 |
The 17 Rules for Soccer
The current Laws of the Game (LOTG) consist of 17 individual laws, let's go through each and explain them in more detail. Law 1: The Field of Play Law 1: The Field of Play 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A pitch is the playing surface for the game of football/soccer. Its dimensions and markings are defined by Law 1 of the Laws of the Game, "The Field of Play".
All line markings on the pitch form part of the area which they define. For example, a ball on or above the touchline is still on the field of play; a ball on the line of the goal area is in the goal area; and a foul committed over the 16.5 metres (18-yard) line has occurred in the penalty area. Therefore a ball must wholly cross the touchline to be out of play, and a ball must wholly cross the goal line (between the goal posts) before a goal is scored; if any part of the ball is still on or above the line, the ball is still in play. 17 rules for soccer soccer rules The field descriptions that apply to adult matches are described below. Note that due to the original formulation of the Laws in England and the early supremacy of the four British football associations within IFAB, the standard dimensions of a football pitch were originally expressed in imperial units. The Laws now express dimensions with approximate metric equivalents (followed by traditional units in brackets), but use of the imperial units remains common in some countries, especially in the British Isles. Goals - Goals are placed at the centre of each goal-line. These consist of two upright posts placed equidistant from the corner flagposts, joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The inner edges of the posts must be 7.32 metres (8 yds) apart, and the lower edge of the crossbar must be 2.44 metres (8 feet) above the ground. Nets are usually placed behind the goal, though are not required by the Laws. Goalposts and crossbars must be white, and made of either wood or metal. Rules regarding the shape of goalposts and crossbars are somewhat more lenient, but they must conform to a shape that does not pose a threat to players. A point (goal) is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goal-posts, even if a defending player last touched the ball before it crossed the goal line (see own goal). A goal may, however, be ruled illegal (and void by the referee) if the player who scored or a member of his team commits an offence under any of the laws between the time the ball was previously out of play and the goal being scored. Penalty & goal area - Two rectangular boxes are marked out on the pitch in front of each goal. The goal area (colloquially "The 6 yard box"), consists of the area formed by the goal-line, two lines starting on the goal-line 5.5 metres (6 yds) from the goalposts and extending 5.5 metres (6 yds) into the pitch from the goal-line, and a line joining these. Goal kicks and any free kick by the defending team may be taken from anywhere in this area. Indirect free kicks awarded to the attacking team within the goal area must be taken from the point on the line parallel to the goal line nearest where an incident occurred; they can not be taken further within the goal-area. Similarly drop-balls that would otherwise occur in the goal area are taken on this line. The penalty area (colloquially "The 18 yard box" or just "The box") is similarly formed by the goal-line and lines extending from it, however its lines commence 16.5 metres (18 yards) from the goalposts and extend 16.5 metres (18 yds) into the field. This area has a number of functions, the most prominent being to denote where the goalkeeper may handle the ball and where a foul by a defender, usually punished by a direct free kick, becomes punishable by a penalty kick. The penalty mark (or "penalty spot") is immediately in the middle of, and 11 metres (12 yds) in front of, the goal; this is the point from where penalty kicks are taken. The penalty arc (colloquially "the D") is marked from the outside edge of the penalty area, 9.15 metres (10 yds) from the penalty mark; this marks an exclusion zone for all players other than the attacking kicker and the defending goalkeeper during a penalty kick. Law 2: The Ball 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A football/soccer ball is a ball used to play one of the various sports known as football/soccer. In the distant past, crude balls such as an inflated pig bladder were used, now high-tech balls are designed by teams of engineers to exacting specifications. Dimensions - The ball used in football (soccer) is called a football (or soccer ball). Law 2 of the game specifies that the ball is an air-filled sphere with a circumference of 68–70 cm (or 27–28 inches), a weight 410–450 g (or 14–16 ounces), inflated to a pressure of 8–12 psi, and covered in leather or "other suitable material". The weight specified for a ball is the dry weight: older balls often became significantly heavier in the course of a match played in wet weather. The standard ball is a Size 5. Smaller sizes exist; Size 3 is standard for team handball; others are used in underage games or as novelty items. Construction - Most modern footballs (soccerballs) are stitched from 32 panels of waterproofed leather or plastic: 12 regular pentagons and 20 regular hexagons. The 32-panel configuration is the spherical polyhedron corresponding to the truncated icosahedron; it is spherical because the faces bulge due to the pressure of the air inside. The first 32-panel ball was marketed by Select in the 1950s in Denmark. This configuration became common throughout Continental