Soccer Basics

Whether you’re new to the game or want a quick refresher, this section covers the fundamentals of soccer — including the basic rules, positions, field layout, and how the game flows. It's everything you need to understand how the sport works and what makes it so exciting to play and watch.

1. Rules of the Game

Team Size: Each team has 11 players (10 field players + 1 goalkeeper).
Objective: Score more goals than the other team by getting the ball into their net.
Match Length: Standard games are 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. Youth games are shorter.
Kickoff: Game starts from the center circle; restarts happen after goals and at the start of each half.
Ball In/Out of Play: The whole ball must cross the goal line or touchline to be out.
Scoring: A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.

No Hands: Only the goalkeeper may use hands, and only inside their penalty area.
Fouls: No tripping, pushing, holding, or deliberate handball. Fouls result in free kicks, penalties, or cards.
Offside: A player can’t be nearer to the opponent’s goal than the last defender when the ball is passed to them (unless in their own half or level with the defender).
Restarts: Throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks restart play when the ball goes out.

U6 (Under 6)

Team Size: 3v3 or 4v4, no goalkeepers.
Match Length: 2 × 10–15 min halves.
Rules: No offside, throw-ins replaced by kick-ins, focus on fun and learning.

U8 (Under 8)

Team Size: 5v5 or 6v6 (goalkeeper optional).
Match Length: 2 × 20 min halves.
Rules: No offside in most leagues, simple fouls called, emphasis on basic positions.

U10 (Under 10)

Team Size: 7v7.
Match Length: 2 × 25 min halves.
Rules: Modified offside, all restarts as in standard soccer, focus on team shape.

U12 (Under 12)

Team Size: 9v9.
Match Length: 2 × 30 min halves.
Rules: Full offside rule, normal restarts, physical contact allowed within safe limits.

U13+ (Under 13 and older)

Team Size: 11v11 (full size field).
Match Length: 2 × 35–45 min halves (varies by age).
Rules: Full FIFA Laws of the Game.

2. Positions

1. Goalkeeper (GK)

Only player allowed to use hands (inside their penalty area).
Main job: stop shots, organize the defense, start attacks with throws or kicks.

2. Defenders

Center Back (CB): Protects the middle of the field, blocks shots, wins headers.
Full Back (LB/RB): Plays on the sides, stops wingers, supports attack with crosses.
Wing Back (LWB/RWB): More attacking full backs, push up the field often.

3. Midfielders

Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Breaks up opponent’s plays, covers defenders.
Central Midfielder (CM): Links defense and attack, controls possession.
Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Creates scoring chances, supports strikers.
Wide Midfielder/Winger (LM/RM): Stretches the field, delivers crosses, cuts inside to shoot.

4. Forwards

Striker (ST): Main goal-scorer, stays high up the field.
Center Forward (CF): Similar to striker but also drops to link up play.
Second Striker (SS): Plays just behind the main striker, creative playmaker role.

3. How the Game Flows

5. Transitions

Attack to Defense: When losing the ball, react quickly to win it back or slow the other team down.
Defense to Attack: When winning the ball, counter quickly before the opponent is set.

6. Scoring

A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the opponent’s goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.

7. Stoppages

Throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks restart play when the ball goes out.
Free kicks and penalty kicks restart after fouls.

8. Halftime & Full Time

Match has two halves with a short break in between.
Winner is the team with the most goals.

1. Kick-Off

Game starts with a kick from the center circle.
After each goal, play restarts the same way.

2. Possession & Passing

Teams try to keep control of the ball by passing, dribbling, or moving into space.
Players without the ball should get open or support the play.

3. Attacking Play

Team in possession moves the ball toward the opponent’s goal.
Uses dribbling, passing combinations, and runs into space.
Crossing from wide areas or through balls in the middle create chances.

4. Defending Play

Team without the ball tries to win it back through pressure, blocking passing lanes, or tackling.
Defenders stay compact and mark attackers.

4. Common Terms & Signals

Pass – Kicking the ball to a teammate.
Cross – A pass sent from a wide area into the penalty box.
Shot – Attempt to score a goal.
Goal Kick – Kick from inside your team’s goal area when the ball goes out over the goal line (last touched by the opponent).
Corner Kick – Kick from the corner arc when the ball goes out over the goal line (last touched by your team).

Arm pointed toward goal – Direction of free kick or throw-in.
Both arms straight up – Indirect free kick.
One arm up, then whistle – Start play for a free kick or penalty kick.
Point to penalty spot – Penalty kick awarded.
Arms straight out to the side – Advantage rule (play continues despite a foul).
Yellow Card – Warning for misconduct.
Red Card – Player sent off for serious foul or two yellow cards.
Raised flag by assistant referee – Offside, foul, or ball out of play.

Throw-In – Restart when the ball crosses the sideline; both hands on the ball, thrown from behind the head, both feet on the ground.
Foul – Illegal contact like tripping, holding, pushing, or a handball.
Offside – Being nearer the opponent’s goal than the last defender when the ball is played to you (with some exceptions).
Free Kick – Kick awarded after a foul; can be direct (shoot at goal) or indirect (must pass first).
Penalty Kick – Free shot from the penalty spot after a foul inside the penalty box.