Introduction to Soccerdrills.com
It is, by far, the most watched and
most played sport in the world. Over 200 million people regularly play soccer in
various countries. Some professionally, while a large number of soccer fans,
kids and adults alike, play the game for fun, amusement and even amateur
competitions.
Soccer, also known as football
(except only in America), was developed in the 19th century, in
public schools across England. Much of the gameplay from that time it was
developed, to this present day, remains the same. Rules that were followed then
are the very same rules adopted in modern soccer today.
This popular team sport is
composed of very simple rules and nominal requirements. But it calls for skills
involving ball control, as well as the ability to receive a pass or block a
ball. Kicking and dribbling with the feet is the main body function used to play
this game. However, some special skills are also required, most especially with
goalkeepers whose main role is to prevent the opponent from making a score.
Soccer’s appeal is that it allows
for people with different abilities to play the game. It doesn’t require someone
large or muscular to become good players. Even the smallest of players can
develop the skills to play soccer. Hence, kids of varying ages are capable of
playing this sport even at an early age. As one Olympic analyst says during the
2004 USA-Germany Game, “The beauty of soccer is that every player gets to be
the quarterback when the ball is at their feet” (Lori Walker, NBC).
Here at Soccerdrills.com, we shall
provide you with information on anything related to soccer. The stories and
articles you will find here will help you understand the heart in this game. If
you’re a soccer fan or maybe even a future soccer sensation, the information we
present here at Soccerdrills.com will more than tell you why people all over the
world are absolutely passionate over this spectator sport.
What are Soccer Drills?
Soccer drills are programs designed
to help soccer players improve on their skills. Soccer drills take shape in
different forms and variations in the game. Whether it’s a simple soccer game
played by kids in the park, a practice session, or a game for an amateur or
professional team; whether it’s designed by the coach, or designed by players to
fit their needs, drills are integral part of playing soccer.
The Basics Of Soccer
Essentially, the gameplay involves
two opposing teams, in brightly colored uniforms, going after a spherical ball
and racing to make a score. They kick the ball around in this big field, being
careful not to pass it on to an opponent or open the chance for an opponent to
steal the ball. During the game, players (with the exception of the goalie),
are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands, but they can use any part of
their body to pass the ball or even score. Often, players use their feet and
some even use their heads to bump and pass the ball around.
A kick yards away from the goal
makes the game really very exciting, especially when that kick makes it inside
the goal. Equally, blocking a possible winning kick evokes an elating reaction
from the crowd and even the players themselves.
At the end of the game, the team who
has made the most goals, wins.
The duration of the game is 90
minutes, with 45 minutes each in two halves. An official or a referee supervises
the players all throughout the game. In soccer, there is one main referee with
two assistants, who all keep track of what is going on in the big soccer field.
Sometimes penalties are imposed on players who go against the rules or have
committed fouls.
The Variations of Soccer
Playing soccer doesn’t necessarily
mean having to strictly follow regulation rules for someone to be able to enjoy
the game. There are, in fact, a couple of variations soccer fans can participate
in, so that they can experience the game.
First of which is regulation
soccer, which is the standard soccer; the soccer as 200 million people
all over the world knows it. This is played in a big field, with eleven team
players each.
The other one is small-sided
soccer, generally played in smaller fields and can be played in the
absence of a goalie. Participating players can be as many as 8 per team or as
few as 4 per team.
Lastly, there is the indoor
soccer. This game is played with a slight variation similar to hockey.
Soccer Equipment
These are the equipment you will
normally need to play the game:
- The ball – The ball should
follow the specifics as provided by the FIFA Federation or your local league
federation. Depending on the age group and the league, soccer balls come in
three sizes (size 3, 4, and 5) and there are different types of materials
for it.
- Cleats or Boots or Shoes – this
is the most important soccer equipment. Good soccer shoes can help players
improve their game. Soccer cleats come in different types and are made for
different types of weather conditions.
- Gloves for Goal Keepers –
Goalies need gloves for better grip. Gloves also protect the fingers of the
goal keepers, especially when they are trying to block or catch a forceful
kick.
- Shin Guards – The use of shin
guards is to protect the legs from possible injury. Remember that this is a
game which doesn’t require players to have a lot of bulky protective
covering for the body, even when it gets too physical out there on the
field.
Soccer Facts
Did you know that there are over 200
member countries in the FIFA Federation. (FIFA is The Federation of World
Football)?
Did you know that soccer is an
all-weather sport and games are played even when it is raining?
Did you know that in 1872, head
dresses like bobble hats or caps were normal uniform provisions at that time?
Did you know that back in the day,
the ball they used was made of pig bladders tied inside a leather case?
Did you know that soccer originally
was an upper-class sport until students from England’s public schools adopted
it?
Did you know that soccer is a word
which was coined by Oxford Students to shorten the term “Association Football”?
Adding -er to certain words was something these students were partial to
during those times.
Did you know that before 1927, goals
were not scored from direct free kicks, a skill that David Beckham is famous
for?
