SOCCER

Historical Survey of the Game

Introduction
Football is the world’s most popular game today. Young and old, men and women in
schools club, fields & streets throughout the world play it. It had advantages over other
games because of basic equipment and playing space which is readily available.
The game is enjoyable to watch, play and easy to understand.
The history of the game shown that, many people played it in one form or another.
In the early days a game was played in china called Tsu-Chu. This is translated to be to
kick a ball which was stuffed of leather.
The emperors took part in such games on important days such as birthdays.
In the Chinese game the goals were made of Bamboo sticks which were 9m high and 1m
apart.
These goals were joined with a rope. The winners were treated to a big feast while the
looser were often flogged.
The Japanese’s played a form of football called Kemari. The Greeks and the Romans
had a similar game to that of the Japanese.
In 1866 the Roman colonized the Britain and took the game there
In Florence this is a district in Italy, a game of Kick was played in the 14 th Century up to
27 players were allowed and 6 referees were required.
The kind of game (soccer football) played today was born in England by the 12 th century
where plenty of football was played in London, in the streets of many other towns and
that of England.
The contests were violent and chaotic. These competitions were held between village and
sometimes villagers could fight.
The objective of the game was to get the ball into the opponent’s goal. The goals ranged
from hundreds of yards to several miles apart, a match which was played between Norton
are Sheffield in 1793 lasted for 3 days.

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Because of the nature and the dangers of the game the local clerics and the Sheffield
prohibited the game.
One of the major reasons to prohibit game was because it destructed the able body men
from archery which was an importance military scheme.
However, the prohibition did not succeed and so the game remained. The game was
characterized by malice, murder, jealous and enmity.

Modern Football
There are many fashions of football the one we are discussing is the Association football
known as soccer, this fashion of football dates back as early as 1820’s through 1830’s.
It was first organized in English by old boys of public schools e.g. Winchester, Harrow,
Elon etc.
In 1963, an English national football Association (FA) was formed and in 1867 teams of
12 aside were introduced,
In 1846, the first set of rules were drawn at Cambridge University
Between 1848 and 1862 the rules were introduced five of which to are applied today.
In 1872 the first official international match was held between England and Scotland.
The modern football then spread to the other part of the world.
In 1904 FIFA was formed, a body that governed and guided the activities of the game in
the world and by 1914, 16 nations had formed their national leagues.

FOOTBALL IN KENYA
Britain introduced the game in new lands such as North and South America, Australia,
New Zealand, Far East and many parts of the Africa continents.
Missionaries spreading Christianity and soldiers during the First World War (1914-1918)
and Second World War (1939-1945) contributed to the spread of football.
In Kenya football, was introduced by the British civil servants who were working for
British East Africa (Kenya- Uganda Railways); Mission schools and training institutions.
In 1922, the first African football Association was formed, public and missionary
schools, Government institutions and local communities worked together to form clubs
and in 1926, the African football Association organized by first inter-clubs game at the

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Railway station. Today K.F.F runs the affairs of the game, affiliated to the Kenya
National Sports Council, Confederation of African football and World body F.I.F.A
(Federation of International Football Association.

Field of play

120-90m

A soccer pitch is a rectangular in shape and is divided into two halves by a center line.
The maximum and minimum dimensions are 120m by 90m long and 90m by 45 wide.
The longer lines are called touch line or side line while the shorter lines are called goal
lines. It has a central circle of 9.15 m radius inside where the kicks off ball are started off.
There are goals posts in either of the goal line which stand at 2.44m high joined with a
cross bar on top and backed by a net which is pegged into the ground.

The ball
A standard ball to be used in soccer should have a range weight between 396-453
grams.
The circumference shall range from 68-71cm
Ball must be spherical in shape

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 It should have an outer casing of leather or other suitable materials approved by the
international board.
A white water proof ball is recommended because it can be seen on winter dark days
The ball can only be changed during the game by the consent of the referee.

Touch lines- These are the longer boundary lines, when the ball touches wholly over
these lines it is out of the field and it is restarted with a throw-in.