Europe in the 1960s, and was publicised worldwide by the Adidas Telstar, the official ball of the 1970 World Cup. Older balls were usually stitched from 18 oblong non-waterproof leather panels, similar to the design of modern volleyballs and Gaelic footballs, and laced to allow access to the internal air bladder. This configuration is still common. The official FIFA World Cup football for Germany 2006 matches was the 14-panel Adidas +Teamgeist. It was made in Thailand by Adidas, who have provided the official match balls for the tournament since 1970, and is a "thermally bonded" machine-pressed ball, rather than a traditionally stitched one. For future world cups, FIFA is hoping to alternate between Nike and Adidas for match balls. There are also indoor footballs, which are made of one or two pieces of plastic. Often these have designs printed on them to resemble a stitched leather ball. Law 3: The Number of Players 17 rules for soccer soccer rules Each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Competition rules may state a minimum number of players required to constitute a team; this is usually seven. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to play the ball with their hands or arms, provided they do so within the penalty area in front of their own goal. Though there are a variety of positions in which the outfield (non-goalkeeper) players are strategically placed by a coach, these positions are not defined or required by the Laws. Law 4: The Players' Equipment 17 rules for soccer soccer rules The basic equipment or kit players are required to wear includes a shirt, shorts, socks, footwear and adequate shin guards. Headgear is not a required piece of basic equipment, but players today may choose to wear it to protect themselves from head injury. Players are forbidden to wear or use anything that is dangerous to themselves or another player, such as jewellery or watches. The goalkeeper must wear clothing that is easily distinguishable from that worn by the other players and the match officials. The sport's Laws of the Game specify the minimum kit which a player must use, and also prohibit the use of anything that is dangerous to the player or another participant. Individual competitions may stipulate further restrictions, such as regulating the size of logos displayed on shirts and stating that in the event of a match between teams with identical or similar colours the away team must change to a different kit. Soccer players generally wear identifying numbers on the backs of their shirts. Originally a team of players wore numbers from 1 to 11, corresponding roughly to their playing positions, but at the professional level this has generally been superseded by squad numbering, whereby each player in a squad is allocated a fixed number for the duration of a season. Professional clubs also usually display players' surnames on their shirts, above (or, infrequently, below) their squad numbers. soccer kit has evolved significantly since the early days of the sport, when players typically wore thick cotton shirts, knickerbockers and heavy rigid leather boots. In the twentieth century boots became lighter and softer, shorts were worn at a shorter length, and advancements in clothing manufacture and printing allowed for shirts to be made in lighter synthetic fibres with increasingly colourful and complex designs. Sponsors' logos began to appear on kits, and replica kits were made available for fans to purchase, generating significant amounts of revenue for clubs. Law 5: The Referee 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A referee presides over a game of soccer. The referee has "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed" (Law 5), and the referee's decisions regarding facts connected with play are final, so far as the result of the game is concerned. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees (formerly known as linesmen), and in some matches also by a fourth official. In 2006, the appointment of a fifth official also became possible, due to implementation by FIFA. The match officials utilise a positioning system known as the diagonal system of control. The vast majority of referees are amateur, though they are usually paid a small fee and/or expenses for their services. However, in some countries a limited number of referees - who mainly officiate in their country's top division - are employed full-time by their national associations and receive a retainer at the start of every season plus match fees. Referees are licensed and trained by the same National organizations that are members of FIFA. Each National organization recommends its top officials to FIFA to have the additional honor of being named a FIFA official. International games between National teams require FIFA officials. Otherwise, the local National organization determines the manner of training, ranking and advancement of officials from the youngest youth games through professional matches. The referee's powers and duties are described by Law 5 of the Laws of the Game. These include: - enforcing the Laws of the Game; Whistle use - Referees use a whistle to indicate the commencement or restart of play, to stop or delay play due to an infringement or injury, or to indicate that time has expired in the half. The whistle is an important tool for the Referee along with verbal, body and eye communication. Uniform - Modern day referees and their assistants wear a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts and socks: until the 1950s it was more common for a referee to wear a blazer than a jersey. Traditionally that