Intro to Soccer

Intro to Soccer

Fun Facts

- The first soccer ball was made from a pig's bladder.

- A traditional soccer ball has 32 panels.

- Until 1991, soccer was illegal in Mississippi.

- In the U.S., more than 11 million children and adults attend soccer camps each year.

A Quick Review

• There are 11 players on each team.

• Soccer is also known as Football.

• The only person who can touch the ball with their hands is the goalie.

• A game consists of 2 sections of 45 minutes.

• The clock never stops! (even for injuries), but they will add minutes at the end of the game for injury.

Goal area: Where goalie can grab the ball with their hands.

Fill in the Blanks

Who is the only player that can touch the ball with their hands/arms?

Where to go on the field?

Typically in a game you want to set up in a 4,4,2 layout.

-4 defenders(near the goal)

-4 midfielders (in the middle of the field)

-2 forwards (run toward the opponents goal)

Open Ended

What are the 3 positions players take on the field (other than goalie).

What are the different jobs on the field?

• Defenders: Main job is to make sure the ball does not get past them. (They stay closer to the goal but may go up to the midfield line). Usually complete throw ins, corner kicks on their side of the field.

• Forwards/Strikers: Main job is to score goals. Dribbling, passing and setting up shots.

• Midfielders: Multiple jobs. Assist defense, pass the ball to the forwards, cover defenders.

• Goalie: Stop any goals from being made. (allowed to touch the ball with their hands inside the goalie box)

Open Ended

What are the four field positions in soccer that we just went over?