Soccer Basics

         Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the world with a over 4 billion fans around the world. Gail B. Stewart in Soccer describes this by saying, "Soccer is without a doubt the world's game, played by more nations than any sport." One reason that soccer is so popular is because of how easy it is to pick up and start playing, so here are some of the basics.

 Equipment Needed

• Cleats on your feet, metal studs are not allowed.
• Shin-guards underneath your socks to protect you from getting kicked in the shins.
• A uniform for your team is obviously necessary.
• Headgear is optional if you wish to protect your head.

 Basic Rules

• 11 players at the start of the game on both teams.
• No touching the ball with your hand unless you are the keeper or are performing a throw-in.
• The ball is immediately out of play when the ball goes outside one of the four boundary lines.
• A reckless care of act against the opposing team will result in a foul and a free kick for the other team.
• You cannot be behind all of the opposing team, you have to be in front of at least one to avoid a offside, giving the opposing team a free kick.
• To start the game, there will be a kick off where a team will start by passing to a teammate, decided by a coin toss.

  The Basics of the Game 

• When a ball is rolling towards you, use the inside of your foot as a cushion to trap the ball.
• When shooting, put your weak foot about a half-foot alongside the ball, then with your strong foot strike the ball with your laces.
• Keep both your feet on the ground and bring the ball behind your head on a throw-in.
• To dribble, lightly tap the ball in front of you in a controlled manner.

 If you have any questions or concerns please let me know in the comments.
 Stewart, Gail B. Soccer. Lucent Books, 2001