Soccer

Start of Game A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:  • at the start of the match  • after a goal has been scored  • at the start of the second half of the match  • at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off. 

Positions Each soccer team has 11 players — 1 goalkeeper and 10 field players. Goalkeeper: The keeper is the only player allowed to use his hands, and that activity is restricted to the rectangular penalty area extending 18 yards from each side of the goal. Defenders: They play in front of the goalkeeper, and their primary duty is to stop the opposition from scoring. The sweeper is the last line of defense in front of the goalie. Midfielders: These players are the link between the defense and attack. Midfielders must be the most physically fit players on the field because they are expected to run the most in a game. They should be able to penetrate deep in enemy territory on attack and make the transition to defense when the opposition retains possession of the ball. Forwards: Their primary job is to score goals or to create them for teammates. A center forward, also known as a striker, should be a team’s leading goal scorer and the most dangerous player in the attacking third of the field.

Corner Kick The corner kick is taken to restart the play after the ball wholly crosses the goal line after a player from the defending team (including the goalie) touches it last. The corner kick is taken from either sides of the goal area, closer to where it left the playing field. In other words, corner kick is taken from the right corner if the ball crosses the goal line on the right of the goal post and from the left corner if it crosses the line on the left. Corner Kick

Goal Kick A goal kick is taken if an offensive player is the last to touch the ball before it leaves the field of play after the ball has crossed over the goal line. Any player from the defending team may take the goal kick, though normally it is the goalkeeper who takes up the role. The kick is taken from any point inside the penalty area.  Goal Kick

Throw In If the ball goes over the side, the game will be restarted by throwing the ball back into play.  The ball must be thrown with both hands. It must be thrown from behind the head. The player making a throw-in must have both feet on the ground when throwing the ball. He may run to gain momentum for the throw-in but both his feet should be on the ground when the ball is released.

*SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS GAME Non-Contact sport Don’t push, shove, kick or trip opponents No sliding Keep your head up Always know where the ball is *SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS GAME

Review What part of the foot do you use for passing? Inside or instep What part of the foot do you use for shooting? Laces (toe pointing down) How many points is a goal worth? One How can a player get open on the field? Move to an open space What’s an offensive strategy that will help move the ball down the field? Short quick passes