1. Goal Lines
These are the lines at each end of the field joining at right angles to the touch lines, when
the whole of the ball passes over the goals line except between goal posts and under the
cross bar either on the ground or on the air the ball ,it is out of play and the game is
restarted by
(i) Goal kick- When the ball has last been played by an attacking player.
(ii) Corner kick- this is when the ball has last been played or touched by a
defending player.
When the whole of the ball has passed between the goal post and the under the
crossbar a goal has been scored.

2. Centre line
This indicates division of the field into two halves for the purpose of
Kick off -When all the players must remain in half of the field until the kick off had
been taken.

3. Centre circle
This provides a practical indication that for all forms of free kick whether direct or
indirect, the player of the offending side shall be at least 9.15m away from the ball
and shall not approach within 9.15m until the kick off has been taken.

The Penalty Area

This is a rectangular of 40.32 x 16.5m, it serves the following services

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 (i) Indicates that part of the field in which for any of the ten penalty offences
committed intentionally by a depending player, a penalty kick is awarded.
(ii) It indicated that part of field of play where the ball may be handled by the
depending goal keeper.
(iii) It indicates the area beyond which the ball must be kicked before it is in play
from a goal kick or from a free kick awarded to the defending side in their
own penalty area.
(iv) When a penalty kick is awarded, penalty area indicates an area outside
which all players other than the goal keeper and the player taking the
penalty kick must be on the field of play, or outside which all the opposing
player must remain while a goal kick by the defending side is taken.

Penalty Arc
This is not part of penalty area. It is 9.1m from the penalty spot/mark; it indicates an
additional area in which encroachment is not permitted when a penalty kick is being
taken.
For a penalty kick a ball is placed on a penalty spot which is 11m from the centre of the
goal line and at right angle to it.

Goal area
It has two purposes
i) Indicates the area in which the goal keeper has special protection (can only be
changed when obstructing an opponent).
ii) To limit the area in which the ball is placed for a goal kick

The fouls, breaches and the penalties

There are nine specific offences for which a player is penalized by an award of direct free
kick to the opposing side or a penalty kick if the offence occurred in the penalty area. The
intentional offences are:-
i) If he kicks or attempts to kick an opponents
ii) Tripping an opponents (throwing or attempting to throw an opponent)

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 iii) Jumping at an opponent
iv) Charging an opponent dangerously or violently
v) Charging the opponent from behind
vi) Striking or attempting to strike an opponent.
vii) Holding an opponent
viii) Pushing an opponent
ix) Handling the ball.
NB
A goal can be scored direct from such a kick hence the name (“The direct free kick”)
An indirect free kick is awarded against a player committing any of the offences below:-
i) Playing in a dangerous manner
ii) charging an opponent when the ball is not within a playing distance
iii) Intentionally obstructing an opponent with/out the ball.
iv) Charging the goal keeper except when he is holding a ball
v) Wasting time.
vi) Substituting when the ball is not dead.
vii) Substituting without informing the referees.
viii) Coaching on the side line.
Instances when ball is considered “Dead” and how the game is restarted
 There are various instances, which includes:
 Supposing the ball goes out of play field over the touchline the ball is dead and
game is restarted by throw in.
 If the ball goes out of play over the goal line, it is dead but if it went out over goal
line when it was last touched by an attacker the game is restarted by a goal kick
and if by defender game is restarted by corner kick.
 When there is foul committed by a certain player the ball is dead and it is restarted
by free kick awarded to the fouled side.
 When a goal is scored the ball is also dead and game is restarted by a kick off by
the scored team.

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  If the referee stops the game if he considers it worth while the ball is dead and the
game is restarted by a drop ball between two opposing players (each nearer his
goal line) on the points where the infringement occurred.

The Game Officials

Game of soccer is officiated by an appointed referee and two lines men. The primary
responsibility of the referee is to control the game on the field of play, duties of the line’s
men involves working on each of the touch-line.

Specific duties:
Referees
He should carry two good whistles, a reliable stop-watch, a coin, a notebook or a
pencil or pen, 3 cards (yellow and red)
Duties- Enforce the rules
 Reject any unsuitable mater equipment
 To allow no unauthorized person to enter the filled of play.
 To keep the record of the game
 To act as a time keeper allowing for time lost on accident or any other cause.
 To signal for the stoppage or ending the game.
 To report the postponement or the abandonment of a game.
 To caution the player guilt of misconduct and to keep him off if the misconduct
persists.
 To stop the play if he considers a player to be seriously injured.
 Stopping the game for an infringement of the rules, suspension or the termination
of the game due to such reasons as adverse or bad weather, the ground conditions
or interference by the spectators.
 He has powers to penalize extend to which offences committed after play has
been temporally finalized.

