They’re also fantastic to watch live in a stadium or on TV. Many people wonder if they have any common ground. So what are the main differences and similarities between soccer and rugby? 

There are some obvious contrasts between the two sports. From the numbers of players on each team to the shape of the ball that they play with, these are very clear.

However, they also share a lot that may surprise you. For a start, both sports originated in the United Kingdom and are field games.

Meanwhile, they involve getting a ball from one side of the field to the other while protecting your area. Even when these sports appear different, similarities arise, like in the offside rule and penalty shootouts. 

Let’s take a look at ten differences and ten differences between these two sports. 

Differences Between Soccer and Rugby

 

1. One Ruleset vs. Two

Soccer follows a single ruleset across the globe. Every professional team must have eleven players on the field.

This never changes regardless of continental governing bodies or competition.

In contrast, there are two types of rugby. Rugby Union is the most popular and uses 15 players. Meanwhile, Rugby Union is a faster sport with 13 players. 

2. Hands vs. Feet

Soccer players must not handle their spherical ball when it is in play. The only exception to this rule is the goalkeeper, but even he can’t pick up the ball when his player passes to him.

On the other hand, rugby players primarily use their hands to throw their oval-shaped balls at each other. Kicking is permitted but it is a secondary option. 

3. Scoring System

Anybody who watches the two sports can see a difference in the goalframes. The scoring system in soccer is simple: put the ball in the net and score a goal.

Rugby is more complicated. Players have to touch the ball down on the opponent’s side of the field to score a try. This is worth five points.

They can also score by kicking the ball between the posts and this is worth either three or two points, depending on the circumstances. 

4. The Goalkeeper

 

Every soccer team must have a goalkeeper in their starting lineup. This player can use their hands and feet to block the ball within their zone on the field.

Rugby doesn’t have a fixed goalkeeper because they have an entire line to protect. The closest similar position is the fullback who starts attacks and is the last line of defense. 

5. Physicality

Both sports are very physical but rugby takes a tougher toll on its athletes. Players throw themselves into tackles and don’t complain.

The same level of aggression is unacceptable in soccer. Also, soccer players are notorious for feigning or exaggerating injuries to gain an advantage. This would never happen in rugby because the player would become a pariah. 

6. Respect

Referees and officials receive much more respect from rugby players than their soccer players. Firstly, the captain is the only member of the team who is allowed to speak to the referee.

It’s common to see entire soccer teams swarm around the referee when they don’t like a decision. This is a smart rule in rugby because it has created a culture of respect. 

7. Sin Bin

Yellow cards feature in both sports. When a player receives two, they must leave the field. However, a single yellow card has a profound impact on rugby.

This means a player must sit out for ten minutes, while the game continues without them or a replacement.

It’s common for opposition teams to score when players are sin-binned. Many soccer fans think that their sport would benefit from this system. 

8. Global Domination

While some European nations like England and France are competitive in both sports, other countries dominate.

Brazil has five FIFA World Cups to their name but makes no impression in rugby. The same can be said of New Zealand, whose All-Blacks are the most famous team in the sport.

Meanwhile, rugby fans revere the Pacific Islands for producing some of the best talents for their teams.  

9. High Scoring v Low Scoring

The nature of the two team’s scoring systems means that there is a big difference between their final scores.

It’s common for rugby teams to go deep into double digits. When teams finish the game with less than ten points, they have played very poorly.

But if a soccer team loses by a margin of five or six goals, this is a very heavy loss. The pace of the games is very different because of these rulesets.

10 . No Forward Passes

Both sports require the ball to go from one side of the field to the other. However, rugby players are unable to throw the ball forward.

Instead, they gradually move up the field as a collective, passing the ball back until one player rushes free or kicks upfield. Soccer doesn’t have any restraints like this. 

Similarities Between Soccer and Rugby

 

1. Origin

Soccer and rugby were more or less the same game until 1839 when the first rugby rules were clearly defined.

Before this, both teams used round balls and were referred to as ‘football’ in the United Kingdom.

Over time the two sports diverged dramatically from each other. 

2. Creative Hub

Both sports rely on a creative player who acts as a conduit for the rest of the team. In soccer, this takes the form of a creative midfielder who sprays passes around the field.

Rugby uses a flyhalf whose role is very similar to the quarterbacks in NFL. Flyhalves and creative soccer players also receive a lot of adulation from the fans. 

3. Playing Field

Soccer and rugby share the fact that they take place on a playing field or pitch. The dimensions of the field are slightly different but each team tries to protect their half while attacking the other side.

They also have markings on the field for different moments of the game. 

4. Penalty Shootouts

It’s the most dramatic way to finish a football match, but did you know that penalty shootouts also occur in rugby?

It’s extremely rare, but when a knockout game ends with the same score after extra time, it goes to a shootout.

Every player tries to kick the ball between the posts until somebody misses. It’s agonizing to watch but incredibly entertaining. 

5. World Cup

On an international level, the pinnacle of both sports is their respective World Cups. These take place every four years and see the best countries in the world compete for glory.

While the Rugby World Cup is a smaller scale tournament than its soccer equivalent, it’s still very entertaining and massive for the countries involved. 

6. Games of Two Halves

Rugby games last for eighty minutes and are divided into two 40 minute halves. Meanwhile, soccer games are 90 minutes with additional extra minutes in each of their halves.

Both see the teams swap sides at the end of the half. This can be an advantage or problem depending on the weather because of the wind or sun.

7. Injury Time

Usually, games in both sports go into overtime. In soccer, the referee adds a few extra minutes to make up for time lost because of injuries or substitutions.

Meanwhile, in rugby, play continues after 80 minutes until the ball goes dead. The referee won’t stop the game until an error occurs or the ball leaves the field. 

8. Attack and Defense

These are team sports so everybody on the field has a role. Different body types are required for these roles.

For example, center-backs in soccer are typically broader and stronger than attacking players. Furthermore, in rugby, the props are gigantic men with broad frames.

Their appearance is very different from the wingers, who are the most agile players on the field. 

9. Video Referee

Video replays are a key part of both sports in the modern era. In rugby, the referee may call on the Television Match Official (TMO) to check moments of controversy.

These could be disputed tries or a potential foul. In soccer, the Video Assistant Referee fills a similar role.

The main difference between the two is that rugby referees wear a microphone so everybody can hear their rationale at the time. 

10. Offside Rule

In soccer, it is illegal to pass to one of your players if they are standing beyond the last opposition defender. At this point, they are in an offside position.

However, if they burst past the defender after the ball leaves the passer’s foot, this is fine. We talked about how rugby players can’t throw the ball forward. While this is a difference between the two sports, it is also an offside rule.  

Although popular, they share some similarities and differences. What are they?

Both sports have two goals, one at each end of the field, and they both aim to outscore their opponent to win the game. The main difference is that soccer is played on a grassy pitch while hockey is played on an ice rink.

I will explore the similarities and differences between the two sports. The fan base of both sports keeps increasing, so you should know the similarities and differences.

Soccer vs hockey: 10 differences

1. Similar History

Although crude forms of these sports have been played worldwide, the notable period when these sports came to the fore was the 19th century. Also, the two sports share fundamental and cultural similarities.

2. Team-Sport

Teams usually play hockey and soccer. The best players in each sport thrive based on the performance of the team. Hence, any laxity from any member of the team could spell dire consequences for them.

In some cases, such as penalty kicks (in soccer) and face-offs (in Hockey), the individual brilliance of the players might come to the fore.

3. Use of Uniforms

Soccer and hockey teams both use uniforms. The uniforms are for ease of identification. The team logos are usually displayed in front of the jerseys to show club or national team loyalty.

The jerseys feature pullover shirts, shorts, and high socks.

4. Scoring 

The players are aware that they cannot score from the sides of the goalpost. Hence, a goal only stands when they tuck the ball/puck into the net.

5. Possession 

In the game of soccer and Hockey, possession is key to winning a game. Any team that cannot keep the ball/puck for a minimum of ten seconds cannot go on the offensive and might not score. 

In both sports, possession is fought over by the players until a scoring opportunity opens up.

Most times, the tactical nous of the coach comes to the fore in setting the team’s formation to retain possession and convert it to a goal-scoring opportunity 

6. Fouls

Soccer and Hockey are controlled by some on-pitch rules enforced by the referees. Thus, some conduct could result in fouls being awarded for or against either team.

A free-kick in soccer can be likened to the power play in Hockey if placed accurately.

Usually, referees use yellow or red cards depending on the severity of the foul committed.

 Yellow cards are used as a warning, while the red card sends a player off.

When a player receives more than one yellow card in a game, it results in a sending off by the referee and could carry additional punishment such as a game suspension or a fine as the case may be.

7. Center man or Midfielder 

The role of a centerman in hockey and a midfielder in soccer are similar. They have both defensive and offensive responsibilities as they have to ensure a balance in play.

In both sports, the center man and the Midfielder have to control the tempo of play to ensure that the opposing team does not dominate the game.

Once the midfield or center battle is lost, one’s team might most likely lose the game.

8. Wingers

Wingers in soccer and Hockey are similar. They have to penetrate the corners and then get the ball or puck towards the net or goal.

This is the same with Hockey. However, in Hockey, the singers can go behind the net, while this does not apply to soccer. 

9. Deception 

Both sports feature lots of skills and games to outsmart opponents. These skills and fakes play a vital role in these sports as it could be the market between teams that will score the winning points and the losers.

 Certain players are known to be cast in applying these skills, and defenders in both sports tend to fall for their trickery each time.

10. Choosing the players 

The choice of players in both sports rests with the coach. This is why the coach needs to have the tactical nous to field the best players for each position on the pitch/rink. 

 For instance, if a hockey coach mismatches their 1st liners with the 4th liners, it could have a chaotic effect on their game flow and lead to a loss.

 The same applies to a soccer game where the coach has to select skilled players, tactically intelligent, and have the perfect chemistry and team spirit to execute their game plan. Failure to do so leads to a loss or tie.

Soccer vs hockey: 10 similarities

1. Pitch

There are two types of Hockey; field hockey and ice hockey. This is where the differences come in.

 In soccer, the pitch is usually grassy. The turf pitch could be either natural or artificial. In ice hockey, the pitch is made of a surface made of ice. Professionally it is called an ice rink. 

 Most countries that have a sufficient supply of ice are known to favor the sport a lot. However, in recent times, artificial ice rinks have been made for indoor games. This could serve an all-year purpose rather than seasonal.

The dimensions of a hockey pitch/rink also differ from that of a football pitch.

Typically the dimensions of a  hockey pitch are 100 yards (91.4m) long and 60 yards (55m) wide, while the length of a foot football pitch is between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards(120m), and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).

2. Equipment

The size of the ball in Hockey differs from that of football. Also, in soccer, equipment is not needed while equipment is needed to play Hockey

3. Players

A typical hockey team features six players per team, while a soccer team features eleven players.

4. Duration

The duration of a football game is ninety minutes, divided into 45-minute halves. Sometimes, in competitive matches, there could be extra time of 30 minutes, 15-minutes per half.  If the scores are tied at the end of extra time, they result in penalties 

 However, in the game of Hockey, the duration is sixty minutes with three-20 minute periods. Hockey allows overtime of five minutes.

Therein, each team plays with four skaters instead of five. If the scores are still tied at the end of overtime, they result in penalties.

5. Technique 

The technique used to progress the ball/puck in both sports differ.  In soccer, the players use their feet to progress the ball up and down the pitch, while the hockey players use their sticks to move the puck on the pitch.

 In soccer, a player can show individual technique mastery by dribbling opponents.

However, in Hockey, the passing and shooting happen at mercurial speeds. Hence, the keeper has to display lots of awareness to stop the ball.

6. Goalposts

Both sports aim to outscore their opponents. However, the goalposts of Hockey are smaller than that of a soccer goalpost.

The dimensions of a soccer goalpost go thus; the distance between the posts is 7.320m, and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44m.

The goalpost and the crossbar have the same width and depth of 12cm.

In Hockey, the goalpost is 72 inches (180 cm) wide by 48 inches (120 cm) tall, and the footprint of the goal is 40 inches (100 cm) deep.

7. Referee and Umpire

In soccer, there is usually one referee and two assistant referees. In some highly competitive games, there might be the fourth official.

Also, lately, due to the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), there is the VAR official too.

Also, a head referee is usually present to enforce the laws and rules of the game. For hockey, we have two umpires and two linesmen assigned to each game. 

