Football is a fun sport and is played by many people all over the world. The sport is sometimes called the “beautiful game” because it features an astonishing combination of technical skill, team play and individual contribution. If you are interested in playing soccer, take the time to learn the basic rules, and practice important techniques. Train hard, have fun and always keep the ball at your feet!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Play by the Rules
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the game
Football is won by the team that scores the most goals. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the opponent's goal line in the net area.
- When in the penalty area, the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use his hands. All other players may use any part of their body, except the hands.
- Matches usually last 90 minutes, which are divided into two halves of 45 minutes.
Step 2. Know the position of the soccer player
There are a total of 11 players per team on the playing field. Although the position can be adjusted according to the coach's wishes, the standard team formation usually consists of 4 defenders (defenders), 4 midfielders, 2 strikers/attackers and 1 goalkeeper/goalkeeper.
- Defenders usually play behind the halfway line to prevent the opposing team from scoring. This player needs to stop the opponent's pass and is usually bigger than the rest of the players.
- Midfielders are players who run the most because they play a role in attacking and defending. This player plans attacks and must be good at holding and passing the ball.
- The forward/striker is in charge of shooting the ball into the goal. This player must be fast, agile, and can shoot powerfully and accurately in seconds. Strikers are usually the fastest players on the field.
- The goalkeeper/goalkeeper protects the penalty area and is the only player allowed to use his hands (but only in the penalty area). Goalkeepers must be agile, flexible, have quick anticipation, and be able to communicate well.
Step 3. Know that the kickoff (first kick) starts each half of the game
Before kickoff begins, each team must be in their respective half of the field, and the team that does not kickoff must be outside the center circle. After the whistle is blown, the ball is kicked, and is now free to be sent forwards or backwards.
One team starts the game by winning a coin toss and choosing a side of the court, while the other team gets kickoff rights. The team changes sides in the second half and the team that chose the side in the first half now gets kickoff rights
Notes:
Kickoff is also done after a goal occurs. If so, the team that conceded kicks off.
Step 4. Learn when and how to throw-in
A throw-in occurs when the ball completely crosses the sideline. Possession of the ball goes to the team that no touch the ball last. The throw is made at the point where the ball leaves the court.
- Players may run before throwing the ball, but the throw must be done correctly.
- The player must carry the ball up with both hands from behind his head, and release the ball over his head with both hands.
- Players cannot raise both feet off the ground while throwing the ball, although players usually drag their feet 30 cm when releasing the ball.
Step 5. Recognize the difference between a corner kick and a goal kick
A corner kick is taken when the ball crosses the width of the field (but not the goal line) and the last player to touch it is a player of the defending team. The ball is then placed into the nearest corner of the field for the attacking team to kick.
In contrast, a goal kick occurs when the ball crosses the width of the field (but not the goal line) and the last player to touch it is the attacking team. The goal kick will be taken by the defending team and is usually kicked by the goalkeeper, although other players may do so. For all free kicks taken within the 5.5 meter area (box within the penalty box), the player may place the ball at any point within the area. The ball is still not live before it is completely out of the penalty box
Step 6. Know when a player is offside
Offside is one of the most important rules in football, and is designed to prevent both teams from picking sides, or stacking players in the penalty area. A player is offside if the following conditions are met: when a partner touches the ball: the player's position is in front of the ball, on the opponent's side of the court, and closer to the goal than the opponent's penultimate player (remember that goalkeepers are 1 of 11 players; even though the goalkeeper is often one of the last two defenders, but sometimes not).
Possession of the ball is given to the opposing team if a player in an offside position is actively involved in the game. The referee will then award an indirect free kick from the point the player is offside, even if it occurs in the attacking half
Tip:
Offside positions do not apply to throw-ins, corners and goal kicks.
Step 7. Identify the difference between a direct and indirect free kick
A direct free kick is when a player kicks the ball directly into the goal to score a goal without touching a teammate first. An indirect free kick must be touched by another player before it is awarded as a goal.