uniform was almost always all black, unless one of the teams was wearing a very dark jersey in which case the referee would wear another colour of jersey (usually red) to distinguish himself from both teams. At the 1994 World Cup finals, new jerseys were introduced that gave officials a choice of burgundy, yellow or white, and at the same time the creation of the FA Premier League in England saw referees wear green jerseys: both changes were motivated by television considerations. Since then, most referees have worn either yellow or black, but the colours and styles adopted by individual associations vary greatly. For international contests under the supervision of FIFA, Adidas uniforms are worn because Adidas is the current sponsor. FIFA allows referees to wear five colours: black, red, yellow, blue and green. Law 6: The Assistant Referees 17 rules for soccer soccer rules Two assistant referees (previously known as linesmen) assist the referee in controlling asoccer match. An assistant referee indicates matters to the referee (usually initially by raising his flag, but nowadays also by wireless communication devices), which the referee may then act upon. All decisions by the assistant referee are only advisory to the referee; assistants do not actually make binding decisions. During the game one assistant referee oversees one touch-line and one end of the field utilising the diagonal system of control. The more senior of the two assistants will normally occupy the side of the field containing the technical areas, in order to help oversee substitutions. Assistant referees were formerly called linesmen. In 1996, the name was changed, primarily to better reflect the modern role of these officials, and secondarily to become non-gender specific. They are also sometimes incorrectly referred to as "referee's assistants". Law 6 of the Laws of the Game outlines the general duties of the assistant referees, however their duties in a given game remain subject to the decision of the referee. These duties usually include indicating: - When the whole ball has passed outside the field of play. An assistant referee may also be called upon by the referee to provide an opinion regarding matters which the referee requires clarification on. The assistant referees also usually assist the referee with preparatory and administrative functions. Law 7: The Duration of the Match 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A standard adult football match consists of two periods of 45 minutes each, known as halves. Each half runs continuously, meaning that the clock is not stopped when the ball is out of play. There is usually a 15-minute "half-time" break between halves. The end of the match is known as full-time. The referee is the official timekeeper for the match, and may make an allowance for time lost through substitutions, injured players requiring attention, or other stoppages. This added time is commonly referred to as stoppage time or injury time, and is at the sole discretion of the referee. The referee alone signals the end of the match. In matches where a fourth official is appointed, toward the end of the half the referee signals how many minutes of stoppage time he intends to add. The fourth official then informs the players and spectators by holding up a board showing this number. The signalled stoppage time may be further extended by the referee. In league competitions, games may end in a draw, but in some knockout competitions if a game is tied at the end of regulation time it may go into extra time, which consists of two further 15-minute periods. If the score is still tied after extra time, some competitions allow the use of penalty shootouts (known officially in the Laws of the Game as "kicks from the penalty mark") to determine which team will progress to the next stage of the tournament. Goals scored during extra time periods count toward the final score of the game, but kicks from the penalty mark are only used to decide the team that progresses to the next part of the tournament (with goals scored in a penalty shootout not making up part of the final score). Competitions held over two legs (in which each team plays at home once) may use the away goals rule to determine which team progresses in the event of equal aggregate scores. If the result is still equal, kicks from the penalty mark are usually required, though some competitions may require a tied game to be replayed. In the late 1990s, the IFAB experimented with ways of creating a winner without requiring a penalty shootout, which was often seen as an undesirable way to end a match. These involved rules ending a game in extra time early, either when the first goal in extra time was scored (golden goal), or if one team held a lead at the end of the first period of extra time (silver goal). Golden goal was used at the World Cup in 1998 and 2002. The first World Cup game decided by a golden goal was France's victory over Paraguay in 1998. Germany was the first nation to score a golden goal in a major competition, beating Czech Republic in the final of Euro 1996. Silver goal was used in Euro 2004. Both these experiments have been discontinued by IFAB. Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play 17 rules for soccer soccer rules Under the Laws, the two basic states of play during a game are ball in play and ball out of play. From the beginning of each playing period with a kick-off (a set kick from the centre-spot by one team) until the end of the playing period, the ball is in play at all times, except when either the ball leaves the field of play, or play is stopped by the referee. When the ball becomes out of play, play is restarted by one of eight restart methods depending on how it went out of play: Kick-off: following a goal by the opposing team, or to begin each period of play. Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play 17 rules for soccer soccer rules In play - The ball remains in play from the beginning of each playing period to the end of that period, except when: - The ball leaves the field by entirely crossing a goal line or touch line (this includes when a goal is scored); or Note that when the ball is in play it remains in play if it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar, corner flag, referee or assistant referee, assuming that they are on the field of play at the time. When the ball is in play players may play the ball, contest the ball, and goals may be scored. Players are liable to punishment for committing either fouls or misconduct. Substitutions may not occur whilst the ball is in play. Out of play - When the ball has left the field of play or play has been stopped by the referee, it becomes out of play until play is recommenced by the appropriate restart. When the ball is out of play the ball is "dead"; players must not play the ball or interfere with their opponents, and goals can not be scored. By definition, fouls do not occur when the ball is out of play, however misconduct may occur. Substitutions may only be made when the ball is out of play (and then only with the permission of the referee). Law 10: The Method of Scoring 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A point (goal) is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goal-posts, even if a defending player last touched the ball before it crossed the goal line. Law 11: Offside 17 rules for soccer soccer rules Offside is a law in soccer which effectively limits how far forward attacking players may be when involved in play. Simply put, a player cannot gain an advantage by waiting for the ball near the opposing goal with only the goalkeeper between him and the goal (only in the usual situation that the goalkeeper is the last defender). Click here for more info about the Offside rule. Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A foul occurs when a player commits an offence listed in the Laws of the Game while the ball is in play. The offences that constitute a foul are listed in Law 12. Handling the ball deliberately, tripping an opponent, or pushing an opponent, are examples of "penal fouls", punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick depending on where the offence occurred. Other fouls are punishable by an indirect free kick. The referee may punish a player or substitute's misconduct by a caution (yellow card) or sending-off (red card). A second yellow card at the same game leads to a red card, and therefore to a sending-off. If a player has been sent-off, no substitute can be brought on in their place. Misconduct may occur at any time, and while the offences that constitute misconduct are listed, the definitions are broad. In particular, the offence of "unsporting behaviour" may be used to deal with most events that violate the spirit of the game, even if they are not listed as specific offences. A referee can show a yellow or red card to a player, substitute or substituted player. Non-players such as managers and support staff cannot be shown the yellow or red card, but may be expelled from the technical area if they fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Rather than stopping play, the referee may allow play to continue if doing so will benefit the team against which an offence has been committed. This is known as "playing an advantage". The referee may "call back" play and penalise the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue within a short period, typically taken to be four to five seconds. Even if an offence is not penalised due to advantage being played, the offender may still be sanctioned for misconduct at the next stoppage of play. Law 13: Free Kicks 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A free kick is a method of resuming play in various forms of football, including: Indirect free kick - An indirect free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of soccer. Unlike a direct free kick, a goal may not be scored directly from the kick. Law 14: The Penalty Kick 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A Penalty kick is a type of free kick in soccer, taken from twelve yards (approximately eleven metres) out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal. A penalty kick is performed during normal play. Similar kicks are made in a penalty shootout to determine who progresses after a tied match; though similar in procedure these are not penalty kicks and are governed by different rules. Award - A penalty kick may be awarded when a defending player commits a foul punishable by a direct free kick (a so-called penal foul) against an opponent or a handball, within their own penalty area (commonly known as "the box" or "18 yard box"). Note that it is the location of the offense — and not the position of the ball — that defines whether a foul is punishable by a penalty kick or direct free kick, provided the ball is in play. The referee signals the award of a penalty kick by blowing the whistle and pointing to the penalty mark. Procedure - The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark, which is a midline spot 12 yards (11 m) from the goal. The penalty kick taker (who does not have to be the player who was fouled) must be clearly identified to the referee. He must also