Soccer is not just like any other game, it is passionate, hair raising, hectic and frenetic game of 11 players on each side with a single goal in mind to push the ball in a goal and win. It seems quite Easy and comprehensible, isn’t it? But this is not scenario of the game. The soccer game is guarded by plenty of rules whose know how is to be obliged before becoming a player or standing amongst the passionate fan. Anyone can learn and know the tit bits of the game and have the real pleasure of the game. One can sit with his family and enjoy this hour’s play without getting drowned into the dunk of boredom. Or if you are amongst those who are not just a sitter but a go getter, and are very passionate about playing soccer, the following article can help you through.

There are plenty of things one should know and bear in mind before setting his foot in the field. The adequate knowledge of equipments, attire, rules and regulations, fouls and foreplay can lend a hand in your breathtaking play and can see you standing unhurt through the game. The main motive of the game is to push the ball into the goal area without having touched the ball with hands or arms and simultaneously prevent your opponents from increasing their score card.

A single team of soccer consists of minimum of 7 players and at the max of 11 players. The team has to be even on both sides. Some of the common terminology attached with the team and players are:

• Goalkeeper or goalie laden with the aim of guarding the goal and preventing the opposite team from scoring a goal. He is allowed to use his hands for stopping the ball whenever he is in penalty area.
• Sweeper dole out as the last line of defense before the soccer ball enters the goalkeeper’s arena.
• Defenders are those who defend the opposite team from scoring a goal.
• Forwards or strikers possess the mission of scoring goal for their team.
• Midfielders not only act as defenders but also help their own forwards.

Rules of the game

• A legal move (ball should not be touched by hands or arms) can score a goal for a team which sends the ball into other team’s goal.
• Each goal earns a single point for the team and scoring is done on the sum total of the goals scored by the team.
• The game is played in two equal halves. After one half of the game is over the sides are switched. In professional games, each half is of 45 minutes.
• The game is ended when the referee signals the over of the time.

Dress gear for the soccer

• Each player included in the team of soccer must be fully dressed in the team’s jersey and shorts with the jersey bearing the number of the player at the back.
• The player should also in addition wear shin guards which should be completely covered with socks.
• The player should wear shoes most probably soccer cleats.

Penalties and punishments

The following reasons can show the player a yellow or red card and this can award the opponent team with a benefit of penalty kick, indirect or direct free kick. A player can be given yellow card when

• He shows behavior unlike of a sportsman.
• Leaves or enter the field without the permission of referee.
• Repeatedly disobey the rules.
• Not maintain the required distance from the ball at the start of the game.

More grievous fouls can award the player a red card.

• Violent conduct
• Serious foul play
• Spitting at someone
• Abusive language
• Denying the opponent of scoring by mishandling the ball (except as allowed to the goalies)
• Denying the opponent of scoring by committing a foul against that player.
• A second yellow card

A player who is shown a red card is no more allowed to continue the game and is not even replaced. The team has to play with one player short.

This is the essential know how of this frenzy game of ball which aims at nothing except providing 90 minutes of fervent and fanatical game play (guarded by the laws) to both the players as well as fans of the game.