Overview of Soccer Rules and Gameplay

The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team within a 90-minute timeframe.

11 players per team, 10 on the field, 1 goalkeeper. Substitutions allowed: Maximum 5 per match, 3 substitution windows.

The game is divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute break between.

Players cannot touch the ball with their hands except for the goalkeeper, goal kicks, throw-ins.

A foul committed by a player results in a yellow card. Two yellow cards in the same match lead to a red card and expulsion from the match.

A player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than the second-to-last defender when the ball is passed to them. This results in a free kick for the defending team.

The goalkeeper is allowed to use their feet within the penalty area but must not touch the ball with their hands outside of it. A foul is awarded if they do.

The team that does not have possession of the ball must try to regain it by tackling or intercepting passes. This is a key part of a successful defensive strategy.

Moving the ball with your feet, without using your hands.

A specific arrangement of players on the field, determining their positions and roles.

A rule in soccer that prevents players from being in an advantageous position to score before the ball is passed.

The ability to slow down or stop your run quickly, important for changing directions in soccer.

The position of your body when facing the ball, determining how you receive or shoot the ball.

Passing the ball a long distance, usually to a teammate further up the field.

The act of kicking the ball towards the goal with the intention of scoring.

A teammate giving you a pass to allow you to shoot at goal.

A shot at goal taken from the penalty mark, awarded when a foul is committed inside the opponent's penalty area.

A free kick awarded for various infractions, like being fouled or handling the ball.

A situation where the ball goes out of bounds across the sideline. It's thrown back in play by the opposing team.

A kick taken from the goal area when the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line. The goalie takes the kick.

The act of the ball completely crossing the goal line between the goal posts and beneath the crossbar.

A situation where a player touches the ball with their hand, resulting in a free kick or penalty for the opposing team, depending on location.

Prohibited items like jewelry are not allowed on the field, and players must wear specific clothing. These include a shirt, shorts, long socks, shin guards, and cleats. Goalkeepers need to additionally wear specialized gloves.

Males and females have the same rules in soccer, but the games might play out differently. Males often show more physicality and direct play, while females tend to showcase more ball control and technical skills.

The speed and intensity of the soccer game increases as you move from high school to college and then to professional levels. Professional soccer carries a much higher level of responsibility compared to amateur leagues.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a controversial technology that can sometimes overanalyze plays. Critics argue that VAR can decrease the responsibility of on-field referees and negatively impact the flow of the game.

Unfair treatment and abuse based on race or ethnicity have unfortunately been a part of soccer. This targeting can affect players, referees, and even spectators.