How to Play Soccer For Beginners: A Complete Guide

Written ByDaniel Pena
Reading Time: 6 minutes

If you are a beginner or youth player wondering how to play soccer, then you are in the right place. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport for many reasons and one of those reasons is that it is a simple sport that requires little to no training gear and equipment to start enjoying.

All you really need to start playing soccer is a soccer ball, your bare feet, two goals, some friends, and some open space. Along with that, you also need an understanding of the basic rules, tactics, and skills that make the game flow.

That is why, in this blog post, I will go over the basics you need to know to start playing soccer as a beginner.

How to Play Soccer Image by Waldemar

How to play Soccer

In this blog post, we will be focusing on the traditional 11v11 game, but there are many different ways to play soccer because of all the variations that have been created throughout the years, such as

A soccer team consists of eleven players on the field, along with bench players who can be substituted in during the match. A traditional soccer match is played between two teams, and each game lasts 90 minutes with two 45-minute halves plus added stoppage time and a 15-minute halftime break.

The team to score the most goals at the end of regulation time wins the match. Depending on the type of game, if both teams are tied, the game will either end in a draw (as in league games) or go to extra time or a penalty shootout (as in tournaments that need a clear winner).

The center spot in the center circle is the kickoff spot, where the game begins at the start of each half,, and where play restarts after either team scores a goal. In order for a goal to count, the entire ball has to cross the goal line, between the two goalposts, and underneath the crossbar.

Soccer Equipment Needed:

As mentioned before, if you want to play soccer, the only things you really need are the soccer ball and your bare feet. However, if you want to play official variations of the game competitively, you will need more equipment.

Basic Soccer Rules

Now that you have a better understanding of the basics of soccer and the essential equipment needed, let’s go over important soccer rules to know before you step onto the field.

Soccer Field Dimensions

The dimensions of a full-sized soccer field can vary based on age and playing level, but most fields will follow the guidelines established by FIFA and the International Football Association Board

  • The length of the field, also known as the sideline, should be between 100 and 110 meters (110 and 120 yards).
  • The width of the field, also known as the goalline, should be between 64 and 75 meters (70 and 80 yards).
  • The goal area, also known as the six-yard box, extends 6 yards (5.5 meters) out from the goal line and 6 yards (5.5 meters) across the field.
  • The penalty area, also known as the 18-yard box, extends 18 yards (16.5 meters) out from the goal line and 18 yards (16.5 meters) across the field.

Foul Play

Foul play refers to the fouls and offenses committed by players, which have different consequences.

  • Only the goalkeeper is able to use their hands if they are inside their penalty box, and any outfield player who uses their hands deliberately gets a foul called against them
  • Players cannot deliberately tackle, push, or disrespect other players, fans, coaches, or officials
  • Foul play may result in a yellow card, which acts as a warning, or a red card, which results in the player being sent off the field
  • If a player commits a serious foul outside the penalty box, the other team is awarded a direct free kick
  • If a player commits a serious foul inside the penalty box, the other team is awarded a penalty kick
  • If a player commits a minor foul, inside or outside the penalty box, then the other team is awarded an indirect free kick

Out of bounds

Whenever the ball goes out of bounds, there are various ways to restart play.

  • If a team kicks the ball out of bounds through the sideline, the opposing team gets a throw-in to restart play. During throw-ins, the ball must be thrown directly over the player’s head
  • If the defending team kicks the ball out of bounds through their goalline, the opposing team will get a corner kick
  • If the attacking team kicks the ball out of bounds through the opposing team’s goal line, the opposing team will get a goal kick

Offside

  • In soccer, a player is considered offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender (usually the last outfield player, excluding the goalkeeper) at the moment the ball is played to them.
  • Being in an offside position is not an offense in itself; it becomes an offense only if the player becomes involved in the active play by interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage from that position.

Basic Soccer Skills

Now that we have discussed soccer fundamentals, equipment needed, and important soccer rules, it is time to talk about the gameplay itself and the most important soccer skills needed to be a successful player.

These basic skills make up the foundation of soccer, and they are used from grassroots teams up to the professional level; the only difference is the speed, precision, and consistency with which they are performed.

Mindset
Game IQ
Decision making
Receiving and controlling the ball
Kicking the ball
Passing the ball
Juggling the ball
Shooting the ball
Dribbling the ball
Heading the ball
Vision and awareness
Athleticism
Speed
Stamina
Balance
Strength

Soccer Positions and Formations

Along with having a strong foundation in the fundamental soccer skills mentioned above, it is equally important to understand soccer positions and formations. In soccer, there are four main positions: goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and attackers, and the number of players per position depends on the formation and tactics used by the coach.

The maximum number of players per team is eleven, and the minimum is seven. If a team has fewer than seven players due to players not showing up, being ineligible, or receiving red cards, that team cannot play. Here are the various soccer positions within each main position.

Each position is also associated with a specific jersey number, although today not every team follows this traditional numbering system. For example, the center midfielders are known as the number 8s, and the center attacking midfielders are known as the number 10s.

How to Get Better at Soccer

Now that you have all the information that you need to start playing soccer, what are your next steps? Your next step is to find a soccer team to train with, because the best way to get better at the game is to play and learn through experience.

Also, by being part of a team, you will be in a competitive environment where you can learn from a coach and from watching your teammates. To find a team, simply search on Google “soccer team in (enter your city here).”

If you do not want to be part of a team, but do want to get better at soccer, I would suggest joining leagues and pickup games in your area. This way, you are still learning by playing.

I would only recommend private training if you are a serious player who wants to get ahead of the competition and is already part of a team, leagues, and pickup games. Then once you find somewhere to play, and you’re playing consistently, it is very important to take care of every aspect of your life that impacts performance, including:

Football Training
Athletic Training
Injury Prevention
Foot Function
Mitochondria Function
Recovery
Sleep
Nutrition
Hydration
Breathing
EMF Exposure

How to Play Soccer Image by Unsplash +

Summary

To summarize, the beautiful game is one of the most, if not the most, popular sports in the world, with hundreds to thousands of new soccer players joining every day. In this blog, I covered everything you need to know about playing soccer, from the equipment needed to the basic rules, as well as important skills to improve for faster player development.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I begin improving my soccer skills right now?

To begin improving your soccer skills right now, check out our post on the best soccer training drills. If you are looking to accelerate your progress and want private training, check out Coach Daniel’s website and fill out the player interest form.

How can I learn more about the game?

To learn more about soccer, the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high-level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews, watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, TV shows, and anime.

Soccer Coach/ CPT/Blogger/Sports Coordinator

Daniel Peña is the founder of The Art of Football, an independent football blog exploring all topics surrounding the game, on and off the field, such as player development, tactics, culture, and the modern game.

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