8. Rules and laws

In soccer, some laws guide the game and must be adhered to by both players and officials. These laws are not as much as we have in Hockey

In Hockey, there are lots of rules that guide the game. That’s not all; in Hockey, officials are allowed on the playing surface.

However, soccer does not allow the officials on the play surface. At most, they are allowed on the edges or stay in the dugout.

9. Diving

Although discouraged, a lot of diving happens in soccer. This does not occur in Hockey.

10. Commercial breaks 

Anyone who has watched a soccer game knows that the games are usually intense, and one would be dismayed in case of a break in-between the game.

The only time a break happens in soccer is during half-time or after the game.

The purpose of the smooth flow is to ensure full concentration and intensity among the players.

The only case where a break in-between a game is permitted is in cases of weather disruptions.

Although it is pretty much the same with hockey, the game allows some commercial breaks in-between the period.

I have played both sports actively and won competitions through them. Playing the game of soccer and Hockey requires consistent training. Both sports come with their pros and cons. Do you want to know? Join us for subsequent stories.

To play soccer, you must first understand the rules and the structure of the game. You must also acquire the necessary competence and player placements on the field. When learning how to play soccer, it’s also necessary to spend time on the pitch playing soccer. 

This guide was created to provide you with a full summary of all the essential information you’ll need to play the game.

If you’re a coach or a parent searching for a tool to teach others how to play soccer, this guide can help.

So, in this post, we’ve prepared eight simple step-by-step instructions to help you play soccer like a pro while also having fun.

1. Understand the Rules Of Soccer

Knowing how to play soccer requires a basic understanding of the rules. It might be perplexing if you aren’t knowledgeable as to what is and isn’t allowed. 

The basic rules of soccer are summarized below. 

Soccer rules:

• The team that scores or wins against the other with the most goals is the winner. 
• The ball must pass the goal line for a goal to be scored. 
• With no issue, the period of a soccer game is 90 minutes. 
• Each 45-minute half of a game is played. 
• Each squad can only have 11 players. 
• In the game of soccer, each team must have a minimum of 7 players. 
• Just the goalkeeper is entitled to touch the ball with his hands if any other team player does, it would be blown as a foul.
• If the ball is taken out of play, the opposing side will reintroduce it. 
• Any play that is deemed irresponsible, reckless, or excessively violent is considered a violation. 
• A penalty kick will be given to the opposing team if an offense is committed.

These are the most fundamental soccer rules. I recommend that you study the rules in greater detail if you truly want to learn how to play soccer. However, this basic overview should be sufficient to get you started.

2. Learn the Positions

Perhaps you’re concerned about which positions are the most important in soccer. You’re about to learn. 

The players’ places on the pitch are the second item you should be aware of when playing soccer. The maximum number of players a team could have on the pitch at any given time is 11, as stated in the rules.

A team will almost always begin a game with 11 players on the field. The only time this does not apply is during a young soccer game. 

Youth soccer games are frequently played on fields that are smaller than a full-size pitch. Because of the limited space, there are fewer players on the pitch at any given moment. 

There are four main positions in soccer:

• Goalkeeper
• Defense
• Midfield
• and Forwards

Each of these domains can be further divided into sub-categories. Let’s take a look at the above-mentioned primary soccer positions.

• The goalkeeper: The goalie is the player who is ultimately in charge of stopping the opposition side from scoring a goal. They usually stay inside the penalty area and therefore are situated in front of their team’s goal. To play goalie, a person must be prepared to put himself between both the ball as well as the goal he or she is defending in any circumstance. A goalie must also have quick reflexes as well as the ability to efficiently transmit the ball to the rest of his squad.

• The defense: A defense player’s job is to keep the ball and the opposing team’s players from gaining access to their team’s goal. Attempting a tackle on defense requires a defender to be powerful and confident. They must be constantly aware of the positions of all other players on the pitch. They should also be willing to cover for another member of their squad if necessary.

• The midfield: A midfielder is a player that serves as a link between the defense as well as the attacking players. On its way from the back towards the front of the soccer pitch, the ball frequently passes via the midfield players. Midfielders are frequently in charge of launching an attack. A player must be physically fit to play in the middle. They frequently survive longer on the squad than just about any other player. A midfielder’s passing ability is also important because they are responsible for moving the ball around the field.

• The forward: A soccer team’s forward is highly committed to scoring and creating goals. They are close to the opponent’s goal and try to score whenever possible. To play forward in soccer, a player must aim to create chances to shoot at a goal. To increase their chances of getting the ball and getting a shot, they must continually be seeking for and advancing into open space. They must be mindful of where the other players, particularly the goalkeeper, are on the pitch.

3. Discern the Structure of a Game

Understanding the organization of a soccer game, as well as the formation of a team, is another important factor to consider if you want to play soccer efficiently. Let’s take a short look at how a soccer game is structured. 

To begin, a soccer match lasts 90 minutes. There are two 45-minute halves to this. Quarters are used in some sports, while halves are used in soccer.

During a soccer match, there are no timeouts; simply the occasional refreshments interval if the referee deems it necessary.

Soccer, unlike some other team sports, does not have a stopwatch. The referee will keep note of how long the game has been stopped due to an injury or some other reason. This time will be added to the conclusion of the half by the referee. 

This is why some game finishes after 92, 93, or 94 minutes instead of at 90 minutes. 

If a game ends in a draw during a competition, extra time may be added at the end of the match. This is because a final competition requires a winner to be determined.

If this occurs, the game will be extended by 30 minutes. If the scores are still equal afterward, a penalty-kick competition, often known as penalities, will be held until a winner is determined.

4. Possess the Right Equipment

The next point we’ll cover in this tutorial is why it’s important to play soccer with the proper gear. Without the proper equipment, it is impossible to play soccer. 

The soccer ball is the most significant piece of equipment. You’d have a bunch of people racing around a field if you didn’t have a soccer ball! 

Let us start with the football gear. You don’t need to buy a design ball if you’re just getting started with soccer. After you’ve had a ball, you should consider what you’ll wear.

Pick something that you are comfy with while you are just practicing or kicking a ball around with teammates. Clothes that just don’t hinder your mobility and allow you to move freely are ideal. 

When you engage in a structured game, though, you will likely be required to dress in a specified manner. 

In most soccer games, a player must wear the following items:

• The team’s jersey
• Shorts
• Long socks
• Shin guards
• Appropriate soccer boots or footwear

When you join a soccer team, you will almost always be given a jersey, shorts, and socks. This is because each player on a team must wear uniforms that match so that players, supporters, as well as the referee, can easily recognize each team’s members. 

It’s worth possessing these items of clothes even if you’re not playing an official game. This provides you the freedom to play soccer whenever you want.

As a player, though, you must furnish your shin guards and boots. 

Cleats are worn by the majority of soccer players. Soccer cleats provide your feet with stability and support. They also give the player’s foot and the surface more traction as they travel about the field. 

Even though there are hundreds of various soccer cleats to pick from while shopping for them.

You’ll feel indecisive because you’ll be choosing from a variety of options, yet you’ll still need to acquire something. You’ll also need a pair of shin protectors if you want to play soccer.

While playing the game, players wear shin guards to protect their shins against harm. There are several cases of experience that being struck full force by another person’s foot or shin while not having shin guards may be excruciatingly painful! 

If you want shin guards that cover your entire shin, we suggest these from Amazon. As you can see, they have a lot of positive feedback.

These are also an excellent option if you’re looking for anything smaller and lighter.

5. Learn the Basic Skills

You’re quite well on your way to learning how to play soccer at this juncture. It’s time to acquire the basic abilities required to be efficient on the field now that you know the soccer positions, structure, and the proper equipment. 

While there are many diverse soccer skills to learn, we’ve divided them into three categories to help you get started.

a) Passing the ball

One of the most fundamental abilities in soccer is passing the ball effectively. 

If you can accomplish this well, you might be one of the team’s most prominent players. The inside of your foot should be used to pass the ball accurately.

Perhaps you’re wondering how to pass a ball. 

To pass the ball properly, your foot must create a somewhat flat surface on which you may push the ball towards the next player without it moving in the wrong direction. 

Finding a second player and passing the ball back and forth between the two of you is the most effective approach to practice this. If you can’t locate somebody to practice with, rebounding the ball against a wall would suffice.

The more you practice this, the more at ease you’ll be with the ball. You’ll have a better sense of how the ball goes, how much effort is required to kick it, and how it feels to catch it.

b) Scoring a goal

The next skill to master is goal-scoring. This is another crucial skill, but many individuals assume they don’t need to learn how to score a goal, which is why they often miss out on a one-on-one goal opportunity against a goalkeeper.

Goals are the most important aspect of soccer. The game is won by the squad that scores the most goals! 

You must master this skill since you do not want to miss out on any opportunities to help your squad. 

Getting in front of a goal and practicing is the greatest method to do this. If you’re looking for a simple goal to set up in your backyard, this Amazon goal is a great choice.

However, here’s a quick rundown of the most important things to keep in mind when taking a shot: 

• Before shooting, decide what you want to achieve. 
• Toss the ball in the location you want it to go with the toes of your standing foot. 
• For maximum force, strike the ball with your top foot. 
• For maximum accuracy, hit the ball with your inner foot. 
• For stability, keep your arms high.

c) Looking for space

Unfortunately, many novice players overlook this skill and its importance. When mastered, though, it can make a significant difference in a player’s performance and effectiveness. 

This ability entails simply being aware of your surroundings and dominating that area. This is true both with and without the ball.

Once you have the ball in your hands, you could either run with it into open space or pass it to a teammate. 

Too several players are so concentrated on themselves or the ball that they lose track of their surroundings and wind up colliding with opposing players.

Before they get the ball, a good player would already be aware of their surroundings. They’ll rush into that spot before an opponent. 

When another member of your team gets the ball, try to maneuver into open space. This gives that player a passing option that they wouldn’t have if opponents were around them.

6. Constantly Improve Your Fitness

You must maintain a consistent exercise regimen to enjoy and play soccer efficiently. You don’t want to run out of energy on the field or become a liability to your squad. There’s always space for improvement, no matter how fit you are. 

There are a variety of strategies to stay healthy or increase your fitness for soccer. However, we’ve discovered that following what professionals do is the best way to go about it.

Professional athletes and their coaches employ a variety of strategies to increase their fitness levels, which have been developed over extensive experience and research.

It will benefit to adopt their guidance because they know how it works best. You might enroll in an online fitness school or organize a series of specialized workouts that will prepare you to play soccer effectively.

7. Join a Competitive Team

While you’re learning how to play soccer and doing so well, you’ll probably conclude that it’s time to join a team. 

This step, however, may not apply to everyone. All you want to do maybe figure out how to play the game and have fun with your friends. And that’s fantastic! 

If you want to improve your soccer game and take it to the next level, joining a team is a good option. It has the potential to be extremely satisfying and rewarding.

Joining a team entails first determining whether teams are holding auditions in your region— a quick Google search should reveal this information—and then signing up. 

This does need some dedication. You will be needed to attend at minimum one training session during the week and be available to play in the game most weeks. However, the advantages should outweigh the disadvantages!

8. Reflect and Improve

Taking a moment and evaluating how you’re doing is the final step in playing soccer well. If you’re serious about improving your soccer skills, you’ll put in the effort. One of the most effective methods to do so is to evaluate your performance honestly.

This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Observing better players than yourself, as we have indicated in the previous stage, is a terrific method to improve your abilities.

Take note of what There are a variety of strategies to stay healthy or increase your fitness for soccer. However, we’ve discovered that following what professionals do is the best way to go about it.

Professional athletes and their coaches employ a variety of strategies to increase their fitness levels, which have been developed over extensive experience and research.

It will benefit to adopt their guidance because they know how it works best. You might enroll in an online fitness school or organize a series of specialized workouts that will prepare you to play soccer effectively.

7. Join a Competitive Team

While you’re learning how to play soccer and doing so well, you’ll probably conclude that it’s time to join a team. 

This step, however, may not be applicable to everyone. It’s possible that all you want to do is figure out how to play the game and have fun with your friends. And that’s fantastic! 

If you really want to improve your soccer game and take it to the next level, joining a team is a good option. It has the potential to be extremely satisfying and rewarding.

Joining a team entails first determining whether teams are holding auditions in your region— a quick Google search should reveal this information—and then signing up. 

This does need some dedication. You will be needed to attend at minimum one training session during the week and be available to play in the game most weeks. However, the advantages should outweigh the disadvantages!

8. Reflect and Improve

Taking a moment and evaluating how you’re doing is the final step in playing soccer well. If you’re serious about improving your soccer skills, you’ll put in the effort.

