Soccer Explained For Beginners (Everything You Need To Know)

If you are trying to find soccer explained for beginners – this is for you.

Are you new to the world of soccer and eager to learn how to play the game like a pro? Whether you’re stepping onto the field for the first time or looking to improve your skills, understanding the basics of soccer is essential for success.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about soccer, from the rules of the game to fundamental skills and strategies.

By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to kick-start your soccer journey and start playing with skill and precision.

soccer explained
soccer explained

Soccer Explained

In this article, you can read through all 5 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to stick around until the end, watch the video tutorial, and get your special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better player.

  1. Soccer explained for beginners
  2. Soccer rules explained for beginners
  3. Soccer positions explained for beginners
  4. Understanding soccer for beginners
  5. How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more

Thanks for reading: soccer explained for beginners – Let’s get started!

soccer explained for beginners
soccer explained for beginners

Soccer Explained For Beginners

So, you’re just getting started in the beautiful game of soccer?

Fantastic choice! Let me break it down for you in simple terms

Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is a thrilling sport played between two teams, each aiming to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing team’s net. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

  1. Basic Rules: The game is played on a rectangular field with goals at each end. Each team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper who defends the goal. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team within the allotted time, typically 90 minutes.
  2. Scoring: Goals are scored when the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
  3. Passing and Dribbling: Players move the ball around the field by passing it to teammates or dribbling it with their feet. Dribbling involves controlling the ball while running and maneuvering around opponents.
  4. Offense and Defense: When your team has possession of the ball, you’re on offense, trying to advance towards the opposing team’s goal and score. When the opposing team has the ball, your team is on defense, working to prevent them from scoring.
  5. Fouls and Penalties: Certain actions, such as tripping, pushing, or handling the ball with hands (except for the goalkeeper within their penalty area), are considered fouls and result in free kicks or penalties for the opposing team.
  6. Offside: Offside is a rule designed to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by positioning themselves closer to the opponent’s goal than the last defender when the ball is played to them.
  7. Throw-ins, Corner Kicks, and Goal Kicks: When the ball goes out of play along the sidelines, the opposing team is awarded a throw-in. If the ball goes out over the goal line and was last touched by the attacking team, the defending team receives a goal kick. If the ball goes out over the goal line and was last touched by the defending team, the attacking team gets a corner kick.

Remember, the key to enjoying soccer is to have fun, stay active, and work together with your teammates. With practice and determination, you’ll soon be dribbling, passing, and scoring like a pro!

simple explanation of soccer
simple explanation of soccer

Soccer Rules Explained For Beginners

Let’s dive deeper into some additional soccer rules that beginners should know:

  1. Throw-ins: When the ball goes out of play along the sidelines, the opposing team is awarded a throw-in. To perform a throw-in, a player must stand with both feet on the ground, keep both hands on the ball, and throw it from behind their head with both hands. The thrower must keep both feet on or behind the touchline and deliver the ball using a throwing motion.
  2. Goal Kicks: When the attacking team kicks the ball over the opposing team’s goal line but not into the goal, the defending team is awarded a goal kick. The goalkeeper takes the goal kick from within their own penalty area. Opposing players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
  3. Corner Kicks: If the defending team kicks the ball over its own goal line but not into the goal, the attacking team is awarded a corner kick. A corner kick is taken from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out of play. The ball is placed on the corner arc, and an attacking player kicks it into play.
  4. Goalkeeper Restrictions: The goalkeeper has certain restrictions, such as not handling the ball with their hands outside the penalty area and not holding onto the ball for more than six seconds while in their possession. Additionally, a goalkeeper cannot handle a deliberate pass back to them from a teammate using their feet.
  5. Penalty Shootouts: In knockout competitions or tie-breaking situations, if the score is still tied after regulation time, the game may proceed to a penalty shootout. Each team selects five players to take penalty kicks alternately against the opposing goalkeeper. The team with the most goals after five kicks wins. If the score is still tied, the shootout continues in a sudden-death format until one team scores and the other misses.
  6. Substitutions: During a game, teams are allowed to make substitutions to replace players. Substituted players must leave the field at the nearest boundary line, typically near the halfway line, and the new player enters from the same location. Substitutions can occur at any stoppage in play with the referee’s permission.

