Football is a fun and competitive game. It is the most played sport in the world, with over 200 million players in more than 200 countries. It is sometimes referred to as "the wonderful game" due to the sheer amount of technical skills, team play and individual contributions of each player. If you are interested in learning how to play the sport, invest some time learning the basic rules and start practicing the basic techniques. Train hard, have fun and always keep a ball within "foot" reach.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Playing by the Laws of the Game
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the game
The aim is to score more goals than the opponent. A goal occurs when the ball completely crosses the goal line.
- Goalkeepers are the only ones who can touch the ball with their hands in their own penalty area. Everyone else can use any part of the body except the hands.
- The regular time of a match is 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
Step 2. Learn the roles
There are 11 players on the pitch at the start of the game. Although positions can be redistributed at the manager's discretion, there are usually a goalkeeper, 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 forwards.
- Defenders: Usually they are behind the half of the pitch trying to prevent opponents from scoring. They throw long balls and are usually physically bigger than other players.
- Midfielders: they are the ones who run the most, playing halfway between defense and attack. They usually organize the attack. They are very good at holding the ball and passing it.
- Forwards: they are the ones who have the most opportunities to score. They need to be fast, agile and able to shoot to score. They also need to be very good at headers.
- Goalkeeper: protects the net and is the only one who can use his hands in his own area. The goalkeeper must be flexible, quick to anticipate and good at communicating.
Step 3. Kick-off kicks off the match and the second half
At kick-off, each player must be in their own half. When the referee blows his whistle and the ball is touched, the players can move freely around the pitch as long as they are not offside.
- One team starts in the first half and the other in the second.
- There is also a kick-off every time a goal is scored and is beaten by the team that concedes it.
Step 4. Understand the throw-ins
Throw-ins occur when the ball goes out of bounds. Possession of the ball goes to the team that was not in possession. This team can bring the ball back into play from where it left off.
- The thrower may take a run, but must stop around the spot where the ball went out.
- The player must bring the ball up with both hands behind the head and release the ball with both hands.
- You cannot lift your feet off the ground during a lineout. They both have to touch the ground.
Step 5. Understand the difference between a corner and a goal kick
If the ball crosses the baseline (but does not enter the goal) and the last touch was by the defending team, the ball is brought to the nearest corner and a corner kick is passed, with possession to the team. in attack.
If the ball crosses the endline (without entering the goal) and was touched for the last time by the attacking team, the ball is placed on the edge of the goalkeeper's area and becomes a goal kick, with possession at the goal. defending team. Usually the goalkeeper beats it
Step 6. Understand the offside
It is one of the main rules of football and is designed to prevent players from staying in front of the opponent's goal all the time. A player is offside when one of these conditions is met: he is in front of the ball and at the same time in the opposing half of the field and at the same time behind the last defender when the ball is passed to him by a team-mate.
- The offside is not valid in case of: throw-ins, corner kicks and goal kicks;
- In case of offside, possession of the ball is given to the opposing team and a free penalty is called.
Step 7. Learn to distinguish a direct free kick from an indirect free kick
Direct means you can kick directly into the net to score, without other teammates touching the ball first. In an indirect free kick, however, the ball must be touched by a teammate before it can be kicked towards the net.
- Direct free kicks are usually awarded due to a contact foul or hand ball. Indirect ones are instead awarded for other types of infractions or interruptions of the game.
- During an indirect free kick, the referee keeps one arm raised until the ball is touched by a second player.
Step 8. Know that a foul in the box results in a penalty kick
A penalty occurs when a defender commits a foul on an opponent in their own area. All other players, except the goalkeeper and the shooter, must be outside the area. The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line and cannot move until the ball is kicked.
- The ball is placed on the disc. Once the ball has been hit, and in the event of a goalkeeper's post or save, the ball can be played by anyone.
- Anyone can take the penalty, not just those who have been fouled.
Step 9. Learn which infractions are yellow carded
The referee raises the yellow card as a warning to a player. Two yellows lead to a red card, after which the player must leave the game permanently. Reasons for a yellow card include:
- Dangerous game. Leg stretched close to an opponent's head, for example.
- Illegal obstruction. When a player intentionally assumes a disruptive position for a player who does not have possession of the ball.
- Load the goalkeeper into the area;
- Intentionally wasting time in the last minutes of the game;
- Use of vulgarity;
- Violations of the game uniform;
- Other type of infringements.
Step 10. Learn how to avoid a red card
A red is given before yellow in case of particularly dangerous actions, although more often it is the result of two yellow cards. Reasons for a red card include:
- Voluntarily kicking an opponent;
- Jumping on a player with contact;
- To charge a player abruptly, especially using your hands;
- Attacking a player from behind;
- Tripping an opponent;
- Hit, push, hold or spit at a player;
- Take the ball with your hands, without being the goalkeeper;
- The player who is sent off cannot be replaced in the current match. The team will have to continue with one less player.
Part 2 of 3: Developing Essential Skills
Step 1. Learn to dribble
Dribbling is ball control while running. If you want to keep the ball, you need to master this skill. Knowing how to dribble is all about finding the right touch with which to push the ball forward, making sure that it always stays close to your feet.
- You can dribble with the inside of the shoe, over the toes (with the foot pointed down) and even with the outside of the foot. The safest way is probably with the inside, but in different situations you will have to use different parts of the shoe.
- Learn to dribble at different speeds. When you run along the flank once you have passed the opponent, your dribbling is very different than when you have to face one.