One of the most effective methods to do so is to evaluate your performance honestly.

Fortunately, this can be fulfilled in a plethora of ways. Observing better players than yourself, as we have indicated in the previous stage, is a terrific method to improve your own abilities.

Take note of what they’re doing and imitate it. Alternatively, you may ask them to show you how to do what they’re doing.

It would be beneficial to ask anyone you trust to give me their view on where you need to improve and expand yourself in that area while reflecting on and evaluating your own performance.

To summarize, learning how to play soccer is the first step in becoming a great player. You will find yourself playing soccer like a pro and loving the game at all times if the knowledge presented above is critically studied and practiced on the soccer field.

How long should I practice soccer a day?

While spending hours on the field kicking the ball aimlessly might seem like a fun way of spending your afternoon, in most cases it is counter-productive.

Even an hour of planned and organized training is better than an entire afternoon of mindless running after the ball.

In case you can’t prepare your own effective practices, you can take a quick look at the list above and follow the basics before moving on to the more advanced practice routines.

Being involved in soccer on a daily basis is a great recipe for success, just like with any other sport.

Whether it’s learning something new about the rules behind the game, watching games on TV to gain some insight into how the stars do things, or actually practicing and honing a new skill, daily work is one of the best investments for your future.

Invest an hour of your time every day into a planned soccer routine, and you’ll start noticing improvements in no time.

Is soccer easy to learn?

Just like any other sport, picking up soccer is not a hard thing to do. It can be done much easier than following the guide above: Get a ball, take it to a field, and have fun.

However, some things are more rewarding when done the right way. After investing a little time and effort, soccer can become a source of an insane amount of fun, spread throughout the player’s life. 

Soccer can be an excellent energy outlet that connects the players with their peers. The rules aren’t too complex, while the mechanics of the game can be learned by anyone in a matter of weeks.

This is what makes it an excellent sport for children, as well as for adults who are looking to blow some steam.

With a few hours of training every week, anyone can understand the game enough to have fun, while a more serious commitment to the sport is necessary for those who have higher ambitions.

How long does it take to get good at soccer?

Getting the grasp on the basics of soccer is something that occurs fairly quickly, and can be achieved in a matter of weeks. However, getting good at soccer is a long-term task that can take years to achieve.

Typically, soccer beginners take at least a year or two to become good at the game. It should be kept in mind that soccer skill development, just like with any other sport, is a highly individual thing; some might take months to learn what others only need hours for.

For those who wish to make a career in soccer, learning the game is not enough; they need to master it.

Experts suggest that three hours of daily practice is necessary to achieve this, over the course of a few years, depending on the player’s abilities.

The best way to become good at soccer is to fall in love with the sport. When there’s passion, there will also be the willingness to progress and master the game, and there’s no better motivation than that.

How soccer players play, how tactics are formed, how coaches train players: everything in soccer has continued growing. In many ways, soccer positions have also evolved too.

Yes, the goalkeeper position is a norm, but what sort of roles can a goalkeeper play? We all know what the defenders do, but how can a central defender like Ronald Koeman score 21 goals in 32 games?

Soccer positions, the roles within each position, and the tactical instructions for each position define soccer today. Without a proper understanding – and implementation – of these positions, winning an entertaining and attractive soccer game can be difficult.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at soccer positions in this ultimate 2021 guide.

What are the Soccer Positions?

Starting at the very back, we have the goalkeeper (GK) whose main duty is to keep the ball from entering the net.

In front of the goalie, there’s the sweeper (SW), the center-back (CB),  the full-back(FB), and the wing-back(WB).

Above the defense positions, the defensive midfielder (DM) connects the defence with the midfield.

In the midfield, we have the center midfielder (CM), wide midfielder (WM), and attacking midfielder (AM).

Above the midfield are the wing-forwards (WF) and the center-forwards(CF).

Soccer positions explained

Let’s go into detail with each position, how they can be used in tactics, and the benefits of each position for any team.

Goalkeeper (GK)

The goalkeeper’s essential duty is to protect the team’s net by ensuring that the ball doesn’t get in.

While other players in the team can do their best to prevent the opponent from scoring, the real work lies with the goalie.

This is one of the most important positions in the field. In fact, a team is entirely useless if they don’t have someone between the sticks.

Sweeper (SW)

While it’s uncommon to see a sweeper in modern football, the position remains quite handy in three-defender formations. The sweeper sits just behind the defensive line, right in front of the GK.

Their duty is key against teams with fast strikers: sweep up any balls that get past the defense before the opposing players can get to it.

With goalkeepers evolving their roles to include sweeping, coaches haven’t found much use for sweeper defenders.

Center-back (CB)

The center-back, also called a central defender, usually plays as one of two or three central defenders. Like the GK, center-backs are highly valuable to every team, and that’s because they primarily hold down the fort with the keeper.

While they are required to remove the ball from dangerous situations, experience and skill will often determine how efficiently they do their duty.

Clearing the ball, heading the ball out of the box, chasing down opposing attackers, and communicating with each other are all requirements for center-backs. 

In modern football, CB’s are more inclined to help the team recycle possession and aid attacks as well.

Full-back (FB)

Similar to the CB, the full-back is primarily a defensive player. However, the full-backs take their spots on the left and right sides of the field. T

heir main aim is fairly straightforward: protect the team’s goal from attacks in wide areas and assist the center-backs in the middle.

Because full-backs have to deal with pacey wingers out wide, they need to be fast and great at tackling.

Their speed also comes in handy when they overlap on the widths of the pitch to help in attacking plays for their team.

Wing-back (WB)

Very similar to full-backs, the wing-back takes his position in the wider areas of the pitch. The major difference between both positions is how high the wing-back plays.

Sitting above the defensive line, wing-backs are useful for increasing the team’s width during attacks or spells of possession.

The wing-back has to supplement their attacking exuberance with some defensive output too. They need to track back to defend when caught out of position, which requires high stamina and work rate.

Because wing-backs influence the attack, they need to be adept at crossing the ball into the box, as well as making key passes in the final third.

Defensive midfielder (DM)

While the team attacks and wing-backs drive into the final third, it is the defensive midfielder who has to ensure defensive solidity in case of a counterattack. This makes them useful members of any team.

They are highly adept at defense, and they dutifully aid the defenders in holding off opposition attacks and intercepting passes through the midfield.

However, they come in very handy in starting up attacks and recycling possession for their team.

Central midfielder (CM)

Often seen as the most valuable role, central midfielders must be adept in defensive and offensive plays.

When the ball is with the opposition, they have to chase down the opponent, trackback to help the defense, and provide numbers to withstand the opposition in the box.

During attacks, they are the direct link between their team’s defense and attack. They have to keep up with the ball’s movement, determine the tempo of the game, and distribute important passes to more attacking players.

Wide midfielder (WM)

Often called wingers, the wide midfielder sits ahead of the wing-backs on the flanks. Like the central midfielder, wide midfielders must be adept defensively and offensively.

Tracking back to support the defense is usually a requirement, but their main duty is supporting the attack during offensive plays.

Playing on either wing, wide midfielders need to be pacey and good dribblers. They also need good positional awareness, especially during attacking plays.

Most coaches use wide midfielders to deliver crosses into the box for strikers to score. Often enough, the wide midfielder can create opportunities for themselves to score as well.

Attacking midfielder (AM)

The attacking midfielder is the key that unlocks the route from the midfield to the offensive players.

Like the central midfielder, they need a great vision for passing and shooting. However, attacking midfielders rarely need to track back into the first third for defensive output.

Often prowling in the middle of the pitch, the attacking midfielder is there to create and finish attacks. They are also seen as playmakers.

Wing-forward (WF)

Playing above the wide-midfielder position, wing-forwards have become a key position in modern football.

Tracking back to defend only when necessary, the main part of a wing-forward’s game revolves within and around the final third.

Wing-forwards need strong one-on-one skills because they need to dribble past their marker to get into threatening positions.

Skillful and decisive, wing-forwards have to either cause havoc within the box or layout passes and crosses to the team’s strikers.

Center-forward (CF)

Often called strikers, center-forwards have a singular focus in the game: putting the ball in the opponent’s net.

How they do it, really, is entirely dependent on tactical instructions and formations, but they are highly focused on their primary goal.

They often need to be strong, fast, or both, and they need to be clinical in front of goal.

Whether they head in goals, score with their feet, or fumble the ball into the net somehow, they need to remain focused on their primary target.

Strikers usually sit above the other players on the field, as the focal point of the team’s attack.

Soccer positions and numbers

You might have heard about classic No. 10 players like Lionel Messi whose sublime vision and passing skills are game-changing.

You’re certainly familiar with No. 7s like Cristiano Ronaldo whose ruthlessness from the wing can be a threat to the defending team.

Rather than some mathematics, these numbers merely represent player positions on the field. The numbering of positions started just over a hundred years ago and has slightly evolved over the years.

Numbers don’t matter too often these days, and a great example of this is Thierry Henry. The prolific goal scorer was one of the best strikers in the world during the 2000s.

However, rather than the customary No. 9, he wore the No. 14 jersey. Hicham Zerouali moved to Aberdeen in the Scottish league, where fans, upon seeing his name, urged him to wear the No. 0 jersey and he obliged.

So, let’s take a look at how each position is historically numbered:

Soccer position roles and instructions

On a team, player roles act as tactical templates within each player’s position. Each role suits the coach’s tactic or suits the team’s dynamic. In reality, there are no “default” roles.

For example, a team might have a right-wing-back who is highly efficient at getting forward in attacking situations and crossing the ball in.

They may also have a left full-back whose strong attributes lie in defense, rather than in strengthening the attack. Because of these two players, the coach might ask the team to attack the right flank more. 

This will improve the chances of the right-back driving the attack down the right flank and contributing towards a goal.

The left-back can stay back and easily support the defensive line, especially during counterattacks. 

Also, note that position instructions are very dependent on position roles. Certain players are instructed to play in a certain way to suit their role on the pitch. Very few players are left with little or no instruction.

Often, roles are intertwined and interchangeable. How players perform in their given roles is based on the skill level and playing style of each player.

So, let’s take a look at the position roles in soccer today.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper’s duty is quite straightforward: defend the goal. Essentially, the goalkeeper is the last line of the team’s defense.

They have to make saves, punch away difficult-to-catch balls, and direct the team’s defenders. There are two roles within this position: the traditional goalkeeper and the sweeper-keeper.

Traditional goalkeeper

This role is simple: it covers the goalkeeper’s main duty. This goalkeeper is often tall with quick reflexes. Rarely playing a possession game, they boot the ball up the field any time they receive it. They rarely venture out of the box.

Sweeper keeper

A goalkeeper in this role is also dedicated to how the team attacks, not just in defensive plays. This goalkeeper is often braver, pacey, and has a keen eye for key passes to attacking teammates.

They can stray outside the box to aid in retaining ball possession, and they are usually quick to rush out from the post in a bid to intercept through passes or crosses.

The sweeper-keeper also tries to influence the offense by distributing accurate balls to attackers.

Center-back

The central defender’s traditional duty is to limit the opposition’s presence in the box. They work to break up attacks while holding a firm defensive line.

They need to mark attackers and tackle the ball when necessary. They also need to remove the ball from danger in the simplest and most efficient way.

Traditional center-back

Free from fluid tactical instructions, the traditional center-back has only one goal: stop attacks.

They win the ball back from the opposition and clear it away without any risks. They can lay off simple passes to more creative players if the opportunity presents itself.

Ball-playing center-back

More fluid in building attacks than the traditional center-back, the ball-playing center-back has excellent passing skills.

This is a more common role in the modern game as defenders look to support the team in attacking transitions as well.

The ball-playing center-back will distribute passes from the outback and even send long, defense-splitting passes to attackers in the final third.

Libero

While they are center-backs, they look to advance into more midfield-like roles when their team is in possession.

Essentially acting as a midfielder, the libero will come forward from the defense line in a bid to aid the attack.

In some cases, liberos have been known to even venture into the final third to pick a shot at a goal.

Liberos have to be highly creative defenders who are adept at tracking back quickly, tackling players, and starting attacking plays.

Sweeper

Much like the traditional center-back, the sweeper’s focus is singular: clearing the ball.

Dropping deeper than the defensive line, sweepers will aim to cover any holes in the defense and sweep up any long balls.

Sweeper

The position and the role are seen as the same thing, with center-backs performing sweeper roles during a game.

Sweeper keepers also handle this area by rushing out of their goal to sweep up long balls and intercept the opposition’s attacks.

