maximum of three or five substitutions are permitted in most of the
competitive football games.
2. Common reasons for a substitution include injury, tiredness,
ineffectiveness, or a tactical switch. A player who has been substituted can
not take part in the match again.

Football Match Time

One of the basic football rules is the football match time.
1. A football match (game) consists of two halves. The normal duration or
playing time of each half is 45 minutes plus any extra time to compensate
for player substitution stoppages or injuries during the half.
2. A football match (game) consists of two halves. The normal duration or
playing time of each half is 45 minutes plus any extra time to compensate
for player substitution stoppages or injuries during the half.
3. Overtime is added to a match when no winner has been determined by the
end of regular time. The overtime period is of 30 mins (2 halves of 15 mins
each) duration.
 Disciplinary Cards in Football
There are two disciplinary cards in football: Red and Yellow cards. These
colors were first introduced at the 1970 Football World Cup and are in use
ever since.
1. Yellow means the player is only cautioned and given a warning
2. Red card means dismissal from the game for that particular player
3. Two yellow cards in the same match for one player also result in the
player’s dismissal

Football Referees and Officials

A football game is officiated by a referee, who has full authority to enforce
the football rules and Laws of the Game during the match and whose
decisions are final. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees (also
known as linesmen) and a fourth official who assists the referee and may
replace another official if needed.

Goal Line Technology and Use of VAR

Nowadays, technology is becoming a big part of the football rules and
regulations.
1. Goal Line Technology is used to determine if the whole ball has crossed
the goal line, thereby deciding whether a goal has been scored or not. A
signal is transmitted to the referee’s watch, indicating whether or not the
ball has crossed the goal line.
2. Video assistant referees (VAR) have been introduced to assist the
officials in football matches and correct mistakes made by the on-field
referee. After watching video replays on a monitor on the side of the pitch,
the referee can either overturn his decision, or stick with his initial decision
3. VAR can be used to review four types of decisions: goal check and
whether there was any foul during the buildup, direct red card decisions,
penalty decisions and mistaken player identity when awarding a card.
Starting or Restarting a Game
A football game starts/resumes with a kick-off from the center spot at the
start of each half and after the scoring of every goal. The team that concedes
a goal restarts the play. Before the restart, all players should be in their own
team's half.

Football Fair Play Rules

 Touching the Ball
Except for the goalkeeper, all the outfield players are allowed to only use
their feet, chest, or head to play the ball. The goalkeeper can use his/her
hands but only inside the designated goal area.

 Fouls and Disciplinary Cards

 Fouls and misconduct are an important part of the football rules and
regulations. Fouls made by players during a football game usually results in
disciplinary action.
1. The referee uses the two caution cards (yellow and red) for the players
involved. A yellow card is shown to caution the player for the foul
committed.
2. Serious fouls may receive a direct red card. The concerned player is
suspended from the game and the team plays with one less player for the
remainder of the match.
 Free Kicks Rule in Football Match
Free kicks are awarded following a foul or misconduct during the football
match.
1. A free kick (either direct or indirect) is taken from a stationary position
from the place of the foul. Direct free kicks allow a direct shot at goal.
2. An indirect free kick means the ball must make contact with at least one
other player before scoring a goal.
 Penalty Kicks During A Football Match
Penalty kick is a type of free kick given due a serious foul committed inside
the goal area. Only the opposing team’s goalkeeper is allowed to defend a
penalty kick.
1. A penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot marked on the football field.
2. Only the kicker and the defending team's goalkeeper are allowed to be
within the penalty area. All other players must be outside the penalty
area, and behind the penalty spot.
3. The goalkeeper is allowed to move before the ball is kicked but must
have both feet on the goal line at the moment the kick is taken.
4. The ball is in play once it is kicked, and other players may enter the
penalty area to take advantage or save.
 Offside Rule in Football
The offside rule is one of the complex football rules. It is called when an
attacking player is in front of the last defender when the pass is played
through to them. The offside area is designed to discourage players from
staying around the opponent’s goal waiting for a pass to score.
1. To be onside, one must be behind the last defender when the ball is
played to them. If the player is in front of that last defender, then he/she
is deemed to be offside and a free kick to the defending team is awarded.
2. A player cannot be caught offside in their own half. If the ball is played
backwards and the player is in front of the last defender, then he/she is
deemed to be not offside.

 Ball In or Out of Play

 1. The ball is in play when it is inside the field of play and the referee has
not stopped play. If the ball rebounds off a goalpost, corner flag, or the
referees and remains in the field, it is still in play.
2. The ball is out of play when it has completely crossed the touchlines or
the goal lines, whether in air or on ground.
 Football Throw-in Rule
If the ball goes out of play past the touchlines, it results in a throw-in. A
throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the
ball, deliberately or accidentally. A throw-in is taken by hand.

 Goal-Kick Rule In Football

A goal-kick is awarded to the defending team when the ball crosses its
goal line, a goal has not been scored, and the last player touch was from
the opposition. Although it is generally the goalkeeper, any player may take
the goal kick, placing the ball anywhere in the goal area.

 Corner-Kick Rule In Football

A corner-kick is awarded to the attacking team when the opposition is last
to touch the ball and the ball crosses the goal line without a goal being
scored. The attacking team restarts play by placing the ball in one of the 2
corners nearest to where it crossed the goal line.