Two lines- Men

The two linesmen should each have a

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Watch
Line’s flag
Whistle

Duties
 Assist the referee to indicate by signal when the ball is out of play, when corner-
kick, goal-kick is awarded and which side is entitled to the throw-in.
 To indicate to the referee when player is off-side
 Draw to the attention of the referee to the physical and technical offences and
ungentlemanly conduct (untacked T-shirt)
 They may give their opinion on any point of which the referee may consult.

Match commissioner
This official is found in serious organized competitions eg national, provinces etc
Duties
 To preside over (to oversee) the conduction of the match (check whether
linesmen are biased)
 He keeps substitution plates, i.e for any change.
Team officials
Team manager
 He takes care of the all the administrative matters concern the team
 To ensure that travel document of the players are ready.
 Organize the transport for the team members and other officials
 He is the overall boss for both team members & the officials.
 He makes sure that all team members are available and comfortable during the
competition
 He is the financial officer.
Team Coach
Duties
 He is the expert of the game.
 He decides the training schedule for the team and the games strategy.

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  He relays all complains expressed by the team members, team manager and
other officials.
 He ensures the team discipline before and during the game
Team captain
 He’s a player in a team
 He’s the only one allowed to address the official if there if team complains or
protest.
 He tosses for his team before a match.

Team Doctor
 Looks after the health of the players to make sure that they are fit to play.
 He treats those injured during the game
 He recommends those seriously injured for further medical attentions

Checklist for Teaching Basic

Soccer Rules
1. The Field

Identify the Lines, Areas, Goals, Nets, and Corner Posts. Any balls rebounding back into
the field from the goals, corner posts, or referee are still in play.

2. The Ball

Sizes and proper inflation.

3. Duration of the Game

Two equal halves of 45-minutes (or less); time kept by Referee. (No “time outs.”)

4. Number of Players per Team

Eleven (or fewer of equal numbers), one specifically designated to the Referee as the
goalkeeper.

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5. Players’ Equipment

Shoes, socks, shinguards, shorts, shirt. Nothing that could be dangerous to the player or
any other player. Team in matching shirts; goalkeeper in contrasting shirt.

6. The Referee (and Assistant Referees)

The Referee and Assistant Referees have full authority from the moment of arrival until
departure. Referee conducts the game from within the field of play. (Club personnel may
be used to indicate out-of-bounds on the sidelines in the absence of Assistant Referees.)

7. The Substitutes, Coaches, Parents and Fans

Along with the players, everyone must exhibit good behavior. Coaches and substitutes
must stay on their sidelines unless permitted to go onto the field by the Referee.

8. Coin Toss

Visiting team calls the toss. Winner of the toss gets choice of which goal to attack first.
Other team kicks off.

9. Players Take the Field

Referee may wish to have a short talk with both teams and/or allow one or two
questions. Players are to be arranged in their half of the field of play prior to the
scheduled kickoff time.

10. Kickoff

Kicking team – can’t cross midfield until a legal kickoff (ball forward) has taken place;
kicker may not kick the ball twice.

Defending team – must be in its own half of the field and outside the center circle until
the ball is properly kicked; players may not proceed on the Referee’s starting whistle
alone.

11. Movement of Players

All players may go anywhere on the field, including the goalkeepers; the goalkeepers
may only use their hands, however, in their own Penalty Area.

12. Ball In and Out of Play

The WHOLE of the ball must be ALL OF THE WAY over the outer lines, whether on
the ground on in the air to be out (a ball may not curve or be blown back in). For a foul,

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the ball is no longer in play immediately at the instant the Referee starts to blow his
whistle.

13. Throw-In

 On the sidelines, at the point where the ball went out, a player from the team
which did not touch it last must:
o Keep both feet in contact with the ground, on or behind the line, facing the
field;
o Deliver the ball, into the field, from behind and over the head, using both
hands equally.
 Defenders must not try to block the throw-in from taking place.

