How to Play Soccer

Portable soccer goals can help you get a game going anywhere. If you're new to the game, or at least new to setting up your own field with portable soccer goals, a general overview of the soccer field and soccer rules should help get you started. The Soccer Field Soccer fields can vary in size to accommodate players of different ages and skill levels or to suit the space you have available. The most important aspect of a soccer field is that it is longer than it is wide, with the soccer goals centered at each end. Ideally, the field should be on level ground and the soccer goals should be lined up symmetrically with one another.

Soccer Field Markings

The field is divided widthwise into two equal halves. The rectangular area, also known as the goal box, is drawn around each of the soccer goals. Around this soccer goal area, another rectangle, called the penalty box, is drawn. Within both of these boxes that surround the soccer goals, the goalkeeper is allowed to use his or her hands to defend the goal.

Soccer Goals

Inground soccer goals must be securely anchored to the ground, both for safety and for proper game play. Shifting soccer goals are dangerous and compromise the integrity of the game, potentially giving one side an unfair advantage. Secure all portable soccer goals with goal stakes or auger anchors to ensure safety and secure soccer goals.

The width between goal posts on soccer goals and the crossbar height of soccer goals can also vary to accommodate players of different ages and skill levels.

Players

Official soccer rules call for 11 players per side, including the goalkeeper who protects the soccer goal, but this can be modified to suit circumstances.

Time

An official soccer match is 90 minutes long, consisting of two 45-minute halves.

Object

The object of soccer is to score more goals (by putting the soccer ball completely through the opponent's soccer goal and across the goal line) than the opposing team. The team that has scored more goals when time expires wins the match.

Basics

Players may use any part of their bodies except their arms and hands to advance the soccer ball downfield and into the opponent's soccer goal.

The soccer ball is ruled "out of bounds" only when it has completely crossed the goal line in the soccer goal, or any of the touch lines (field perimeter), whether on the ground or in the air. Balls that go out of bounds on the sidelines are put back into play with a throw-in. Balls that go out of bounds on the goal lines are put back into play with either a corner kick or a goal kick, depending on which team last touched the ball before it left the playing field.

Complete Rules of Soccer

If you want to put your soccer goals to use in official matches, be sure to acquaint yourself with the specific rules for the league. Since soccer is the most widely played sport in the world, the rules vary from place to place. However, the object and basic skill set always remains the same, which helps explain the sport's popularity.

Enjoy your soccer goals and be sure to follow all safety guidelines for portable soccer goals.