PE Soccer Study Guide

Team

A team consists of 11 players (10 on the field plus the goalie).

Olympics and World Cup

Soccer was brought to the Olympic games in 1900 and to the World Cup games in 1930.

Scoring

A goal is one point. A goal is scored when the entire ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

Duration of the Game

Varies by age. Typically professional and college play 2 forty-five minute halves. High school plays 2 forty-minute halves. Jr. High plays 2 thirty five-minute halves. Youth leagues play 4 ten minute quarters.

Time Stoppages

The clock will stop for one of the following reasons only: 1) A goal is scored, 2) There is a penalty kick, and 3) An official calls time. Coaches cannot call a “time-out” in soccer.

Kickoff

A place kick from the center of the field as a means of starting play at the beginning of each period or restarting after a goal has been scored. All defensive players must be outside of the circle when the kick-off is taken.

Sidelines

Also called touchlines, mark the sides of the field.

Out-of-Bounds

A ball is in play until it completely crosses the sideline or the end line. If any part of the ball is touching the line, it is still in play.

Direct Free Kick

Awarded for illegal actions and penalties (e.g. tripping, kicking, handball, violent charging, holding, pushing, charging from behind.) A direct foul in the penalty area results in a penalty kick.

Dribbling- Using a series of pushes or taps with the feet while moving and keeping the ball under control.

Handball: A foul (direct kick) in soccer when the ball is played with the hand, actually any part of the arm below the armpit.

Goal Line- The boundary line marking the end of the field.

Heading/Head Ball

The skill of using the head, usually the flat center of the forehead, to propel the ball intercepted in midair in any direction.

Penalty Area: Also called the 18-yard box, to distinguish it from the goal area, which is the 6-yard box. The goalie may use his/her hands in the penalty area.

Penalty Kick- If a foul is committed inside the penalty area, the attacking team gets a direct free kick from a marked spot twelve yards from the goal. All players, other than the goalie, must be outside the penalty box.

Throw-in- When the ball goes across a sideline it is put back into play by opponents of the team that touched it last. Both feet have to be on the ground, must have two hands on the ball, and the throw must come from behind and over the player’s head.

Corner Kick- A direct free-kick from the corner arc. When a defensive player is the last one to touch the ball and it goes over his own goal line, his opponents are awarded a corner kick. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

Indirect Free Kick- A player cannot score directly from this type of free-kick (a second person, from either team (including the goalie), must touch the ball before a goal is scored. This type of kick is awarded for dangerous play, offsides, and obstructing an opponent when making no attempt to play the ball.

Goal Kick- A goal kick is granted when the attacking team kicks the ball over the end line. The ball is placed on the 6 yd box/goal box (typically on the corners and kicked to the outside). All players on the opposing team must be outside the penalty area before the kick is taken.

Offside

Basically, a player must have the ball or at least one defender (not including the goalkeeper) between him and the goal WHEN the ball is played to him. To be offside the player must be in the opponent’s half of the field and looking to gain an advantage. If called, the team will receive an indirect kick at the spot of the foul.

Marking (“mark up”) – If a defensive term where you defend a player on the other team as they move. Proper position is close to the man and “goal-side” (between the opponent and the goal you are defending).

Shielding – Use your body as a “shield” to keep the ball away from opponents.

Tackling

The attempt of taking the ball away from another player by kicking or stopping the ball with their feet. Usually a matter of timing – wait on the player to make a mistake. Avoid “diving in” (lunging/sticking your leg out at the ball).

Forwards/Wings/Strikers – mainly play in the offensive third of the field. Their primary role is scoring goals.

Midfielders/Halfbacks

support both the offensive and defensive players and areas of the field, typically run from penalty box to the penalty box. Link forwards and fullbacks.

Fullbacks/Defenders (includes Stopper & Sweeper) – mainly play in the defensive third of the field. Their primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Goalie/Goalkeeper/Keeper

Responsible for protecting their team’s goal; the only player allowed to use their hands to touch the ball inside the penalty box.

Formation – The lineup a team plays, e.g. 4-4-2, 3-4-3, etc. The numbers work from the back forward and the goalie is never counted. So, a 4-3-3 is a formation with 4 fullbacks, 3 midfielders, and 3 forwards.

Fifty-Fifty Ball

A loose ball, or a badly placed pass, that is as near to a player of one team as it is to a player of the opposing team, allowing both an equal chance of controlling or winning the ball.

Referee (also called Center or Center Ref.)

The person in charge – often one person with two assistant referees (also called A.R.s or lineman). There may be two referees with equal responsibilities.

Card

Yellow card is for a flagrant penalty (taunting, cursing, tackling from behind, etc). The red card is for fighting, intentionally trying to do harm, etc. A player receiving a red card is ejected from the game and his team must play a man down. A player receiving a second yellow card is also ejected without replacement.

Pitch

An English word for the soccer field.