- A direct free kick is usually awarded for a foul or hand ball by the opponent. An indirect free kick is awarded by the referee due to a violation or things that stop the match.
- During an indirect free kick, the referee will continue to raise his hand until the ball is touched by a second player.
Step 8. Know that a penalty kick is only awarded if a direct free kick is fouled inside the penalty area
A penalty kick occurs when a defender commits a foul in his penalty area. All players except the goalkeeper and kicker must be outside the penalty box, behind the kicker. The goalkeeper may move sideways before the ball is kicked as long as both feet touch the goal line, but must not move forward.
- The ball is placed at a point 11 meters from the goal line, which is called the penalty spot. After being kicked forward, the ball is live, which means that all players from both teams can play, except for the kicker. He must wait until another player (including the opposing goalkeeper) touches the ball before being able to play the ball again.
- Any player can take a penalty kick, and not just the player who was fouled.
Step 9. Know that players have to be careful when they are shown a yellow card
The referee issues and shows a yellow card to warn the offending and other players that the foul or related behavior cannot be tolerated or accepted. Two yellow cards will result in a red card, which causes the player to leave the field of play. Note that yellow and red cards are accumulated throughout the season. Causes for being given a yellow card include:
- All despicable actions during the game whether the ball is live or not (bad behavior).
- Rough play, any foul or action during play that threatens the safety of an opposing player.
- Intentional infringement designed to thwart or break an attack.
- Taking too long to restart play or not complying with the free-kick distance limit.
- Undressing to score goals, over-celebrating goals.
- Other violations.
Step 10. Understand the cause of the red card
The player who is given a red card must leave the game, so the number of players on his team is reduced. A red card is given if a player commits a serious, unsafe and abusive foul that endangers the safety of the opponent. A red card is also issued if the player receives two yellow cards. Here are some reasons for issuing a red card:
- ALL excessive direct free kick fouls.
- Spit on the player.
- Fulfilling a clear goal by deliberately holding the ball.
- thwart clear chances to score by committing a foul.
- Players who leave the game due to being hit by 2 yellow cards or red cards may not be replaced so that their team is forced to play with fewer players (eg 10 against 11).
Part 2 of 3: Building Essential Skills
Step 1. Practice dribbling
Dribbling means that you control the ball as you run. If you want to keep your team's possession of the ball while playing, you need to be able to dribble well. The main point of dribbling is to touch it firmly enough to carry it forward, but light enough that it is not far from your feet.
- You can dribble with the inside of your foot, over your toes (with your foot pointing toward the ground), and even the outside of your foot. The easiest way to dribble for beginners is with the inside of the foot.
- Learn to dribble at various speeds. When you're running on the sidelines and have beaten a defender, your dribbling will be different than when you're up against your opponent.
Step 2. Practice passing skills
The main point of passing is to send the ball accurately to the goal. To be able to pass the ball, kick the ball using the inside of the foot. It will be less powerful, but much more accurate. Once you've mastered the basics of passing, try the slice and hook technique to send the ball to one of your partners.
- Anticipate the position your partner will be in. If your partner is running, send the ball in front of him so he can keep running while chasing the ball.
- To make a hook pass, use the inside of your foot but turn it forward (45 degrees towards the target, rather than close to 90 degrees) when kicking the ball.
- The slice technique takes a lot of practice because you're kicking the ball with the outside of your foot while your foot sweeps in a hooking motion.
Tip:
Make sure your toes are pointing up and your heels pointing down when you pass the ball.
Step 3. Hone your shooting skills
If you are very close to the goal, and need more accuracy, shoot using the "sweet spot" on the inside of the foot, as if to pass. However, shooting kicks are usually done from a distance and require more power and accuracy.
- Kick the ball to the left of the center of the shoelace, with your feet pointing to the ground. Keep feet pointed to the ground when following up on kicks
- Use your hips to swing the kick. Bring your legs across your body if needed for added power. This causes both feet to lift off the ground.