Full-back

The full-back is primarily a defensive player who will move forward to aid the team when an extra man is required in the attack. Sitting on the flanks, full-backs maintain a supporting role going forward.

Traditional full-back

Similar to the traditional center-back, this full-back has no intentions of moving forward to aid the attack in any way.

Their duty is singular and free from tactical fluidity: protect the goal from the flanks.

They may enter the midfield to receive back passes and distribute from there, but this is the extent of their attacking input.

Supporting full-back

Supplementing their defensive duties with some attacking prowess, the supporting full-back will look to move into the midfield during attacking transitions.

They will also aid attacks with key passes, through-balls, and an early cross into the box when necessary.

Attacking full-back

Shedding a little more of their defensive duties, the attacking full-back will look to influence the game down the flanks in the final third.

Attacking full-backs need speed and stamina to get forward quickly and fall back during defensive play.

Wing-back

Popular for their efficiency in the final third, wing-backs will often shirk their defensive duties in order to aid the team’s attack. Wing-backs need a lot of stamina to act as a winger in the final third and act like a full-back in defense.

Supporting wing-back

Much like the attacking full-back, the supporting wing-back will look to change the game from the flanks.

They have to be adept at crossing the ball, distributing accurate passes, and even running past their marker when necessary.

Inverted wing-back

Playing a more similar role to the libero, these wing-backs will move towards the center of the field during possession plays.

Instead of attacking down the flanks like the standard wing-backs, the inverted wing-back will seek to add numbers to the middle of the field.

Complete wing-back

These wing-backs love to influence the game in the final third, putting killer balls into the box, dribbling past their marker, and even taking direct chances at goal.

Unlike the other wing-backs, their defensive duties are covered by other defensive players. They, on the other hand, are given full reign to bomb down the flanks or through the midfield with abandon.

Defensive midfielder

Sitting just above the defensive line, this midfielder’s duty is essential to many teams: protect the defensive line and support the midfield.

Depending on their role, the defensive midfielder can act like an extra center-back or an extra central midfielder.

Capable of controlling the tempo of the game and chasing down opposing players, the defensive midfielder’s roles are expansive.

Traditional defensive midfielder

In the original sense of the role, this “old school” defensive midfielder will hold their position above the defense.

They will aim to win the ball back quickly and pass it to a more creative teammate upfront. They also aid with recycling possession with simple passes.

Defensively, they are more useful. They chase down players and look to intercept passes through the middle of the field.

Deep-lying playmaker

These defensive midfielders operate as the route between the defense and the midfield.

They drive further up the pitch than the traditional role permits in a bid to kickstart attacking plays. While they are skillful and creative passers, their defensive duties are similar to the traditional defensive midfielder.

Ball winning midfielder

The duty is explained in the role. These defensive midfielders are simply intent on winning the ball back from the opposition as quickly as possible.

This will require high stamina and efficient tackling skills. Depending on the coach’s tactic, ball-winning midfielders may stray higher than their normal position in order to win the ball back higher up the pitch.

Anchorman

This role is similar to the traditional defensive midfielder role. They sit between the defense and the midfield, intercept passes, and win back the ball.

They essentially anchor the defense without straying from their position. They don’t join the defensive line, nor do they join the midfield.

Half-back

These defensive midfielders will play as an extra center-back when necessary.

During offensive play, they will join the defense to recycle possession and pass to more creative players. During defensive play, they will sit near the defense to offer extra protection.

Regista

While similar to the deep-lying playmaker, the regista is given free rein positionally. They dictate the play and pass creatively, just like the deep-lying playmaker.

However, they can also venture as high as they like in a bid to offer the team an extra creative outlet during the attack.

Unpredictable and aggressive, the regista needs to be pacey and capable of finding their way through tight situations.

Roaming playmaker

This attack-minded defensive midfielder’s duty is to receive the ball in deep positions, then dictate the tempo of the game and work it forward with dashing runs and creative passes.

They will go as far as the final third to look for shooting opportunities from outside the box. However, their freedom to roam will require extra defensive input from other players.

Segundo Volante

Directly translated to mean second steering wheel, these defensive midfielders are mainly defensive.

However, they seek to arrive late into attacking situations to provide support with creative passes or a shot at the goal.

While they may often run with the ball, their standout quality is when they arrive in threatening areas during offensive plays.

Central midfielder

Seen as the key in the cog, central midfielders link the midfield and the attack. They control the tempo and pace of the team and support the attackers moving forward.

They are also hardworking in defense, sitting a little deeper and tracking opposing players in the middle of the pitch.

Their roles, like the defensive midfielders’, vary vastly.

Advanced playmaker

These central midfielders aim to turn defense into attack quickly. Limited in their defensive roles, they look for opportunities to kickstart attacks when their team retrieves the ball.

They can either support the forward players with passes, or they can join the attack with darting runs and control the tempo in the final third.

Box-to-box midfielder

Lots of stamina, a high work rate, and a hard-working footballer: these are what make up a box-to-box midfielder.

These central midfielders can also be defined as the workhorse of the midfield.

They are capable of nearly everything: they distribute passes, they look to score, and they also trackback to defend for the team.

Mezzala

Directly translating to half-winger or wing-half, these are central midfielders who like to influence the game from a slightly wider area.

They operate in half-spaces: holes within the opposing team’s defense. This allows them to contribute to the game further up in the field and influence their team’s attacking play in key areas.

Carrilero

Directly translating to railway man, these central midfielders cover the lateral areas of the pitch, thereby linking the defense with the midfield.

Hardly noticeable during the game, they dutifully support the team by linking the midfield lines. They are also adept in defensive play, tracking back to help the team.

Wide midfielder

These are adept wingers who can influence all areas of the game, depending on the roles they play.

Often used in the popular age-old 4-4-2 formation, these midfielders have simple roles from their respective flanks.

They either join the attack, support the midfield, or sit with the defense.

Defensive winger

These wide midfielders focus on reducing the threat from the opposing team. Aiming to break down opposing attacks out wide, they charge their opponents down on the flanks.

They also look to cross the ball into the box or pass to a more creative player during attacking plays.

Winger

Simple role requirements: Stick to the edge of the pitch, dash down the flank, and cross the ball in to score.

Sometimes, more attacking wingers can run into the box and look for a chance to go at the goal themselves.

More creative wingers will look to skillfully leave their marker in the dust and lift the ball to a striker to score.

Wide playmaker

While on the attack, these midfielders will provide the team with creativity by looking for spaces to run through the opposition’s defense.

They are skillful passers and will bring others into the game, rather than create the game themselves. Defensively, they don’t have many requirements.

Rather, they act as the main creator of the team, waiting for potential counter-attacking opportunities.

Attacking midfielder

Playing ahead of the central midfield, attacking midfielders are rarely found – or required – in defensive positions.

They purposefully link the midfield to the attack, creating chances and providing opportunities for the strikers. They’re also adept at fashioning their own chances as well.

Traditional attacking midfielder

The old-school attacking midfielders, often known as Classic No.10s, are rarely found in the modern game.

They sit in pockets of space, linking play with their teammates and ensuring that the game revolves around them. They can also drive into the box in a bid to take a direct shot or give the assist for their teammate to score.

Classic No. 10s tend to be highly skillful and athletic, a nightmare for opposing defenders.

Advanced playmaker

In the attacking midfield position, advanced playmakers are the focal point of the team’s attack. Their main duty is to remain available for their teammates to pass to.

When they receive the ball, they distribute it deftly or drive into attack themselves.

Often, they seek to get into defensive holes and break down the opposing defense with an all-important pass.

Trequartista

Translated to mean three quarters, these attacking midfielders have the combined ability of a clinical striker, as well as the vision of a playmaker.

Rather than join the team during defensive plays, they drift into space, waiting to start the attack (and finish it, if possible).

Enganche

Translated to mean Hitch, the difference between an Enganche and a trequartista is in movement.

While the trequartista moves to find open spaces across the pitch, the enganche sits as the pivot (or hitch) between the midfield and attack.

Attacking plays are made through the enganche’s links, as they position themselves to drive the team as the focal point.

Wing-forward

Increasingly popular in the modern game, the wing-forward has an important duty: to ensure that goals are scored.

It often doesn’t matter whether they’re scoring the goals themselves or assisting other teammates to score.

They are positioned on the flanks beside the strikers and can be a menace for opposing defenders.

Winger

These wing-forwards focus on driving down the flank and launching quick crosses into the box to create goals.

Due to their pace and skill, wingers can launch a counterattack down the flank successfully and lay the ball off for a striker to score. When chanced, they score goals as well.

Inverted winger

Rather than driving down the width of the pitch, these wing-forwards look to influence the game nearing the center.

They have the duty of drawing defenders to follow them, thereby leaving space for an overlapping player (like a complete wing-back) to receive the ball down the flank.

Inside forward

Similar to the inverted winger, the inside forward’s duty also includes scoring goals. This is one of the most used roles for wing-forwards in the modern game.

Driving in from out wide towards the center of the opposition’s box, the inside forward can choose to shoot or pass the ball. Usually, the player’s stronger foot should be the opposite of the side of the pitch he plays on.

Wide target man

Important for transitional play and picking up clearances, the wide target man is often tall and strong.

These physical qualities ensure that he can receive long balls, hold up the play to wait for his teammates, and pass the ball to a more creative player.

Raumdeuter

Translated to mean space investigator, this player’s aim is to find pockets of space out wide from where they can operate.

Once they receive the ball in such space, they source out passing or shooting opportunities. These players need to be highly creative and skilled to quickly cause havoc from those space pockets.

Center-forward

These players are the team’s direct source of goals. They need to be firm on their feet, but also highly clinical with a keen eye for putting the ball past the keeper and into the net.

Their roles, however different, lead to the same end-point: goals.

Shadow striker

This player essentially shadows the team’s main striker. Playing off the shoulder of the striker, they look to create goals and drive through the opposing defense to take their chances at goal.

They need to be prolific goalscorers to be efficient in this role.

Deep-lying forward

Similar to the attacking midfielder, the deep-lying forward falls back from the striking position in order to create chances for their teammates.

While they need to be creative and skilled to perform well, they also need to fashion out chances for themselves and score when opportune.

Advanced forward

This player is usually the focal point of attack in teams. Sitting on the very edge of the opposition’s defensive line or coming lower to receive the ball, the advanced forward is a goalscoring threat from distance or in the box.

Other players will look to give the ball to the advanced forward once the player is in a prime position to score.

Target man

Similar to the wide target man, the striking target man’s position is at the center of the attack.

It is his duty to receive long balls, hold up play for his teammates, and score headers from crosses. The target man needs to be tall, strong, and capable of fending off opposing defenders.

Poacher

Rarely partaking in the build-up play, the poacher’s focus on goal scoring is absolute.

They rarely create chances or pass the ball. They simply look to be in the right place at the right time to shoot and score goals.

Complete forward

This is an all-around forward who can create chances for other players, fashion chances for themselves, and partake in every part of the attacking play.

They are good with the ball at their feet and also good with heading the ball. They are creative and also prolific goalscorers.

False 9

An intended pun on the concept of the Number 9 striker, the false 9 falls back into a midfield role in order to attract the opposing defenders to break shape and follow them.

They are quick and efficient passers of the ball, and they have good vision for players making runs behind the scattered defense. They also have a good eye for goals.

Soccer position instructions

Player instructions can depend on player roles. For example, a complete wing-back might be instructed to stick to the edge of the flanks while waiting for the ball.

A false 9 might be instructed to dribble more than another striker would. A ball-playing defender can launch more long balls than the traditional defender.

With these in mind, let’s take a look at some usual instructions for each position:

Soccer position skills

When playing in particular positions, players usually have a default set of skills that help them excel.

Sometimes, they may have added skills that improve their play, but the skills required to play their part is often sufficient.

In the modern game, however, soccer has become more fluid. Players find that they may have to play different roles against different opponents. They cannot rely on a singular skillset for a single role.

Here are the default skills required for each position in soccer:

What is the easiest position in soccer?

There are no easy positions. Each position has an important part to play in any team.

However, it is usually argued that the full-back position is the easiest.

They make the least runs, touch the ball the least times, and hardly affect the game (compared to other positions).

The full-back position should not be confused with the wing-back position.

Though both are similar, wing-backs are highly effective in the final third of the pitch. Most teams today prefer to use wing-backs rather than full-backs.

What is the hardest position in soccer?

This is, according to most soccer fans and players alike, the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is also the most important player on the field, and no team can start without one.

It also happens to be the toughest in terms of mental strain and public humiliation. While any other player can make mistakes on the pitch, the goalkeeper’s smallest mistakes can be very drastic.

