Understanding Soccer
As one of the biggest sports around the world, we wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to get into soccer. If you want to play the game, it'll be so much easier if you understand these five key terms. Once you get them, it'll help you follow instructions, communicate with teammates, and enjoy the game more quickly.
1) Offside
Offsides happen when an attacking player is closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is played to them. If the player is involved in the play, the referee blows the whistle and awards an indirect free kick to the defending team. This is one that often confuses new players, so paying attention to timing and position is very helpful.
2) Free Kick
After a foul or certain violations, teams may be awarded a direct or indirect free kick. A direct free kick allows players to shoot on goal immediately, while an indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player before attempting to score.
3) Corner Kick
A corner kick is exactly as it sounds! This is awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses their own goal line without a goal being scored. The attacking team then gets to kick from the corner arc on the side where the ball went out. It creates an opportunity to send the ball into the penalty area and create a shot.
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4) Throw-In
A throw-in restarts play when the ball crosses the touchline and leaves the field on the side. The team that didn't touch the ball last gets to throw it back in, but the key is they must use both hands and keep both feet on or behind the line.
5) Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded for certain fouls committed by the defending team inside their own penalty area. A good chance to make a goal, this kick is taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper defending the goal. All other players must stay outside the penalty area until the kick is taken.
