How to Play Football

Football is one of the world's most popular sports. It is played between two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular field that is 360 feet long and 160 feet wide. There are different types of this sport such as Beach football, Association football and Street football. We'll concentrate on the commonly played field football.

Things You'll Need

• Guards or pads
• Wrist guard
• Football
• Helmet
• Protective footwear
• Elbow guards

Instructions

1. Football, know as soccer in the United States, is played with an inflated ball on a rectangular grass field or artificial turf. The ball must be 27 to 28 inches in circumference and weigh between 14 to 16 ounces.

2. Note that match time varies by playing level--school, college and professional. For professionals, it is 90 minutes divided into two equal halves. It is the referee's prerogative to offer a break at the end of 15 minutes, if necessary.

3. Remember that each team changes position on the field after the first and third quarters.

4. There is one goal keeper on each team. His role is to defend the opposing team from making any goals. He is the only person who is allowed to touch the ball with his hands.

5. Observe that the referee first tosses a coin in the air. The team that wins the toss will kick-start the game from the line of scrimmage at the center of the field.

6. Know that the real playing starts when the toss-winning team keeps on passing the ball among its members. This aim is to push the ball into the opposing team's territory in order to score a goal. At this stage, players of the other team try to defend their goal and stop their opponents.

7. The different field positions include Left Back, Right Back, Center Back, Left Wing Back, Stopper, Right Wing Back, Defensive Center Midfield, Free Role, Left Forward and Right Forward.

8. The goalkeepers make every effort to prevent the other team from scoring a goal on them.

9. Consider the penalty corners that are crucial for both the teams. They are offered to the offense team when the defense team makes a foul, especially close to the goal-making area.

10. Assess the performance of both teams. The team that scores the maximum goals overall wins.

Tips & Warnings

• Search for the local football clubs in your neighborhood to get an up-close understanding of the game.

• Note that football and soccer are the same game with different names.