Understanding these additional rules will enhance your knowledge of the game and help you become a more confident player or fan. Keep practicing, stay engaged, and enjoy the excitement of soccer!

basic soccer for beginners
basic soccer for beginners

Soccer Positions Explained for Beginners

Let’s break down the basic soccer positions to help you understand the roles and responsibilities of each player on the field:

  1. Goalkeeper (GK):
    • The goalkeeper is the last line of defense for the team, positioned in front of the goal.
    • Their primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking shots and intercepting crosses.
    • Goalkeepers also organize the defense, communicate with teammates, and initiate attacking plays with accurate distribution of the ball.
  2. Defenders:
    • Defenders play in front of the goalkeeper and are responsible for protecting their team’s goal.
    • Center Backs (CB): These players usually play in the central area of defense, marking opposing forwards and intercepting passes.
    • Full Backs (RB, LB): Positioned on the right and left sides of the defense, full backs support both defensive and offensive efforts. They mark opposing wingers, provide width in attack, and deliver crosses into the opponent’s penalty area.
  3. Midfielders:
    • Midfielders occupy the central area of the field and play a crucial role in both defense and attack.
    • Central Midfielders (CM): These players control the tempo of the game, distribute passes to teammates, and provide defensive cover in front of the defense.
    • Defensive Midfielders (CDM): Also known as holding midfielders, CDMs focus on disrupting the opponent’s attacks, winning back possession, and shielding the defense.
    • Attacking Midfielders (CAM): CAMs are creative playmakers who orchestrate the team’s offensive moves, create goal-scoring opportunities, and support the forwards with through balls and assists.
    • Wide Midfielders (RM, LM): Positioned on the right and left sides of midfield, wide midfielders provide support to the full backs, deliver crosses into the opponent’s penalty area, and track back to defend when necessary.
  4. Forwards:
    • Forwards are responsible for scoring goals and putting pressure on the opposing defense.
    • Strikers (ST): Also known as center forwards, strikers lead the attack, make runs into the opponent’s penalty area, and finish scoring chances with shots on goal.
    • Wingers (RW, LW): Positioned on the right and left sides of the attack, wingers use their speed and dribbling skills to beat defenders, create goal-scoring opportunities, and provide crosses for teammates.

Understanding these basic soccer positions will help you recognize the roles of each player on the field and appreciate the teamwork involved in the game. As you gain experience and knowledge, you can explore more advanced tactics and strategies to excel in your preferred position. Keep practicing, stay focused, and enjoy the game!

soccer positions explained for beginners
soccer positions explained for beginners

Understanding Soccer For Beginners

If you’re just starting out in soccer, here are some simple steps to help you play better right away:

  1. Master the Basics: Focus on fundamental skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. Practice controlling the ball with different surfaces of your feet and passing accurately to a teammate.
  2. Improve Your Touch: Work on your first touch, which is how you receive the ball. Practice controlling the ball and keeping it close to your body to maintain possession and move efficiently on the field.
  3. Stay Balanced and Stable: Keep a low center of gravity and stay balanced while dribbling and changing direction. This will help you maintain control of the ball and react quickly to defenders.
  4. Use Both Feet: Develop proficiency with both your left and right foot. Being able to use both feet effectively will make you a more versatile and unpredictable player on the field.
  5. Understand Positioning: Pay attention to your positioning on the field relative to your teammates and opponents. Stay in open spaces to receive passes and support your teammates in both attack and defense.
  6. Communicate with Your Teammates: Soccer is a team sport, so effective communication is key. Use verbal and non-verbal cues to communicate with your teammates, such as calling for the ball or signaling your intentions.
  7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep your head up and scan the field regularly to assess the situation and anticipate the next play. Being aware of your surroundings will help you make better decisions and react faster to changes in the game.
  8. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Dedicate time to individual drills, team training sessions, and playing in games to improve your skills and understanding of the game.
  9. Stay Positive and Persistent: Soccer can be challenging at times, but stay positive and keep working hard. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and never give up on improving your game.
  10. Have Fun: Most importantly, enjoy playing soccer! It’s a fantastic sport that brings people together and provides countless opportunities for growth and development. Play with passion, determination, and a smile on your face.