stay in the penalty arc until the referee blows his whistle. All players other than the defending goalkeeper and the penalty taker must be outside the penalty area, behind the penalty mark, behind the ball, and at least ten yards (9 m) from the ball (i.e. outside the penalty arc) until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper must remain between the goalposts on the goal-line facing the ball until the ball is kicked, but may move from side to side along the goal-line. If the goalkeeper moves forward, then the penalty must be kicked again. After the referee blows his whistle, which is the signal for the kick to be taken, the kicker must kick the ball in a forward direction (not necessarily at the goal, however this is almost always the case). The ball is in play once it has been kicked and moved, and from this point other players may enter the penalty area and play continues as normal, however most often either a goal has already been scored or the keeper has obtained possession of the ball. The penalty kick is a form of direct free kick, meaning that a goal may be scored directly from it. If a goal is not scored, play continues as usual. As with all free kicks, the kicker may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player even if the ball rebounds from the posts. However, a penalty kick is unusual in that, unlike general play, external interference directly after the kick has been taken may result in the kick being retaken, rather than the usual dropped-ball. Goalkeepers - Defending against a penalty kick is one of the most difficult tasks a goalkeeper can face. Due to the short distance between the penalty spot and the goal, there is very little time to react to the shot to try to make the save. Because of this, the goalkeeper will usually start their dive before the ball is actually struck. In effect, the goalkeeper must act on their best prediction about where the shot will be aimed. As the shooter makes their approach to the ball, the keeper has only a few seconds to "read" the shooter's motions and decide where the ball will go. A goalkeeper may also rely on knowledge of the shooter's past behavior to inform their decision. However, especially in amateur football, the goalkeeper is often forced to guess. Even if the keeper does manage to block the shot, the ball may rebound back to the shooter or one of their teammates for another shot, with the keeper often in poor position to make a second save. This makes saving penalty kicks astonishingly difficult, because if the keeper has managed to block the penalty, it will very often rebound to an area near to the penalty taker, who will have an easier shot than the penalty itself (because they are most likely closer to the goal, and the goalkeeper is most likely in a position where he will not be able to make another save) This is not a concern in penalty shoot-outs, where just a single shot is permitted. These factors would give one the impression that penalty kicks are scored almost 100% of the time. However, penalty kicks are missed (relatively) quite frequently (between 10% - 20% of the time) considering the simple circumstances. This is rarely due to goalkeeper excellence (or luck), but often due to the kick-takers actually missing the goal, often due to the pressure laid on them (expectation to score, especially becaause it looks very easy). Infringements - Infringements of the penalty kick law by either team are dealt with using an advantage concept. Generally: - For infringements by the defending team, before the kick is taken, should a goal be scored it stands, otherwise the kick is retaken. The referee may also caution (yellow card) players for infringements of the penalty kick law, e.g. repeated encroaching into the penalty area. Note that in practice, most minor penalty kick infringements are not penalised. Note that all offences before kick are dealt with in this manner. For example if a defender impedes the progress of an opponent (either towards or away from the penalty area) before the kick is taken (even if the offence is not in the penalty area) then should the kicker not score, the kick will be retaken. Other offences by either the defending or attacking team before the kick regardless of their nature are dealt with subject to the four main requirements above. Law 15: The Throw-In A throw-in is a method of restarting play in a game of soccer. Award - A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the team that last touched the ball, when the ball leaves the field of play by wholly crossing a side touch line (either on the ground or in the air). Procedure - The throw-in is taken from the point where it crossed the touch line. Opposing players must remain at least 2m from the thrower until the ball is in play. At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must face the field of play, have both feet on the ground on or outside the touch line, and use both hands to deliver the ball from behind and over his head. The ball becomes in play as soon as it enters the field of play. A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in. A player may not be penalised for being in an offside position direct from a throw-in. The handspring throw in is a type of throw-in where the player completes a front handspring while still holding onto the ball. This is used for long throw ins and for throw ins used a lot alike to a corner kick. This type of throw in follows all of the rules that the player must have both feet on the ground when he/she is releasing the ball, the ball is being thrown from behind the head, and the ball is being thrown