Step 2. Learn to pass the ball
It's all about putting the ball exactly where you want to send it. To perform a pass, hit the ball using the inside of the foot. You will have less power, but more precision. Once you've mastered the basic pass, you can try kicking with the spin to be able to pass the ball to your teammate.
- Step with your toes forward with your heel resting on the ground.
- Predict a player's position in advance. If your partner is running, always kick the ball in front of him, so that he can run towards him.
- To curve the ball, use the inside of the foot but turn it a little further forward (more at 45 ° to the target instead of the near right angle).
- A little practice is required to kick for spin, as you need to be able to hit the ball with the outside of your foot while moving your leg quickly.
Step 3. Learn to shoot
If you are very close to the goal and just need precision, you can shoot flat, as for the pass. You will usually be much further away anyway and will therefore also need power, as well as accuracy.
- Hit the ball with full neck, where the laces are, with the foot pointing to the ground. Keep your foot pointed throughout the movement.
- Use your hips to follow the movement. Take a run up with your foot if necessary, for even more power. It should bring both feet off the ground.
Step 4. Learn to defend
Defending the door is an underrated job. It can be extremely difficult to stand on the man or get the ball away from him. There are three basic rules to remember when marking an opponent in football:
- Don't get fooled by feints, tricks or games - keep your eyes on the ball. A good footballer will try to pretend with their body to overtake you. Hope the movement of your body will distract you from what he is about to do with the ball. Don't let them do it. Always keep your eyes on the ball, not the player.
- Stay between the ball and the net. In other words, don't get overtaken by the ball. It's harder said than done. It's a delicate balance between keeping enough pressure on the ball and giving the attacker enough space not to allow him to overtake you.
- Learn to anticipate dribbling. Right after the attacker hits the ball in dribbling - that's when you have to try to touch the ball. It is an advance and it is essential to take the ball away from an attacker.
Part 3 of 3: Improving Style and Skill
Step 1. Think about moving without the ball
Some estimates say that professional footballers run 3-4km during a 90-minute match. It is a great deal. It doesn't take a scientist to figure out that a lot of running happens when you don't have the ball. Learn to occupy spaces, to run where your partner expects or wants you to be, and to distance yourself from an opponent who is keeping an eye on you.
Step 2. Get used to hitting your head
In this case, try to hit the ball with your forehead, right at the hairline. Don't use the top of your head!
When you're getting ready to hit your head, don't throw it backwards; rather draw back with his chest.
Hitting the ball with your forehead allows you to get more power with less strain on the neck
Step 3. Learn to dribble
It is very difficult to hone, but it is an important part of the game. Actually, you won't need much in a game, but knowing how to do it is useful in many ways:
- It helps you to control a balloon that comes from above. Not all passes are low to the ground. Those who are not will have to be intercepted and controlled with a kind of dribble.
- Dribbling helps improve ball touch. If you can dribble, you can control the ball much better. The first touch is extremely important in football.
Step 4. Learn to use the non-dominant foot
It is very important to be able to dribble, pass and shoot with the other foot as well. Good defenders will try to stop you from using your dominant foot by forcing you to use the other. If you are not capable, you will have a clear disadvantage.
Practice using only your non-dominant foot in training or when shooting or dribbling on your own. Getting your body used to muscle memory is an important part of being proficient with the other foot
Step 5. Practice corner kicks and free kicks
You want to be able to take corner kicks straight in the middle of the penalty area, usually in the air, so that a teammate can head out. Free kicks can be kicked quickly and passing the ball to a nearby teammate, or you can decide on a "strategy" in which you send the ball to a certain area where your teammates are ready to react.
- Corner kicks take place in one of the four corners of the playing field, depending on where the ball goes out. Free punishments can take place anywhere within the field.
- Corner kicks are usually performed with a swing shot that can be delivered with the inside of the foot or with the outside, depending on the foot being used and the angle of the pitch from which you are shooting.
- A free kick does not have a particular predefined type of kick; it can be a swing shot, straight on goal or simply a pass to a teammate, depending on how you choose to perform it.
Step 6. Be original and spontaneous in your play style
Try to develop your own style that suits you. Do you like feints? Are you fast enough to run past everyone? Are you good at using your body and power to score from a distance? Are you good at preventing opponents from shooting?
Find out what kind of player you are, set yourself goals to become a more complete player, and remember to have fun. Football is not the most famous sport in the world without a reason
Advice
- Keep fit. Running from an hour to an hour and a half can consume a lot of energy.
- Remember, if a low ball comes in and you are the goalkeeper, bend your knees. Prevents the ball from getting between your legs.
- Don't jump on two feet at a time, or you will be whistled at you for a punishment.
- Learn the tactics and discover your weaknesses and strengths.
- When you shoot at the goalkeeper, you feint. The goalkeeper will most likely move during the feint. When kicking, aim for one of the corners. You will have a good chance of scoring.
- Exercise slowly, then faster and faster to hone your skills.
- Ask friends who have played (or play) soccer to teach you.
- Find a reasonable balance between dribbling and passing.
- Train before matches. You can't be a couch potato and then expect to become a pro overnight!
- Don't touch the ball with your hands.
Warnings
- If you feel dizzy, tell the coach. Don't push yourself so hard that you can't stand up.
- If the referee calls a non-existent foul, don't argue. The referee cannot change his decision, so there is no reason to object.
- Don't argue with the referee, or you risk being sent off.
- This article does not contain all the rules, so search the internet if you are really interested.
