THE ACTORS
Although both teams have substitutes on the sidelines, each team has 11 players on the field. The players can line up in any formation they like, but the most common configuration is a 4-4-2, which has four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards.
Here is an illustration of a typical line-up. Although a team may use this arrangement, players are free to move throughout the field of play. The wingers frequently flip sides to confuse the defense.
THE PRINCIPLES
To win, you must outscore your opponent by kicking the ball into their goal while successfully defending your own. Unlike certain sports, soccer allows players to run with the ball while passing it to anyone else on the field. Regarding passing, there are only a few guidelines to follow. The offside rule, which we’ll discuss next, is the first. The following occurs when the goalkeeper is passed back. Your goalkeeper must use his feet if you give the ball to him with them. You can let him pick up the ball if you head it back to him.
Rule #1: Quickfire
The ball is kicked off from the center position at the beginning of each half and follows a goal. The ball used to need to be sent forward first before being passed backward, but that is no longer the case.
At kickoff, no players may be in the opposing half.
Any foul may result in a free kick or if it occurs in the penalty area, a penalty. Under the right conditions, the site may also have free kicks.
A goal kick is awarded if the attacking team crosses the goal line with the ball. The attacking team receives a corner kick if the opposing team kicks it past their goal line.
The ability to take the ball from a player’s feet is known as tackling. When you attack, you must make contact with the ball. A foul is committed if you make contact with the player rather than the ball. When tackling, exercise caution since putting both of your feet in the air while you lunge puts another player at risk for injury. Avoid elbowing, pulling on clothing, or pushing the player because doing so would be considered a foul.
A defender or the goalie may take a goal kick, but only from the edge of the 6-yard box. The attacking team executes a corner kick, placing the ball in a corner with a bit of quarter-circle.