A small mistake from a goalkeeper can mean losing the MLS Cup or any other important game. So, goalkeepers have to be in the top mental state to compete at the highest levels.

What is the most recruited position in soccer?

Interestingly, wing-backs are the most recruited position, strongly followed by goalkeepers and strikers.

It is very difficult to get a brilliant wing-back. Remember, wing-backs have to be very active in both offensive and defensive plays.

Poor wing-backs may attack efficiently without putting in the required defensive output, or they might stay back to defend and the attack falters due to their absence on the flanks.

Getting a hard-working wing-back with a high work rate is essential to many teams, and they’ll keep recruiting such players till they find their key man.

We will now have a look at all of the signals that assistant referees make during a game of soccer and how they motion each of the signals to the main referee.

The flag of the assistant referee has to be always visible to the main referee. It has to be unfolded and be as still as possible, even when the assistant is running.

When there is a signal to be made, the assistant has to stop running, turn and face the referee, make eye contact, and then raise the flag on purpose but not in a silly way so that it gets the attention of the main referee.

They say that the flag should be an extension of the assistant’s arm when being used.

The assistant has to put his/her flag up by using the hand that is going to be used for the signal that is to come next.

However, if that can not happen, then the assistant’s other hand has to be used for the signal that is to come next. The assistant should then change the flag to his/her opposite hand and have the flag down below their waist.

The assistant referees must raise the flag using the hand that will also be used for the next signal in a sequence.

If circumstances change and the other hand must be used for the next signal, the assistant referee should move his flag to the opposite hand below the waist.

Now we will look at all the signals that assistant referees make during a match.

Throw-In

During a game, when the soccer ball goes out of play near to where the assistant is standing, he/she must then make a signal to tell the players as well as the main referee which direction the throw-in should go (which team takes the throw).

When the soccer ball goes out of play when the assistant is not near it, and it is clear which team will get the ball, the assistant will make a direct signal to show both players and the referee which way the throw-in will go.

If the soccer ball goes out of play and the assistant is far from where it crossed the line, however, the ball still looks like it is in play or if there is any doubt in the assistant’s mind, he/she has to raise their flag to tell the main referee that it ball is out, look at the main referee and then follow the referee’s signal.

Goal Kick

When the soccer ball goes out of play (goal line) and it is close to the assistant referee, he/she must then make a signal with either their left or right hand to tell the referee and players that it is a goal kick.

If the soccer ball crosses the goal line and it is close to the position of the assistant however the ball still looks to be in play, the assistant has to first raise the flag to tell the referee the ball is not in play and then to imply that it is a goal kick.

If the soccer ball happens to cross the goal line and the assistant’s position is far from where the ball crossed, they have to raise their flag to tell the referee that the ball is now out, while making eye contact and then follow the main referee’s decision. The assistant can also make a signal if it is deemed that the decision is a clear and obvious call.

Corner Kick

When the soccer ball goes out of play (goal line) and it is close to the assistant referee, he/she must then make a signal with either their left or right hand to tell the referee and players that it is a corner kick.

If the soccer ball crosses the goal line and it is close to the position of the assistant however the ball still looks to be in play, the assistant has to first raise the flag to tell the referee the ball is not in play and then to imply that it is a corner kick.

If the soccer ball happens to cross the goal line and the assistant’s position is far from where the ball crossed, they have to raise their flag to tell the referee that the ball is now out, while making eye contact and then follow the main referee’s decision.

The assistant can also make a signal if it is deemed that the decision is a clear and obvious call.

Offside

The very first thing that the assistant referee has to do after they have deemed a player to be offside, is to raise their flag. The assistant will then use his/her flag to tell the main referee which area of the field was the player offside.

If the main referee does not see the assistant’s flag has been raised, then the assistant must keep the flag raised and continue to keep signaling until the main referee sees that the flag is raised or that the soccer ball is now in possession of the team that is now defending.

When the time comes for the assistant to raise their flag, it must be done with their right hand. Doing this is gives the assistant a better sight of the field.

Substitutions

When soccer teams decide it is time to make some changes to their team during a match, they will make what is called a substitution. When this happens the assistant first has to be told of this by the person who is acting as the fourth official. 

The assistant referee has to then make a signal to the main referee when there is a stoppage in play.

The assistant referee will not have to go to the middle of the pitch (halfway line) and this is because the fourth official is the one charged with doing the entire substitution action.

However if for some reason there is no fourth official present for the match, the assistant referee has to help with all of the substitution actions.

When this happens the main referee has to wait until the assistant referee is back in their normal position before play can resume.

Fouls

The last signal that an assistant referee has to make is when a foul is committed on the pitch. When this happens he or she must immediately raise their flag and when the foul is committed out of the referee’s vision or has to do so in such a way so that the main referee can see the flag.

In other situations, the assistant referee has to wait until the main referee wants their opinion on a situation or if they are asked if they saw what foul was committed and by which player if the referee did not see it.

If that happens then the assistant referee has to report what they have seen or heard between the players that were involved to the main referee.

There are a few things that the assistant referee has to clarify first before they can raise their flag, however.

First is did the offense occur out of the view of the referee or was the view of the foul obstructed or would the referee not played advantage had he/she seen the foul in the build-up.

If there has been misconduct or a foul has been committed by a player, the assistant referee has to raise their flag with the same hand that is going to be used for the rest of the signal, this is because it gives a very clear sign as to which player was fouled.

The assistant referee also has to make eye contact with the main referee and when a foul is committed wave their flag back and forth to signal a foul has been committed and if necessary the assistant can use an electronic beep signal in which the main referee can then know that a foul has been committed.

Lastly, the assistant has to use a technique called the wait and see technique. This is to allow the play to continue on and not put their flag up to indicate a foul when the team that had the player fouled has a distinct advantage in play.

When this happens, it is critical for the assistant to maintain eye contact with the main referee. 

They are a very different way of scoring in soccer and if you have the right players over the ball, then they can be deadly.

In this article, we will have a look at everything that a set-piece entails. From what exactly a set piece is to what it means and all the different types of set pieces that can occur throughout a match.

If you are looking to expand your knowledge regarding set-pieces then read on as we are going to cover everything you need to know when it comes to set pieces in soccer.

A set-piece in soccer occurs when there is a stoppage in play from either a foul on a player or that the soccer ball has gone out of bounds.

Set pieces range from goal kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, penalties, and free kicks. Each of these will occur after the referee has blown his/her whistle and they are also called a dead ball situation as the match is stopped because of a foul or ball going out of bounds.

What is a set piece in soccer?

As we mentioned above, a set piece in soccer can mean a variety of different things.

For example, when a player is taken down in the box and is awarded a penalty, that is seen as a set-piece because the ball is stationary.

Another one is when a player is fouled inside the field of play by another player and a free kick is awarded.

Normally they are dangerous when the foul occurs near the penalty box as the player standing over the “dead ball” can either cross it into the box for his teammates to attack or he can go for a goal himself.

A corner kick is another set-piece that occurs in soccer and for teams that have some height, they can be very useful if the delivery is right.

A corner kick is awarded when a defender or any player from a team is last to touch the ball and it goes out of bounds behind the goal between the corner flag and the goals.

A high number of goals can come from a set-piece like a corner kick if the delivery is right and it can be a major weapon in a side’s arsenal.

What does set-piece mean?

The phrase set-piece, dead ball, or set play is used in soccer and it refers to a specific situation when the soccer ball is returned to open play after a stoppage, normally in teams attacking area on the pitch.

In soccer, the term is used when a team has a free kick or a corner kick and refers to penalties and throw-ins as well.

Numerous goals can be scored from these set pieces whether they have scored directly from the spot for example a free kick or indirectly.

A team’s defensive organization is critical when defending set-pieces and it is why so much time is spent on the training ground to perfect them.

Set pieces are an area of the game where teams can have a significant advantage over the opposition as numerous routines and tactics can be used to get the best possible result.

Often teams have a player or two who specialize in set pieces so that they can take full advantage of the situation.

Different types of set pieces in soccer

1. Corner kick

When the soccer ball goes out of play over the goal line and a defender is the last player to touch it, a corner kick is then given to the attacking team.

The ball is then placed on the corner, near the corner flag so the ball can then be crossed into the box and these are a valuable weapon for the attacking team to try and score.

It gives the attacking team a free shot at crossing the ball into the box so that a teammate can head the ball into the net.

Normally because defenders are bigger than attackers, the team attacking will often target its defenders for headers at goal.

The only thing that the attacking team has to worry about is getting caught on the counter-attack as most of their players are in the penalty box trying to score.

2. Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the soccer ball goes over the end line and the last player to touch it was an attacking player.

The soccer ball is then placed in what is known as the goal box and the goalkeeper is then tasked with putting the ball back into play, usually kicking long to their team’s forwards or they can play it short to their defenders so that they can build from the back to create a shot on goal.

3. Throw-in

A throw-in will be awarded when the soccer ball goes out of the field of play on the sidelines o touchlines as they are also called and the team that did not touch the ball last is then awarded the throw-in.

Aside from a goalkeeper, this represents the only time when a soccer play is allowed to touch the ball with their hands and pick it up.

4. Free Kick

When a foul occurs on the field a free kick is awarded. Depending on where on the pitch the foul occurs, the team that is awarded the free kick can simply play the ball onto his/her teammate to keep the game moving.

On the other hand if a foul occurs near the goal, then the attacking team has the option to shoot at the goal.

Some players have become specialists in shooting at goal from free-kicks and they can be classified as direct or indirect free kicks.

5. Penalties 

A penalty is awarded when an attacking player is fouled in the box and it is a valued commodity in the game of soccer.

It presents the attacking team with a “free” shot at the goal with a very high chance of scoring. They are extremely valuable to sides during a match.

There are many uncertainties around it, but one thing about football is undeniable – violence is a huge part of the sport.

Soccer, on the other hand, has no room for violence. In fact, there are strictly defined rules and laws that have a goal to prevent and penalize this type of behavior. As with any fast-paced team sport, offenses that involve contact between players are, however, unavoidable.

For this reason (and more), soccer has what we refer to as fouls. With extensive research on the topic, we’ve managed to take a fairly complicated set of rules and tried to make a guide on soccer fouls that can be useful to both newcomers and seasoned soccer veterans.

Read on to find out what are soccer fouls, what types of soccer fouls exist, and how are they reprimanded.

Types of soccer fouls: What is considered a foul in soccer?

The laws of the game of soccer, which are clearly defined by the FA, state that acts that the referee of the match considers unfair all fall into the category of fouls and misconduct.

Any offense in soccer can be considered a foul, misconduct, or even both at the same time, depending on the circumstances in which it has been committed. 

The FA’s Law 12 deals with these issues in dept, and you can read about it in detail by following the link. If you’re not a soccer referee, or you simply don’t feel like reading through all of the details of the law, here is a simpler version:

For an offense to be considered a foul that warrants a free-kick, or even additional reprimanding, it needs to interfere with the active play of the match.

Once the officials of the game recognize that this type of offense has been committed, a free kick, or a penalty kick in some cases, is awarded to the opposing team.

In case you’re a soccer geek in the making and you’re wondering what all of the offenses that may lead to a foul being called are, we’ve created a detailed list to enable your inevitable soccer addiction.

The list can also be useful to seasoned soccer fans who just want to know more about their favorite game. Here is the list of soccer offenses that can lead to a foul:

1. Kicking 

Kicking an opposing player is one of the most common ways that fouls in soccer are committed.

In fact, even an attempt to kick is considered a foul. Intentional kicking, or attempting to kick, is, obviously, an example of unsportsmanlike behavior; If found to be intentional in its nature, kicking can be reprimanded with the ultimate soccer punishment – the red card (more on that later).

2. Tripping

Tripping an opposing player is a serious type of foul, especially when we consider the consequences it can have: Tripping a sprinting attacker can lead to serious injuries and if done in an obviously intentional manner, a confrontation between the two teams.

For this reason, soccer referees won’t hesitate to severely punish those who trip opposing players during active play.

This action can, of course, also happen unintentionally. In this case, the consequences for the offender are usually milder.

3. Jumping

Jumping in itself is not considered a foul in soccer. However, jumping into an opponent, especially in an aerial duel when going for a header, can quickly turn ugly.

This is why those players who jump with no regard for their own and others’ safety are often punished in soccer.

As undeniably fun as these duels can be, we must remember that soccer is a non-violent sport and that the safety of the players is the number one priority.

