Soccer | Football: Basic Rules

The main goal in soccer is to score more goals than the other team. The team with the most goals wins. If the game ends in a tie, it may go to extra time or a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Game Essentials:

  • Teams: 11 players per team, including a goalkeeper, play on a marked rectangular field
  • Duration: 90 minutes total, split into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime. Extra time may apply in knockout rounds
  • Start: The game begins with a kick-off from the center, with the coin toss winner choosing kick-off or field side
  • Movement and Scoring: Players advance by dribbling, passing, or shooting. A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line within the goalposts
  • Offside Rule: Prevents attackers from positioning behind the last defender before the ball is passed to them

Gameplay

  • Passing, Dribbling, Shooting: Players use various techniques to move the ball, bypass defenders, and score
  • Defending and Tackling: The defending team works to regain possession and prevent scoring without fouling
  • Set-Pieces: Free-kicks, corners, and throw-ins provide scoring or defensive chances

Rules and Fouls:
Players must avoid using hands (except goalkeepers in their area), dangerous play, aggressive behavior, and offside positioning during attacks.

Was this article helpful?
1 out of 2 found this helpful

Articles in this section

See more