Understanding the Basics of Soccer in the United States

Not many people understand how the game of soccer works in the United States. It is one of the most popular games around the world, and everyone should know the basics behind it. The game itself is not too complex; allowing for many to learn it without a struggle. The first step to learning to play soccer is knowing the regulations. In an official game of soccer, there are eleven players on each sides. Players must wear protective gear such as shin guards, cleats without the toe spike, and must wear similar colored shirts or jerseys as their teammates. The duration of a match is two halves, each lasting forty-five minutes. The game starts in the center of the field. The field dimensions are usually one hundred and twenty yards long by sixty

There may be a direct kick awarded to one of the teams. These are rewarded when a player does something deliberately to the opposing team; such as, attempting or kick or trip an opponent, pushing, and even tackling an opponent. If fouls are committed by a player in their team’s penalty box, then the opposing team is award a penalty kick. Indirect kicks are awarded in the presence of players playing in a dangerous manner, impedes the process of another player, or prevents the goalkeeper (goalie) from releasing the ball from his or her hands. Yellow cards may be given out as a caution or a warning to a player. They are given out in instances such as unsportsmanlike behavior, dissent by word or action, or delaying the restart of play. Red cards are given out to players to remove them from play and off the field. They can be given out for various reason, some of those are violent conduct, serious foul play, and if any one individual on the field receives two yellow cards in the same

The are eleven people on the field for one team at a time. Out of those eleven there is a goalie, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. There can only be one goalie on the field at a time. Their main purpose is to keep the ball from going in the goal they are defending. If they get the ball they are able to kick, throw, or pass the ball to their team. Next on the line would be the defenders,and they are the last line of defense helping the goalie. They are the ones that try and keep the opponent’s forwards from getting close to the goal. When a defenders get the ball, they will break away with it, pass it, or clear it. The midfielders job is to support both the defenders and keep the ball moving up field. They are what I consider a hybrid player, they do just about everything. The last position on the field would be the forwards. Their job is to work with the midfielders to try and score. Again there can only be one goalie on the field for each team, but the composition of the rest of the players may vary, as long as there are no more than eleven on the field. The game of soccer can be enjoyed by all age levels. Not only that, it is becoming a fast growing sport in the United States. It is a relatively easy game to learn, but it does require some skill. The earlier you start to play soccer the more you can develop the skills needed to excel. The best part of soccer is you are able to play