4. Charging

Here’s what is possibly the most common cause of free kicks in soccer – charging. This is another commonly used maneuver in soccer, which can, when performed improperly, place all participants in a dangerous and potentially injury-causing situation.

This is why charging into an opponent is more than frowned upon by soccer referees in all levels of soccer. 

5. Pushing

We are commonly witnesses to the situations where soccer players are running side to side when one of them falls down. In the heat of the moment, soccer players can push their opponent during a tight duel.

This will certainly lead to a follow being called, whether the fouled player falls to the ground or not.

There’s also a tricky side to this type of soccer fouls: All of us have also seen simulated falls during tight duels, which is a foul in itself and can be extremely hard to recognize in an instant.

6. Tackling from behind

There aren’t many situations where soccer referees won’t hesitate to reach for the red card – tackling from behind is one of them. This might be one of the most severe types of fouls, and it almost certainly carries a card as a punishment.

Depending on whether the referee believes that there was an intention to the move, the card that he shows to the tackler can even be red.

7. Tackling and making contact before making contact with the ball

Tackles are another fun aspect of soccer. There are not many moves that look as good as a well-executed tackle. When executed cleanly, the player will tackle the ball and avoid the attacker altogether.

The tackling player can make contact with the tackled one only if he makes contact with the ball first.

If the first thing they hit during the tackle is the opposing player, a foul is called. Depending on the severity of the tackle, as well as the perceived intention behind it, a card might be issued.

8. Holding

Holding an opponent during active play is strictly forbidden in soccer. This means that even those players who aren’t in possession of the ball can be fouled.

There are different types of holding, from subtle jersey pinches that we commonly see during free kicks, to the more obvious pulling and violent thugs.

9. Touching the ball with your hands

Another big no-no in soccer is touching the ball with your hands. Unless you’re a goalkeeper, there’s no situation in which you can touch the ball with your hands while it’s in the field of play.

Whether the ball hits a player when it has been kicked, or they touch it intentionally, a foul will be called by the match officials.

Soccer foul consequences: What are the penalties for committing a foul in soccer?

A free-kick is what comes out as a consequence of most fouls in soccer. In cases when the defending team causes a foul in their own box, a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking soccer team.

Even though in the majority of cases soccer fouls are just awarded a free kick, some instances do require a more severe punishment to the offending player, as apparent from the previous section of this article.

In these cases, the referee can decide to issue the player with one of the cards that all main officials carry during every match. The first one is colored yellow, while the other one is red. Here’s a bit more on both:

1. Yellow card

A yellow card is the first of the two major means used to discipline players that step over the line. Being the first major warning, this card is mostly used as a way to caution players that have stepped over the line.

Any soccer player that receives a yellow card is not out of the game, and they can continue playing.

Here are the situations that are guaranteed to lead to a yellow card for the offending player:

• Unsportsmanlike behavior
• Arguing with the referee’s decision
• Committing excessive fouls
• Intentional game delaying
• Exiting or entering the field without the referee’s permission

2. Red card

The more drastic measure of disciplining soccer players is issuing the red card. This card means that the player that is receiving it has grossly injured the rules of the game, and it also means that he is expelled from the rest of the match.

If you think that this isn’t severe enough, it should be also kept in mind that the team is not allowed to replace the expelled player and that they must play the rest of the match with one player fewer.

Here are the situations that lead to a red card:

• Serious fouls
• Violent actions against the game officials or other players
• Hand use in order to stop a goal
• Cursing or using bad language
• Receiving a second yellow card

It should be noted that in case the match referee finds any foul offense to be slightly over the line but not severe enough to warrant a card use, they can opt to verbally warn the offending player as an additional consequence of committing a foul.

This means that that specific player will be under close observation for the rest of the match and that they are more likely to be facing a yellow, or even a direct red, card.

Goalkeeper fouls: When is a foul called on a goalkeeper in soccer?

Fouls in soccer don’t always mean that there has been a violent act, either an intentional or an unintentional one. In some cases, a foul is called on a goalkeeper if they mishandled the ball. There are three instances in which a goalkeeper can commit a foul:

• Holding the ball for over 6 seconds
• Passing the ball using his hands only to receive it back into his hands after it’s been kicked back by a teammate
• Touching the ball with his hands directly from a throw-in performed by a teammate

In all of these cases, an indirect free kick is called. This means that the team that is awarded the indirect free kick cannot make a direct attempt at the opponent’s goal, despite the fact that the ball is located within the penalty box.

As frustrating as it sounds, the ball needs to make contact with another player first before it can be returned to the one performing the free-kick, or directed towards the opponent’s goal.

There is plenty of confusion that surrounds goalkeeper fouls and indirect free kicks. Luckily for all of us, indirect free kicks, and goalkeeper fouls in general, are not a common thing in modern soccer.

Soccer foul frequency: How often are fouls committed in soccer?

According to the older Premier League statistics, there are 23 fouls per game in this league. Looking at the 2020/21 season data for the entire European continent, we can see that the top teams such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern are committing a foul every 10 and a half minutes.

In 30 or more matches, all 3 of these superstar teams have committed around 300 fouls, which is extraordinary.

Comparing the other end of the same data chart, we can see that lower-tier teams such as the Greek PAS Giannina and Volos NFC, as well as the Serbian FK Backa Palanka, can’t manage to play more than 5 minutes without a foul play whistle going off. These teams averaged 600+ fouls in just over 30 matches during the 2020/21 season.

When it comes to red cards, looking at the data derived from nearly 20,000 games across the top 5 soccer leagues, we can see that close to 4,600 red cards were shown.

There is an average of nearly 400 minutes of game time between two red cards being shown. This means that, roughly, 1 in 5 games sees a red card.

Soccer fouls and referee’s judgment: Are they always right?

Follow the rules written by the officials and keep an eye on what’s happening on the field; Even though it seems as simple as this at first glance, the job of a soccer referee is much more complex.

Ultimately, their job is to determine which acts are actionable, while following a set of very broad rules and categorizations.

This is why we can find their decisions controversial and questionable at times. What we need to keep in mind in these situations is the fact that those referees are much more familiar with the specific circumstances under which some laws of the game are administered.

During the last few decades, the technology that tracks the play has been implemented, reducing the potential for human error to a minimum. Still, one thing should be kept in mind:

Even though FIFA and the FA have issued an extensive list of rules for soccer, we still must remember that the practical application of those rules is in the hands of human beings who are prone to making mistakes.

So, the next time your favorite soccer team is not awarded a foul, try to get less mad at the referee.

While entertaining to watch, soccer holds a few mysteries that not many fans are willing to dive into and find out more about.

These include some rules, such as offside, as well as some seemingly boring technical data and requirements. However, once you get deep enough into the sport, no topic is boring and unnecessary.

As fans of soccer, we commonly tend to disregard the technicalities behind the game.

While the rules of the game are something we can easily be acquainted with, comprehending and putting into perspective the size of the soccer field is the thing most American fans struggle with.

For this reason, we’ve decided to dedicate this article to comparing soccer field size to the size of a football field; the size of which most Americans should be familiar. Enjoy the reading!

Is a soccer field the same as a football field?

Soccer and American football are two entirely different games. While not having many things in common, one of the similarities between these two sports is the shape of the field of play.

This is probably why many soccer and football fans commonly wonder whether the two fields are the same and can be used interchangeably?

The short answer to both of these questions is no; a soccer field is not the same as a football field and one of the fields can’t be used for both sports.

However, as mentioned previously, there are some similarities between the two. Let’s take a look at a few categories and find out what these fields have in common and what sets them apart:

Soccer and football field shape

Soccer fields, as well as the football fields, are both rectangular in shape. This means that the width of both fields is shorter than the length.

In soccer, both of these dimensions can be variable, as long as the shape of the field remains unchanged: The sideline, also called the touchline, always needs to remain longer than the goal line in soccer.

In football, the rectangular shape needs to be honored, but the dimensions can’t be changed from the prescribed ones.

We will discuss the specific measurements of both the soccer and football fields further on in this text.

Soccer and football field surface

The surface of the field is another element that soccer and football field have in common, in most cases. Both soccer and football can be played on a natural or an artificial surface.

When it comes to the fields in the US, football is more commonly played on artificial turf, while soccer is more commonly played on natural grass:

In football, it is common for teams to use artificial grass on their field. According to 2019 data, 12 NFL teams have artificial turf on their home fields, while 19 play on natural grass.

When it comes to soccer, the teams are much more prone to using real grass: Just 6 MLS teams play on artificial turf, while 21 teams have natural grass on their home fields.

While both sports still prefer natural grass, it is obvious that the difference in artificial and natural turf use is much more prominent in the MLS.

Recent data also shows that NFL is moving towards artificial turfs, while the MLS is moving in the other direction.

Soccer and football field markings

Here’s one of the most obvious distinguishing characteristics of the field: If you’re ever confused whether a field is meant for soccer or football, just look at the markings on it.

In soccer and football, both artificial and natural surfaces are green while the markings on the field are white. As the two sports have entirely different principles of play, it’s no surprise that these markings are different.

The soccer field has the following markings:

• 2 Penalty Areas
• 2 Goal Areas
• A Penalty Spot
• 4 Corner Arcs
• A Halfway Line
• A Center Circle
• A Center Spot

The football field is distinguished by the following markings:

• 2 End Zones
• 10-Yard Intervals
• 5-Yard Lines
• 1-Yard Hash Marks
• 1-Yard-Long Scrimmage Line
• Numerals in Multiples of 10

As we can see from the field markings listed above, the only thing that the soccer and football field have in common in this term is the color of the markings.

The two sports have such a different set of markings that it would never be possible to use the fields interchangeably.

Soccer and football field goalposts

Goalposts are another element that soccer and football have in common. However, having goalposts is not enough to consider the fields similar, let alone the same.

This is especially true if we take the difference between goalposts in these two sports into consideration. Here are their characteristics:

In soccer, goalposts need to be:

• Center-positioned at both of the goal lines.
• The crossbar is required to be 8 feet (2.44 meters) above ground and right over the goal line.
• The vertical posts that hold the crossbar are required to be 8 yards (7.32 meters) apart.

In football, goalposts need to be:

• Center-positioned at both of the goal lines.
• The crossbar is required to be 10 feet (3 meters) above ground, but not over the end line.
• The vertical posts are required to extend over the crossbar, standing at 18 feet 6 inches (5.6 meters) apart, and 35 feet (10.7 meters) high.

The most significant goalpost difference is where the ball should go; while football players aim to get the ball between and the posts and above the crossbar, soccer players aim for the space between the posts and below the crossbar.

Soccer field dimensions

There’s no better way to compare the two sports fields but look at their actual dimensions. First up is soccer:

According to FIFA, the field of play in soccer needs to be at least 100 yards or 300 feet, long. For our European friends, this translates to 90 meters.

The maximum length for a soccer field is limited to 130 yards or 390 feet. This measurement translates to 120 meters.

When it comes to the width of the soccer field, the minimum is set at 50 yards or 150 feet. Converted into European measurements, a soccer field can’t be narrower than 45 meters.

The maximum width is set at 100 yards or 300 feet. This measurement converts to 90 meters. As we’ve learned, the width of the field can’t exceed the length of it.

In international soccer matches, slightly different measurement rules apply:

The field must be at least 110 yards or 330 feet, or 110 meters, long. The maximum length of a soccer field for international matches is set at 120 yards or 360 feet. This translates to 110 meters.

The minimum width of a soccer field for international matches is set at 70 yards or 210 feet. The conversion to meters shows the number of 64. The maximum width of a soccer pitch for international matches is 80 yards or 240 feet, or 75 meters.

As evident from the figures listed in this section of the text, soccer field builders have a fairly wide range to choose from, both in length and width.

The maximums are only chosen by those who are building to impress, while minimums are reserved for those who are looking to spend as little money as possible to have a FIFA-certified field.

Most new stadiums are built somewhere in the middle of those two measurements (more on that later).

Football field dimensions

After listing all of the soccer field dimensions, the time to learn more about football field measurements has arrived. Here are the main ones:

According to the NFL, the game of football is played on a rectangular field that is 120 yards or 360 feet, long and 53 1/3 yards or 160 feet wide.

For our European readers, the dimensions of the football field are 110 meters in length and just under 50 meters in width.

It should be kept in mind that all football fields come with a 10-yard end zone on each end of the field, meaning that the actual field of the play comes out to 100 yards or 300 feet.

While the length and width of a soccer field can be variable, there are no minimum and maximum dimensions that the teams and those building the fields can choose from in football; football fields have strict measurements that need to be adhered to.

Which is longer a soccer field or a football field?