(Throw-ins that never enter the field of play are retaken.)

14. Goal Kicks

When attackers last touch the ball over the defenders’ end-line, defenders kick it back
into play from within their Goal Area. The kick must go outside of the own Penalty Area
to be live. Attackers must stay outside the Penalty Area until the ball comes out.

15. Corner Kicks

When defenders last touch the ball over their on end-line, attackers kick it from within
the quarter circle on the same side of the field. Defenders must be at least ten yards
away. The kicker can’t remove the corner post or kick the ball twice.

16. Control of the Ball (Possession) by the Goalkeeper

When the goalkeeper handles the ball and has it in such a way that no other player could
legally (safely) play the ball, he is in “control” or “possession” of the ball. (See next
item.)

17. Release by the Goalkeeper

Upon coming into possession of the ball, the goalkeeper is obligated to get it back into
play as quickly as possible. He has only six seconds to throw it or kick it out.

18. Scoring a Goal

When legally propelled off of anyone, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball goes
between the goalposts, under the crossbar, and over the goal line.

19. Substitutions (and Re-substitution)

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Discuss local rules and procedures specific to a competition. Recreation rules usually
allow one-for-one replacement upon injury; and, any number on own throw-in, own goal-
kick, at quarter breaks (if used), at halftime, and after a goal is scored. New goalkeepers
must always report to the referee. If a team started short, a forthcoming player is
generally not considered to be a “substitute” and the coach may usually send him onto the
field at any point with the permission of the referee.

20. Halftime

Referees must allow the players a halftime break, if desired. Teams change ends to start
the second half. Teams are to take the field before the halftime interval is actually over.
Other team from the start of the game kicks off.

21. Fouls and Misconduct

Major Player contact fouls and handling result in direct free kicks for the other team from
the spot of the foul. Procedural misconduct results in indirect free kicks for the other
team from the spot of the misconduct. The severity of the foul may result in a verbal
warning from the referee, a caution (yellow card), or an ejection (red card). (See below.)

22. Free Kicks

The defenders must be at least ten yards away. The kicker can’t kick the ball twice.

“Direct Free Kick” – The kicking team may score a goal directly from the kick, without it
having to be touched by another player other than the kicker.

“Indirect Free Kick” – The kicking team may not score a goal directly from the kick. The
ball must be touched by at least one other player, from either team, before it goes into the
goal in order to count.

23. Penalty Kick

Awarded because of an infraction by a defender in his own Penalty aArea which would
otherwise have resulted in a direct free kick for the attacking team.

The goalkeeper must keep his feet on the goal line, facing the field, until the ball is
kicked. All players except the goalkeeper and the kicker must be outside the Penalty
Area and the penalty arc (“bubble,” “D”) until the ball is kicked.

The ball is “live” and in play, and the game re-started, with the kick.

24. “Advantage Clause”

The referee shall refrain from penalizing a team which has committed a foul when, in his
opinion, the act of stopping the play would actually be more beneficial to the team that

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committed the foul than the resulting free kick would be to the team receiving the award.
(Show examples, such as: player shoots, player is tripped, then the ball goes into goal.)

25. Offside

Players are not allowed to just hang around in front of the goal they are attacking. If they
were, there would just be two big knots of players in front of each goal and the game
would deteriorate into long kicks from end to end. As such, attacking players must not be
beyond the last defender.

26. End of Game

The game is over at the instant the referee starts to blow his whistle, even if the ball is in
mid-flight.

(Remember to thank the opponents and the referee nicely after the match, no matter how
it turned out, for without them there would be no game and you wouldn’t get to play and
coach.)

Major Player contact fouls and handling (Result in a Direct Free Kick)

- Kicks or attempts to kick

- Trips or attempts to trip
- Jumps at an opponent
- Charges improperly
- Strikes or attempts to strike
- Pushes an opponent
- Tackles improperly
- Holds an
- Spits at an opponent
- Handles the ball deliberately

NB A penalty kick is awarded if any of the fouls above are committed by a player inside
his own Penalty Area.

