Basic Rules of Soccer | BEGINNERS GUIDE
If you want to learn the basic rules of soccer – this is for you.
Hey there, soccer enthusiasts! I’m Coach Dylan, and I’m excited to take you through the essential rules of soccer, the beautiful game we all love.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the basic rules of soccer is crucial to becoming a better player. So, let’s kick off our journey with the basics.
Basic Rules of Soccer
What are the Basic Rules of Soccer?
- Scoring Goals: The primary objective of soccer is to score goals. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.
- Team Composition: Soccer is typically played with two teams, each consisting of 11 players, including one goalkeeper.
- Duration of the Game: A standard soccer match is divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime interval.
Basic Rules of Soccer – Gameplay
Let’s break down 11v11 soccer positions into more specific names:
No Hands Allowed: Unlike many other sports, in soccer, players are not allowed to use their hands or arms to control the ball or pass it. The only player permitted to use their hands is the goalkeeper, and even they are restricted in where and how they can use them.
Throw-Ins, Corner Kicks, and Goal Kicks: Throw-ins are awarded when the ball crosses the sideline. Corner kicks and goal kicks are set plays from the corners of the field and the goal area, respectively.
Offsides Explained For Beginners
Offside in soccer is a rule designed to ensure fair play and prevent players from “goal-hanging.” A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them:
- Offside Position: A player in an offside position is not penalized unless they are actively involved in the play when the ball is played to them.
- Passive vs. Active: Being in an offside position is not an offense; it becomes an offense when the player actively participates in the play from that position.
- Exceptions: Players cannot be offside when receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in.
- Offside Violation: If a player is in an offside position and becomes actively involved in the play, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot of the offense.
Fouls & Penalties Explained
The basic rules of soccer include fouls, penalties, free-kicks, and cards:
What is a foul?
A foul in soccer occurs when a player commits an illegal action, such as tripping, pushing, holding, or handling the ball with their hands (except for the goalkeeper within their own penalty area).
Penalty Kicks: a penalty kick is given for major fouls that occur inside the penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty spot, and the attacking player takes a direct shot on goal with only the goalkeeper defending
Free Kicks: There are two main types of free kicks – direct and indirect. For a direct free kick, the ball can be kicked directly into the goal. For an indirect free kick, the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
Yellow and Red Cards:
- Caution (Yellow Card): A yellow card is shown to caution a player for misconduct, such as reckless tackles, dissent, or unsporting behavior. Two yellow cards to the same player result in a red card and ejection from the game.
- Sending Off (Red Card): A red card is shown for serious offenses, violent conduct, serious foul play, or for a player receiving a second yellow card in the same match. A player shown a red card must leave the field and cannot be replaced. The team plays with one player less.
Understanding these fundamental rules of fouls, penalties, free kicks, and cards is essential for fair play and sportsmanship in soccer.
Basic Rules of Soccer Video
In this video you’ll get a better understand of the basic rules of soccer for beginners:
As you embark on your soccer journey, remember that mastering these important basic rules of soccer is the first step towards becoming a great player. So, practice, play with passion, and never stop learning.
Each time you step onto the field, you have the chance to become better, to push your limits, and to create magic. Keep the spirit alive and let the love for the game drive you to new heights.
Soccer is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. Embrace it, enjoy it, and most importantly, keep progressing. You’ve got this!
The Next Step
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About The Author
If you don’t know about me…
I used to be a soccer player who struggled with self-confidence. I felt slow, weak, and unmotivated. My coaches didn’t pay much attention to me, my friends laughed at my lack of skills. At one point, I even became so discouraged that I quit the sport altogether.
Enough was enough. I decided to take control of my own development and set out on a journey to become a better soccer player. This path led me on an incredible journey of self-improvement.
I went on to win league and goal-scoring titles, earn awards, lift trophies, and received a college scholarship. I’ve even earned international caps for my country.
I started sharing my knowledge with others and teaching them how to become the best soccer players they could be. My YouTube channel grew to over 500,000 subscribers.
In addition, I coached for several youth clubs in my local city, and even started my own soccer training company. I went on to coach the most prestigious men’s club in my city for several years.
But enough about me, let’s focus on you.
If you’re looking to improve your skills, let’s take your soccer game to the next level. I want to help you make a noticeable change in style of play and overall performance on the field.
I’m passionate about helping players achieve their goals in soccer, and I’d love to be a part of your journey. I can help you reach your goals faster and achieve more in this sport, but I won’t force you. If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s what I suggest you do:
1) Download The Soccer Success Planner (FREE)
2) Apply To The Online Soccer Academy (Limited Spots)
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Coach Dylan
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Basic Rules of Soccer | BEGINNERS GUIDE