with equal force by both hands. Strong abdominal muscles are required for this throw in. Infringements - If an opposing player fails to respect the required distance before the ball is in play or otherwise unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower they may receive a caution (yellow card). If the thrower fails to deliver the ball as per the required procedure, or delivers it from a point other than where the ball left the field of play, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team. It is an offence for the thrower to touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case it is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick, as appropriate. Strategy - Delivering the ball into the penalty area from a long distance with a throw-in can be a great attacking skill, similar to a corner kick or a direct free kick. Far throw-ins are relatively rare, however. Some players combine the throw-in with an acrobatics move for extra release speed. Law 16: The Goal kick 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A goal kick is a method of restarting play in a game of soccer. Award - A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when the ball leaves the field of play by wholly crossing the goal line (either on the ground or in the air) without a goal having been scored, having been last touched by an attacking player. Procedure - The ball is initially placed anywhere within the defending goal area. All opposing players must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. The ball becomes in play as soon as it is kicked and leaves the penalty area. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing side (i.e. an own goal may not be scored). A player may not be penalised for being in an offside position direct from a goal kick. Infringements - Opposing players must retire the required distance as stated above. Failure to do so may constitute misconduct and be punished by a caution (yellow card). Furthermore, if an opposing player enters the penalty area before the ball is in play, the goal kick may be retaken subject to Law 5. If a defending player other than the kicker touches the ball after it is kicked but before it is in play (i.e. if the whole of the ball has not left the penalty area), the goal kick is retaken. However, it is an offence for the kicker to touch the ball a second time once the ball is in play (i.e. when it has left the penalty area), until it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case it is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick, as appropriate. Law 17: The Corner kick 17 rules for soccer soccer rules A corner kick is a method of restarting play in a game of soccer. Award - A corner kick is awarded to the attacking team when the ball leaves the field of play by crossing the goal line (either on the ground or in the air) without a goal having been scored, having been last touched by a defending player. In most cases, the assistant referee will signal that a corner should be awarded by first raising their flag, then using it to point at the corner arc on their side of the pitch; however, this is not an indication of which side the kick should be taken from. The referee then awards the corner by pointing to the relevant arc (see "Procedure" below). It is also allowed when the team with ball possession makes a throw in, and the ball crosses the goalposts without having been touched by any player. In this case, the referee must call a corner kick and not an "own goal", because a "throw-in goal" is assigned when any other player rather than the sender touches the ball. If the team with possession is attacking, plays with a throw-in, and the ball crosses the opposite team's goalposts, it is called a goal kick by the referee, favouring the defending team. Procedure - The ball is initially placed wholly within the corner arc closest to where the ball went out of play. The corner arc is located at the intersection of the goal line and touch line, and has a radius of 1 yard. All defending players must be at least 10 yards (9.15m) from the ball until the ball is in play. The ball becomes in play as soon as it is kicked and moves. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing side (i.e. an own goal may not be scored). A player may not be penalised for being in an offside position direct from a corner kick, since they are all behind the ball anyway. Infringements - Opposing players must retire the required distance as stated above. Failure to do so may constitute misconduct and be punished by a caution (yellow card). It is an offence for the kicker to touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case it is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick, as appropriate. Strategy - A corner kick may result in a good scoring opportunity, either directly (rarely), or through getting the ball to teammates in front of the net, known as a cross, where the ball is often played by a "header". An alternative strategy is to play a short corner, in which the ball is kicked to a player located closer to the kicker, between the corner and the goal area. This is usually used to move to ball away from the goal-line in order to create a better angle on the goal. The defenders may elect to form a "wall" to attempt to force the ball to be kicked to an area they deem to be readily defencible, however must remain at least 10 yards from the ball until it is in play. ULTIMATE Soccer Coaching System | PLAYER Improvement Plan | History of Soccer | 17 Rules for Soccer | Soccer Offside Rules | Soccer Wallpapers & Graphics | Improve Mental Focus
|
