Understanding Soccer
Association football, otherwise known as just football or soccer, is actually a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. It is widely played throughout many countries and dependent on the number of people playing, it can be played indoor or outdoor. It has been around for almost a century and played regularly both on a regular basis and as a part of different recreational activities. It is also one of the most attended sports events in the entire world.
The object of the game is for the team to score more goals than the opposition. Goalscoring is done by kicking the ball with a successful attempt at a goal through the feet or using any other sort of improvised equipment or act. The offside rule in soccer means that one player of the team must stay outside of the opposing side’s goal. This offside rule was made to prevent “back-ending” where a player from the side which is not performing well would intentionally try to make a goal against the team using a similar style of play. Thus it is important that the offside rule is observed.
A penalty kick is also called a foul. It takes place when a player fails to respect the opposing team’s goal post, such as moving toward the pitch after he is already about five yards away from it. Fouls are usually taken by indirect actions like diving, blocking the goals, or using an object that obstructs the field. It does not include throwing or making an explosive touch, which is not allowed except in very exceptional circumstances.
The regulation period in soccer field is sixty minutes, referred to as the halftime mark. Three points are scored during this period – a win, a draw, or a loss. These points are added up and the winner is the team with the most points. The teams play until there is one team from each league on the winning side, or until one team has won half of the available points, or until one team has won the entire available points.
The goal is generally scored through a throw-in by one team member. This is done just before the end of the regulation period. The goalkeeper may try to save the ball, or send it to his teammates so that they can attempt to goal. If neither of these options is possible, the goal is awarded to the side with the highest number of players on the field at the time. If a foul is committed by a player, a penalty kick is given. The penalty kick is taken directly by the goalkeeper, or if he is not in the goal area, by any other player on the team.
Fouls usually take place when a player touches an opponent outside the boundary line, or if a player commits a foul inside the penalty area. Soccer rules allow free kicks if the referee thinks there is an imminent foul. Free kicks are usually taken by teams whenever their opponents commit a foul against them. This can be a way for a team to score more goals. The aim of the game is to win, and to do this a team must have the skills to play soccer.