Step 4. Build skills as a defender
Defending the goal from opposing attacking players is one of the important achievements in the match. There are 3 important things to keep in mind when guarding opposing players:
- Don't be fooled if your opponent runs and stops with the ball, cheats from one direction to another, or engages in some other swerving, trick, or trick. You cannot take your eyes off the ball.
- Stay between the ball and the goal. In other words, don't let the ball get behind you
- Just after the attacker has kicked the ball during dribbling, this is the perfect moment to tackle or kick the ball to an empty teammate. This is called anticipating dribbles, and it is important to take the ball away from opposing players.
Part 3 of 3: Improving Skills and Playstyle
Step 1. Think movement without the ball
It is estimated that a professional soccer player runs 10-13 km during 90 minutes of play. This distance is very long and is mostly done without carrying the ball. Learn how to get into open spaces, how to run to where you or your team-mates want to be, and how to get away from defenders who are guarding you.
Step 2. Get good at heading the ball, if allowed or wanted
Try heading the ball with your head exactly where your hairline meets your forehead. Don't use the crown of the head! Don't lift your head when you're ready to head the ball; instead, move your upper torso back. This will give you added strength and won't put too much strain on your neck. You have to head the ball, and not let the ball hit your head.
Many youth leagues prohibit their players from heading the ball because of the danger of concussions and other head and neck injuries. If you're just having fun, consider learning a heading technique to get better at it
Step 3. Practice juggling the ball with your feet and body
Juggling is done by receiving and controlling the ball from the air with a combination of the head, shoulders, chest, feet, and soles of the feet. Juggling is rarely practiced during a match, but this skill is important for developing touch and control on the ball.
If you know how to juggle, your touch on the ball will be softer. The first touch is very important in football
Example:
You can just receive a pass from the air with your chest, then immediately get your foot to control the ball quickly.
Step 4. Fluent your skills with your non-dominant foot
The ability to be able to dribble, pass and shoot the ball using your dominant foot is very important. A good defender usually immediately targets the dominant foot and forces you to play with the non-dominant foot. If you can't use your non-dominant foot, you're clearly at a disadvantage during the game.
Practice using only your non-dominant foot during practice or when shooting or juggling alone. Training your body to build muscle memory is an important part of improving your non-dominant leg skills
Step 5. Practice corners and free kicks
Ideally the corner kick is delivered to the center of the penalty area, usually through the air so that the teammate can head or kick the ball. Free kicks can be taken quickly and simply passed to the closest partner, or by arranging a setplay (attack plan) by kicking the ball into a certain area while a partner applies an attack strategy.
- A corner kick is taken from one corner of the court, depending on the point at which the ball left the court. A free kick can be taken at any point on the court.
- Corner kicks are usually taken with a hook (from the inside of the foot) or slice (the outside of the foot) depending on the dominant foot and the side of the court.
- Free kicks can be done with a hook or slice technique, or hit straight forward, or just a short pass to a partner, depending on the situation and strategy.
Step 6. Play original and spontaneous
Try developing your own style of play that suits you. Are you the type of wiggler who likes to trick your opponent? Are you a sprinter capable of running against your opponent? Are you strong enough to attack in front of the opponent's goal? Are you an expert at blocking your opponent's attacks?
Find your playing style and set yourself goals and how to become an all-around player. Don't forget to have fun
Tips
- When shooting at the goalkeeper, try to trick first. Goalkeepers will usually move if it looks like you're about to shoot. When shooting, aim for the corner of the goal.
- Don't touch the ball with your hands unless you're the goalkeeper or you're about to throw it in!
- Improve your cardio fitness. running for an hour and a half will drain a lot of energy.
- Do drill exercises slowly, then increase the intensity to improve playing skills.
- Eat a balanced diet. This step helps maintain the energy needed for exercise.