By following these simple steps and staying committed to your development, you’ll be on your way to becoming a better soccer player in no time. Keep practicing, stay focused, and never stop striving to improve!

understanding soccer for beginners
understanding soccer for beginners

Simple Explanation of Soccer

Soccer is more than just a sport—it’s a thrilling game that fosters teamwork, camaraderie, and personal growth. Whether you’re dribbling past defenders, making precise passes, or scoring spectacular goals, soccer offers endless opportunities for excitement and achievement.

By mastering the fundamentals, staying focused on improvement, and embracing the joy of playing, you’ll unlock your full potential as a soccer player and experience the thrill of the beautiful game firsthand. So lace up your cleats, hit the field, and let the adventure begin!

explaining soccer to a child
explaining soccer to a child

How To Become A Better Soccer Player

If you want to become a better soccer player, check out this 3-minute video. It’s not just another tutorial — it’s designed to help you understand your true potential as a soccer player.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, the video explains how to improve your skills, develop your mindset, increase soccer IQ, and enhance your physical fitness.

You can start playing better, getting more respect from teammates, impressing your coaches, and performing with confidence under pressure.

Watch the video and discover how can your player transformation today:

Improve Your Game Today

Imagine the satisfaction of looking back and realizing that today was the day you decided to push yourself a little harder, run a little faster, and train a little longer. Tomorrow’s success is built on the decisions you make today.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment; make this moment perfect by committing to your improvement. Greatness isn’t found in procrastination — but by taking action today.

Seize the opportunity, embrace the challenge, and make a positive step towards your success. The future you want, is created by the decisions you make today.

If you really want to take another strong step in the right direction…

( continue reading )

soccer explained video

Free Soccer Planner

Are you tired of feeling like you’re not making progress in your soccer skills? Do you want to have a more organized and effective training routine? Do you struggle with setting and achieving your soccer goals?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Soccer Success Planner is for you. This planner will help you stay motivated, focused, and help you achieve your goals.

Set clear goals, track your progress, and stay accountable to yourself. With helpful prompts and exercises, you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses, plan your training sessions, and maximize your performance on the field.

Start taking control of your success in soccer! You can download it here (it’s 100% FREE) – The Soccer Success Planner

basic soccer for beginners

Want To Improve Faster?

Not getting better at soccer? Confused about how to train effectively? Maybe you’re worried that you won’t be properly prepared for your next big opportunity? Or you just want to standout and actually feel respected by your teammates, coaches, and friends?

Whatever struggles you’re going through, The Online Soccer Academy is the best solution to help you overcome obstacles and achieve goals. Thousands of satisfied players have already used this program to achieve incredible results in record time.

With expert coaching, structured player development systems, and easy-to-follow training routines, it’s guaranteed to elevate game.

Join today and start experiencing the transformation you’ve been waiting for! Get more information here – The Online Soccer Academy

soccer explained for children

About The Author

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, teaching others how to become the best soccer players they could be. My YouTube channel grew to over 500,000 subscribers. I coached for top youth clubs and men’s teams. Then started my own soccer academy.

simple soccer explanation

Become A Better Soccer Player

But enough about me, let’s focus on you.

If you’re looking to improve your skillslet’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)

explain soccer formations

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Wishing You Success In Soccer

Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer

Thank you for reading this article:
Soccer Explained For Beginners (Everything You Need To Know)

Dylan Tooby

Success should not be judged based on what you achieve but by what you help others achieve. Hopefully, this information will help you. Thank you for reading. Please, leave a comment.