Soccer fields are typically longer than football fields if we’re only considering the field of play or goal line to goal line measurements. Before explaining further, let’s take a look at a short table that compares the dimensions of these two fields:

As we can see from the table, and as we’ve learned from the previous two sections of this text, soccer fields can vary in length and width, while football fields need to meet specific dimension criteria.

While we can say that the minimum requirements for a soccer field nearly match the football field ones, we should also keep in mind that soccer fields are rarely built to the minimum requirements.

In the English Premier League, for example, a typical field is 115 yards long and 74 yards wide.

If we disregard the end zones, which add 10 yards to each side of the football field, soccer fields are longer.

Also, if we take the maximum length and width measurements that FIFA allows, we can also conclude that a soccer field is longer than a football field.

However, things are more complicated in practice. A typical soccer field is rarely built to meet the maximum requirements, but rather to the Premier League average, we mentioned before. Therefore, a soccer field is no longer than a football field.

A complicated question with a complicated answer, the length of the field is a source of endless confusion among fans and endless discussion among connoisseurs of soccer and football.

It’s up to you to decide which measurements should be considered and take a stance. If you ask me, a soccer field is longer.

Is the MLS field smaller than FIFA?

This is another big question that has a semi-complicated answer. So far, we’ve mentioned several times that soccer fields, unlike those used for football, can have variable dimensions.

What this means is that most soccer fields in the world are built differently. From our earlier Premier League example, we can see that a typical European field is 115 yards long and 74 yards wide.

FIFA chooses this number as the optimum size. However, there are fields in this league, and in Europe in general, that go up or down a few yards.

The situation is similar in the US. The MLS standards prescribe that a soccer field can’t be less than 110 yards in length and 70 yards in width.

The American soccer league has soccer fields that are 10 yards longer and wider than the required minimum (120×80 yards), such as the Yankee Stadium in New York.

The only way to really compare the MLS and FIFA fields is to take a look at the average soccer field size: While both FIFA and the MLS have bigger and smaller fields under their jurisdiction, the average size of the field is the same, at 115 yards in length, and 74 yards in width.

This ensures that players around the world play on the same pitch, with not much need for adjustment.

To answer the initial question, the typical MLS field is not smaller than a field that is built to FIFA specifications. FIFA and the MLS share requirements for field size, if we take FIFA’s international match dimension restrictions. National leagues, however, can be played on a smaller pitch than the MLS requires, according to the FIFA rulebook.

Can soccer be played on a football field?

According to everything we learned above, soccer and football fields have too many differences to be used interchangeably. However, this doesn’t stop the majority of high schools across the US to use one field for both sports.

Due to a lack of funding, most US schools use their football fields for soccer. Considering the minimum requirements that FIFA set for a soccer field, we can see that a standard football field meets those requirements.

But, does it mean that just because something can be done it should be?

Those who have access to a field that is purpose-built for soccer should always opt to use that field instead of a football field. While goals can be dragged on and double lines can be drawn onto the field, playing on a soccer-specific field offers more benefits.

Getting used to the size of the field, the feel of the surface, as well as the speed of the ball on the surface is something that can’t be replicated on a field that is built for an entirely different sport.

This is why playing soccer on a football field is only acceptable at an amateur level.

We are all aware of how much more popular football is than soccer in the US. For this reason, not many schools and communities find it feasible to invest in building a soccer field.

Still, having any field to practice in play on is better than having none, so, until the popularity of soccer reaches the European levels, we’ll have to settle.

Sometimes the coach complains because the ref missed a foul, but other times, they disagree with the ref’s punishment for an infraction.

The rules are written, and they are the same for every game; the difference is in interpreting those rules. To clear any doubts, here is a complete guide of soccer rules and regulations. 

Every year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) publishes the new version of soccer rules. As the game evolves constantly, new rules are created, or the old ones are modified to adjust to its evolution.

Technology is another factor that forces IFAB’s hand into change; new technologies require new rules sometimes. 

Soccer, the “beautiful sport” as it is known, likes to brag about its fairness. To do so, to keep the game fair, the unification of the rules is vital.

Having the same rules for a game in a tiny village in Vietnam and in the World Cup final is IFAB’s ultimate goal, and it strengthens the spirit of soccer fairness. 

Soccer rules and regulations

The field

1. Surface

The surface must be either natural or artificial grass (it depends if the association accepts the use of artificial grass). If the team decides to use artificial grass, it must be green.

2. Field markings

The pitch must be rectangular shaped, delimited through continuous lines made out of innocuous material.

The longest sides of the rectangle are the sidelines, the shorter ones are the goal lines. 

The field must be divided into two halves with a line parallel to the goal lines. The line’s width must be consistent.

In the middle of the half field line goes the center mark. Around the center mark, it is drawn a 10 yards diameter circle. 

3. Dimensions 

The sidelines must be bigger than the goal line. The sideline must have a minimum of 100 yds and a maximum of 130 yds. The goal line is a minimum of 50 yds and a maximum of 100 yds. 

4. Goal and penalty area 

For the goal area, two lines parallel to the sidelines 6 yards inside the field. They start at 6 yards from the inside of each goal’s post. The two lines are united through a line parallel to the goal line. The penalty area is a bigger rectangle. 

Two lines parallel to the goal area’s side go 18 yards inside the field. They start at 18 yards from the inside of each post.

The penalty spot is 12 yards in front of the middle of the goal. Outside the penalty area, an arc with a 10 yards radius is drawn next to the penalty spot. 

5. Goals 

The goal is placed in the middle of the goal line. A goal has two vertical poles and a crossbar uniting them. The posts can be either round, rectangular, or elliptical.

The sole condition is they must be safe for the players and manufactured on an approved material. The poles must be separated by 8 yards, and from the floor to the crossbar shouldn’t be a distance bigger than 8 feet.

They must be white. If a goal is broken or damaged, the game stops until the goal is repaired.

If there is no possibility of fixing it, the game is stopped and suspended. A net must be attached to the goal and the floor behind the goal. 

6. Goal Line Technology 

GL technology acts as a support for the referee. It is a system that informs when the ball has crossed the goal line.

The goal lines and the ball are equipped with a sensor that makes the ref’s watch vibrate if a goal is scored. Before a competition starts, the teams must be informed this technology is available. 

7. Video Assistant Referees (VARs) 

Every competition that utilizes VARs technology must have a video operation room (VOR) and a referee view area (RRA).

The video operator room is where the video assistant referee (VAR) examines the game through monitors. Only the officials and authorized personnel are authorized to be in the VOR; any team member must be sent off and face disciplinary sanctions.

The RRA must be well signalized outside of the field, on one of the sides. No one except the referee in the field can check the video displayed in the RRA.  

Soccer ball regulations

1. Quality and measurement 

Soccer balls must be spherical, made of proper material, and have a circumference of 27 to 28 inches. They must weigh 14 to 16 ounces at the start of the match.

Any ball used in a FIFA tournament must have the approval mark from either FIFA Quality Pro, FIFA Quality, or International Match Standard.

In tournaments with GLT, the ball’s sensor system must also be approved by at least one of the three mentioned above, FQP, FQ, or IMS. 

2. Replacement of damaged ball

 If a ball turns defective, the match is stopped, and the ball is replaced. The ball can be replaced only after the ref’s authorization. 

The players 

1. A number of players 

A game is played by two squads of a maximum of eleven players per side: ten field players and a goalkeeper. If a soccer team has less than seven players before the match, the game is suspended.

If a squad has less than seven players during the game after several red cards or injuries, it is stopped, and the other team gets the victory. 

2. A number of substitutions 

In this particular year, FIFA augmented the number of substitutions up to five per team for official competitions.

The Federations of each country will decide if they include the five substitutes rule into their tournaments. Before the tournament starts, the Federation must inform the clubs how many substitutes they’ll allow in a match.

3. Substitution procedure 

The referee must know beforehand the names of the substitute players. A player not included on the list previously handed to the ref can’t be part of the game afterward.

The referee must be notified before a substitution will be made; then, the referee indicates when the substitution will happen. Players can’t decide when to get in or out of the field. 

The player being substituted must leave the field through the nearest point on the sideline. The player getting in the game must enter through the line in the middle of the pitch.

The substitute player must wait for a stoppage in the game; they can only get in once their teammate is out of the field and after the referee give them permission to get inside the field. 

4. Changing the goalkeeper 

Any field player can replace the goalie; the referee must be informed first. 

5. Players and substitutes being sent off

When a player is sent off before the team submits the list of players to the referee, that player can’t participate in the game. After the kick-off, if a substitute is sent off, they cannot be replaced, nor the number of substitutions is reduced. 

6. The team captain 

Captains don’t have any kind of privilege different from the rest of their teammates, but they are responsible for their teammates’ behavior. 

The players’ equipment

1. Safety 

Players can’t wear jewelry. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, rubber, and leather bands are forbidden.

They can use tape to cover jewelry; otherwise, they must be removed before the game starts. If a referee detects that a player is wearing one of the forbidden items, they must leave the field and remove the object.

The player will go back into the field at the next stoppage. 

2. Compulsory equipment 

A player’s required uniform is a shirt with sleeves, shorts, and socks. If the player applies tape or any other element to its socks, the material must match the socks’ color.

Shinguards must be made out of proper material to protect the player’s shin, and they must be covered by socks. Goalkeepers can wear tracksuit pants.

3. Colors 

The teams must wear colors that distinguish them clearly. Goalkeepers’ colors must be different from their teammate’s. Tights must match the predominant color of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts.

The players of the same team must wear the same color of thighs. 

4. Offenses and sanctions

When a player commits an offense, the game is stopped, and the player is asked to leave the field and correct the equipment.

A player who got out of the field to change their equipment must be checked by one of the officials outside the pitch before going inside it again. 

The referee

1. The referee’s authority and decisions 

A referee has full authority to enforce the game’s laws. The decisions will be made by the ref following the game’s spirit, according to their ability to judge the game situations.

The ref has the final word in each decision to be made during the game, whether it is if a goal is valid or not, an offside, a foul, a yellow or red card, goal kick, and so forth. 

Their decisions must be respected and obeyed. If the referee realizes that they were wrong after sanctioning a foul, they may not go back in their judgment if the ball is already back into play.

However, if the referee observes in the RRA that a red or yellow card was poorly applied after halftime, the referee can change a decision about an event that happened before the end of the first half.

If a referee gets injured, the game continues with the rest of the officials’ supervision until the ball goes out of play.  

2. Powers and duties 

The referee is the leading authority inside the field. They receive assistance from the rest of the officials.

The ref is responsible for controlling the game time, writing down sanctioned players and goalscorers’ names. They are accountable for allowing advantage; this lets the game continue after an infraction that affects a player but not their team in an offensive movement.

They must punish serious offenses and dictate the rhythm of the game. They must indicate to the players when to stop and when to start playing. 

Referees are responsible for checking the goals, the field’s condition, and the players’ availability inscribed in the list. They are also accountable to show red or yellow cards to players when they commit an infraction.

After the game is over, the referee must send a report to the Association authorities with every game’s incident.

If a substitute player or a staff member insults or offend someone in the field, the referee must either send them off or show a yellow card. If the ref can’t identify the offender, the coach receives the sanction.

The other match officials  

In modern soccer, the match officials can be at least eight. Two assistant referees, the fourth official, two additional assistant referees, a reserve assistant referee, at least one video assistant referee, and one assistant for the video assistant referee. 

Assistants help the referee control the match, following the game’s rules. They can suggest or propose sanctions for the players, but the ref has the last word.

In case the officials misbehave or interfere in the game with incorrect conduct, the ref can send them off the game. 

Match officials help the referee inspect the ball’s proper conditions, the field, the goals, the report of substitutions and goals scored, and disciplinary sanctions.

If one of the officials needs a replacement, the competition rules must be clear about who will replace them. 

The start and restart of the game

1. Kick-off 

Both halves of a soccer match and both halves of extra time are started with a kick-off. The kick-off also restarts the game after a goal.

Before the game begins, the referee tosses a coin in the presence of both captains and decide who will have the first kick-off.

The winner of the toss chooses whether to take the early kick-off or pick one side of the field to play.

For a kick-off, every player, except the one taking the kick-off, must be in their own halves of the pitch. The rivals must be in their half, but outside the center circle of the field. 

2. Dropped the ball 

A dropped ball is called by the ref when the game must be stopped for any reason other than a foul or an infraction.

For instance, when a player is injured on the floor or when someone from the crowd invades the pitch. When the ball hits the referee, they must also call a dropped ball.

