Soccer Game PlayerPositions and Field DimensionsIt might be somewhat entertaining to watch a bunch of sweaty guys run around a large field and toss around a white ball (probably even more so for the female audience members), but it's much more engaging when you actually know the football ules.
First of all, the game is played on a huge turf between 100 and 130 yards in length dimension. International regulation matches are played on fields of about
115 yards; the breadth is usually around 75 yards. The goal is eight yards wide and eight feet high. Seems easy to score, right? Think again.
One team is allowed ten player postions on the field plus one goal keeper. Substitutes may be employed although not more than three per match. Well, that's for official games; amateurs can alter the number as long as both teams agree and no more than five substitutes are used. The goalie can also be replaced but when he's out, he stays out. Substitutions are made at dead ball -- when the play is stopped. There are four essential positions in the game of soccer (although youth soccer doesn't necessarily assign positions): Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and the Goilie. The Forward's (1 to 3 team players) primary job is to score goals, so they must have a powerful kick to get the soccer ball past the goalie. Midfielders or 'halfbacks' (3-6 team positions) are in charge of stealing the ball back from the other team, so these players must be quick and agile. Defenders (3 to 5 per team) or 'fullbacks' must be able to kick the ball longer distances. They must be able to defend the goal and kick the ball a great distance from the goal they are protecting. Finally, the Goalie or 'goal keeper' must prevent the ball from entering the soccer goal and is the only player allowed to grab the ball with his hands. continue to ... Play a Game of Soccer