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Learn How To Play Soccer

By Shane Wilson

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 08Apr2008
Word count: 581
Viewed: 488 time(s)

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Soccer is a sport that is loved by millions worldwide. Everyday people are joining the sport and want to learn how to play soccer. Unlike some other sports, soccer can be learned easily and with a few quick pointers, you'll be playing in no time.

There is no rule that says you have to be in a league to play or in some sort of an organization. Soccer can be played with friends, family or on a team in your own backyard, if there's room. Though there is a standard team member size of 11 in most leagues, you can play soccer with as little as 2 people. 2 people can simply play together and try and get past the opposing player and score a goal.

If you choose to gather a few friends and family or even start a team that will play in a league, then you'll need 11 players. In soccer you have a standard lineup consisting of 4 forwards, 4 mid fielders and two defenders. The goalie is not counted in the basic lineup as he is always in the same position, guarding the goal.

On a standard field, the width is 64 meters and the length is 110 meters. Some fields vary but this is the standard. On either end of the field there is a goal box where the goalie resides during play. He can venture out of the box in some instances to defend but that is only out of necessity.

While playing soccer, only the goalie can use his hands and only when he is within the goalie box. The goalie box is about 16 meters deep from the goal line, or edge of the field, and is roughly 50 meters wide. He can use his hands anywhere within that box. If any other team member touches the ball with his hands either on purpose or accident, a penalty is called and the other team will take possession of the ball at the spot of the violation.

The main goal of soccer is to try and score on the opposing players goal. This can be done by dribbling the ball, passing the ball to fellow players and then actually shooting on goal. The team that is defending will try and stop the opposing team by dribbling, passing and clearing the ball. Clearing the ball is when the defending team retrieves possession of the ball and kicks it to the opposing teams side of the field.

Each goal scored in soccer is a 1 point. The standard time for a regulation soccer game is 1 and a half hours consisting of two 45 minute halves. The team with the most points at the end of regulation wins. If both teams are tied then there will be a two overtime rounds of 15 minutes with the first team to score winning. If no team scores in the overtime period then comes what is called sudden death. In sudden death each team is given 5 free shots on goal to try and get the ball past the goalie for a score. This will go on until one of the teams has more scores than the other.

Soccer can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great sport for bonding with friends and family and building great teamwork skills. Also, soccer is a great way to get in and stay in shape. Who knew getting in shape could be as easy as playing soccer?

Shane Wilson is a successful webmaster of Stompersoccer.com where he provides information and resources on subjects from Soccer Balls to Soccer Positions. Please visit Stompersoccer.com for more information on how to get access to over 300 award winning soccer tutorials today.

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