In the dropped ball restart, the referee calls a player from each team, asks them to face each other, and drops the ball between them. When the ball touches the floor is on the play, and the players can claim it.  

Determining the outcome of a match

1. Goal scored 

A goal is perhaps the most known rule of soccer. The goal is scored when the ball crosses over (entirely) the goal line under the crossbar and between the poles.

The ball must pass the goal line completely; just a fraction of the ball beyond the line is not a goal.

If a referee calls a goal before the ball crosses the line completely, the goal is invalidated, and the game is restarted with a dropped ball. Imagine that happening with your favorite team. 

2. The winning team 

At the end of the game, the team that scored more goals is the match-winner. If both teams scored the same amount of goals or failed to score any goal, the game is called a tie.

There are three ways to decide a winner in competitions where games can’t end in a tie: away goals, extra time, and penalty shootouts.

When tournaments face teams two times in knockout stages, once in each team’s home stadium, the team that scores more goals playing away is the one that advances to the next stage. Extra time is two extra fifteen minutes halves to decide a winner after a tie.

And the penalty shootout is 5 shots per team from the penalty spot; the team that scores more goals from the penalty spot is the winner. 

Offside

1. Offside position

When a player is in an offside position, the game stops, but the player is not punished.

When a player is on the opponents’ half nearer than both the ball and the second-last opponent (the last is the goalkeeper) to the rivals’ goal line, the moment a pass is launched to them, that player is offside.

If that player has a part of the head, the body, or the feet beyond that line, it is offside.

If the player is beyond that line but behind the ball’s line, that player is not offside. If the player is on the defenders’ same line, it is also not offside.

2. Offside offense

When a player is in an offside position and decides to interfere in the game, an offside offense is called.

Interfering in the match not necessarily means touching the ball, putting themselves in a rival’s way, or staying in front of the rival’s goalkeeper to block their vision is considered interfering.

In those cases, the ref will call an offside offense. 

A soccer player should know all of them, so they can take advantage of every game situation. Here is a guide to every type of kick in soccer. 

Every kick type in soccer is the perfect answer to solve a specific game situation the best way; lobs to shoot when the goalie is far from the goal, the instep for powerful shots, and the heel when the player is surrounded, and many more.

To break the rules like an artist, the player must learn the techniques as a professional. 

When a forward fails to score after choosing the wrong type of kick, it looks more evident, but every soccer situation requires a different kicking style to solve it correctly, not only shooting to the goal. Some players use techniques to compensate for weak spots, like those who use rabonas because they can’t kick with both legs. 

Types of kicks in soccer: full guide to every kick

1. Internal part of the foot 

This technique is generally used to pass the ball, but it can also be used to shoot to the goal. 

Your dominant kicking leg points outside and the non-dominant kicking leg points to your objective to perform this kick. Move the leg that will connect the ball backward, lock your ankle, and then move it forward to kick the ball. 

Always keep the toes of the kicking leg up, never down, to create a bigger surface of contact. The shoulders also should point towards your objective; otherwise, the ball will follow an undesired direction. 

You must connect the ball with the base of your ankle and not with the end of your foot. The bottom of your ankle offers a more significant surface area than the end of your foot, and that gives the shot more power and accuracy. 

In this kick, the player must try to hit the ball in the middle of it. The ball will roll forward, advancing smoothly over the grass without bouncing. 

Remember that this kick’s power comes from the thigh, not the calf. When you raise the kicking leg backward, you need to lift it using your thigh, not bending your knee and raising only your calf. 

2. The instep shoot 

This is the most powerful of the soccer kicking techniques. The instep shoot or instep drive is also known as the shoelaces kick. 

The shot is so powerful because the drive to hit the ball comes from the quadriceps strength. For this kick to have a better performance, the balance and a firm stand from the non-kicking leg are fundamental. Opening the arms to the sides will help to balance the body. 

In this kick, the toes are pointing down, the calf contracts to help lock the foot. It is like the foot becomes an extension of the leg; it must be that locked. 

Firmly placed on the ground, the non-kicking leg must be 4 or 5 inches from the ball’s side in the same line. If the support leg is too far behind the ball, the kick will fly too high; if the leg is beyond the ball, the kicking will hit the ground. 

The kicking leg raises backward and then descends violently to hit the ball. The toes of the kicking leg would remain bent, like if they were trying to grab something. This movement will help lock the foot even more. 

The kick’s objective is to hit the center of the ball with the shoelaces of the cleats. The ball should get expelled forward violently.

For more power, both feet must be in the air after the kick. This is, the drive is so hard that the inertia makes us leave the floor. 

A good instep drive should remain low and have little to no spinning effect. 

If you have the chance, a pool is a perfect place to practice the instep kick’s movements. The water helps you keep the balance and, at the same time, strengthens the leg’s muscles. 

3. Curving ball with the inside of the foot

This kicking technique is the easier way of doing something difficult, curving a soccer ball. It is commonly used in corner kicks and free kicks, but it also can be used in long, short, low, and high passing. 

Assuming the ball is stationary, like in a free kick or in a corner kick, the player must approach the ball from the side. If you are right-handed from the left, from the right if you are left-handed. Two or three steps away are enough. 

When you are ready to kick, approach the ball, and firmly place the non-kicking leg. For more accuracy, the support leg stands in the same line as the ball, 10 inches from it at the moment of the kick. 

Just like in the internal part of the foot kick, your non-kicking leg and your torso must be pointing at your objective. 

Lean your body slightly to the side and to the front. If you hit the ball with the right leg, lean your body to the left. The arms are handy to help you keep the balance; raise them at your shoulders height. 

If you lean your body back when hitting the ball, the ball’s tendency will be flying high and far from your goal.

After you are in position, hit the ball with the interior part of your foot. This kicking technique uses not the base of your ankle but the next part after the big toe. 

In this technique, the shooter must aim to kick the side of the ball. Hitting the ball in the inferior part of it will lift it while shooting it in the upper part will keep it down.

Practice and several reps will teach you along the way where to hit it to obtain the result you look for. 

4. Kicking with the outside of the foot 

This kick is the evil twin of the previous kicking technique. It is a little fancy but quite handy. Using the outer part of the instep will have a curve effect on the ball’s trajectory. This shot is powerful and a nightmare for goalkeepers. 

There are situations in soccer that require either a curve pass or a curve shoot to the goal. Curveballs are challenging to master in soccer, but once you do, they are handy. 

To execute a trivela, as it is known in Brazil, the ankle must be locked hard, the toes are pointing down, and the hell is raised. The idea is to hit the ball in one of the sides to create a lateral spinning effect. 

This curving shot’s advantage is that it is a powerful ball, much more potent than the swerving ball with the foot’s inside part. To generate a more prominent curve, the player must kick the ball further from its axis.

It is essential to consider that the bigger the curve, the smaller the power of the shot. 

5. Side Volley

This kick requires excellent timing and body balance. The purpose of this kick is to hit airborne balls coming from the side.

This kicking technique is useful in any part of the field, but it is handy for strikers inside the box when they can’t wait for the ball to hit the floor or control it. 

This shot is basically an instep kick raising your leg to the side, forming a 90° with the floor. The main difficulty is to intercept the ball in the air. 

The leg must be fully extended at the moment of contact with the ball, the hips rotate to help the kick get more power. 

In this kick, the body leans to the opposite side of the ball, and arms are raised to balance. 

The side volley is commonly used by goalies to restart the game. They hold the ball with one hand and let it go towards their kicking leg. 

The leg must be fully extended, so the goalies must drop the ball wide, far from their bodies. They also should apply a little backspin to the ball when dropping it.

The backspin effect will maintain after the kick, making it easier for their teammates to control the goalie’s pass. 

A good tip to practice this shot, as it is a powerful one, is to practice in front of the goal, so the net can catch your kicks, and there is no need to walk like crazy to recover your ball after every try. 

6. Chipping

Chipping or lob ball is a kicking technique used to perform intermediate passes and shoots to the goal. 

The kicking foot hits the lower part of the ball in this kick, making it backspin while getting altitude; the foot sticks like a wedge under the ball.

This shot doesn’t require a lot of strength, so it can be done without much preparation; that’s why it is ideal for strikers. Although it doesn’t need lots of power, it needs tons of technique to master this shot. 

The lob ball is also handy for intermediate passing. When a rival is in front of the passing objective, lobbing the ball over them is a good alternative. The backspin effect will benefit the teammate when trying to control the pass. 

The non-kicking leg, in this case, needs to be 5 or 6 inches before the ball, not in the same line as in the previous kicking techniques. This will help the shot to get the desired height. 

The kicking leg’s drive stops after contact with the ball; it doesn’t follow the movement like in the power shots. 

To practice, this kicking technique, placing objects and trying and lob the ball over them will help. Once the player feels they dominate the chipping technique, they should practice lobbing the ball in short and long distances. 

7. Bicycle kick

The bicycle kick is considered one of the most challenging soccer kicking techniques; it is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular. 

Like the other shooting techniques, the bicycle kick might be handy in any part of the field but particularly useful for strikers scoring spectacular goals.  

When strikers get into the box, expecting a crossing from the winger or another teammate, they need to anticipate where the ball might fall and position there. 

The crossing might be defective or deflected by a defender, changing the direction of the crossing altogether. The ball may come higher than expected or behind the striker. At this point is when the bicycle kick gets into action. 

Here is what you need to do:

1. The first step to performing a bicycle kick is to lose the fear of falling over your back or the side of your body. After you become friends with the idea of flying back towards the floor, you are good to go. 
2. Use your kicking foot to drive off. To perform a mighty jump, use your toes to spring up, and as you spring up, the non-kicking leg goes up as well. 
3. Lean back a little bit when you are going up, and use your arms to increase the balance. 
4. Open your body towards the direction the ball is coming from. This is if the ball is coming from your left (the goal is behind you), you lean back your left arm and twist your torso to the left too. Use the movement of the arm’s momentum to help you turn. 
5. Use your non-kicking leg to create the energy for the drive. As you are going up, the non-kicking leg’s knee points to the sky, then it extends, and when the kicking leg is getting ready to kick the ball, the support leg bends again and goes down. This movement of the non-kicking leg is what creates the energy for the drive.
6. Hit the ball with your shoelaces to create a clean connection and generate enough power to beat the goalkeeper. 
7. The kicking foot must be up the ball; this will prevent the shot from going over the goal. 
8. Ensure a safe landing with your arms and torso. Try and land with your arm flexed and not locked to prevent an elbow injury. 

Once you master the bicycle kick technique, you can start adding different ball effects, like hitting it trivela style. That is as hard as it sounds, but the result is astonishing. 

8. Rabona

The rabona technique was invented by the Argentinian striker Ricardo Infante in 1948, according to FIFA. Infante created this flamboyant yet useful kicking technique and is the 7th top goalscorer of professional Argentinian soccer. 

This technique is used when you are at your weak side of the pitch and you want to kick the ball with your strongest leg. 

The rabona kick can be explained in three steps:

1. Positioning. The angle of the runup is about 90° from the direction of the ball. Then position the non-kicking leg at about 9 inches from the ball with your toes pointing in the direction you want to shoot.  
2. The swing. After your support leg is secured, swing the kicking leg back, and swing it towards the ball around the non-kicking leg from behind of it. You’ll hit the ball with your legs crossed. The 90° positioning will help get a more significant momentum when kicking the ball. 
3. The hit. You can either use the tip of your toes or the beginning of your instep to connect the ball. When using the rabona to cross or shoot at the goal, it is recommended to hit the lower part of the ball to reach altitude. 

9. Back heel 

As its names indicate, the back heel technique consists of hitting the ball with your foot’s rear. This soccer kick is handy when the player is surrounded by rivals, and there is no obvious way out. 

This is a shot that goes backward, behind the player executing it. It is an element of surprise, and it requires having a great field vision. At least you should know or remember who is behind you. 

The support leg must be in front of the ball when performing a back heel. Then, the kicking leg goes over the ball, with the knee pointing up to feed the drive. 

After the kicking leg’s foot is over beyond the ball’s line, use the back of your thigh to create momentum backward to hit the ball with your heel. 

If you want the back heel to gain height, you must kick the ball’s lower part. If you want the ball to go rolling over the grass or barely rising, hit the ball in the middle. 

It is up to every player’s creativity how and when using these kicking techniques. A bicycle kick is a handy resource to clear the ball when defending; although it is a bit dangerous, the defender could commit a penalty. 

The same would happen with the rabona. It is a fancy way of crossing, but maybe it is not a good idea to mess up a goal occasion trying something decorative.