Misconduct (Result in an Indirect Free Kick)

o Dangerous play
o Impedes the progress of an opponent (obstruction)
o Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
o Goalkeeper exceeds six seconds before releasing the ball
o Goalkeeper releases the ball but then touches it again without it being
touched by another player
o Goalkeeper touches the ball after it has been intentionally kicked to him
by a teammate
o Goalkeeper touches the ball directly from a throw-in from a teammate.

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Cautionable Offenses (“Yellow Card”) (Result in an Indirect Free Kick)

- Unsportsmanlike behavior
- Dissent by word or action
- Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game
- Delaying the restart of play
- Defender fails to be far enough away from a re-start
- Entering the field of play without the referee’s permission
- Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission

Ejection offenses (“Red Card’) (Result in an Indirect Free Kick)

- Serious foul play

- Violent conduct
- Spitting at anyone
- Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberate handling
(field player)
- Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by use of a free kick
offense
- Offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures
- Receiving a second caution in the same match.

METHODS OF PASSING THE BALL

Kicking using the inside of the foot
- Eyes should be set on the ball
- Body weight should be on the non- kicking foot
- Use the whole of the inside of the foot
- A quick tap on the ball is made with the inside of the foot kept at night
angle to the direction of the pass.
- The point of contact with the ball should be midway.
- To ensure the ball travels along the ground follow through with the
foot kept low.

Kicking using the instep

- Eyes should be set on the ball
- Body weight should be on the non- kicking foot

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 - The knee is over the ball and the head is bent forward
- The toes of the kicking foot should point downwards

- The non-kicking foot placed alongside the ball and the other foot bent
at the knee and swings backwards from the hip.

- The point of contact with the ball should be with the instep i.e.
midway between the toes and the lower extreme of the leg.

Heading
- Watch the ball throughout

- Use the forehead to head the ball

- Time the incoming ball

- Apply force to the incoming ball and head it in the intended direction.

METHODS OF STOPPING OR TRAPPING

Using the sole of the foot

o Eyes should be set on the oncoming ball
o Meet the ball as it lands
o Toes are raised slightly to allow the ball to hot the sole of the foot after
bouncing or landing.
o The ball is then pressed onto the ground by the sole.

Using the inside of the foot

- Eyes should be set on the oncoming ball
- Meet the ball as it lands
- The foot is placed in the direction of the ball.
- As the ball approaches, the foot is moved backwards so that the
impact is lessened and the ball brought slowly to a stop.
Using the thigh

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 o Eyes should be set on the oncoming ball
o Meet the ball as it lands
o Raise the thigh to a height appropriate for stopping the oncoming ball.
o Swing the thigh backwards and sideways on impact so as to lessen the
force of the impact.
Using the chest
o Eyes should be set on the oncoming ball
o Meet the ball as it lands
o Open the chest by pushing the arms sideways and backwards.

o As the ball comes in contact with the chest, move the body backwards to
lessen the impact.

o Move off immediately so that the ball drops to the feet.

OTHER SKILLS
Dribbling
This is the moving of a ball along the ground by kicking it in spurts, using either the
inside or outside of the foot or both.
It is used to get the ball past the opponents and to give one time to make a good pass.

Teaching points
- Lean forward, with the head over the ball.
- The eyes should be set ahead of the ball
- Keep the ball very close the feet such that it appears as if it is tied to the
feet.
Corner kick
o A corner kick is a method of restarting play – A goal may be scored
directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.
o A corner is awarded when the whole of the ball, having last touched a
player of the depending team, passes over the goal line; either on the
ground or in the air and the goal is not scored.

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Throw-in
- The thrower should hold the back of the ball firmly in both hands.

- The throw should start level with the back of the neck and over the head.

- Both hands should be used with equal force to release the ball.

- The thrower should not move while throwing

Off side
The offside provides that a pass cannot legally be made to an off-ball attacker
who is ahead of the ball and in the attacking half unless there are at least two
defenders (one who may be the goalkeeper) between him and the goal when the
ball is passed to him/her by a team mate. The things that occur before an attacker
can be in an offside position are:-
o The attacker must be across halfway line, in his opponents half of the
field.
o Must be closer to his opponents goal line than the second last defender
(NB. if he is with the second – last defender, he is onside)
o Must be a head of the ball
o Should not receive the ball directly from a goal kick, a corner kick or a
throw in.
TACTICS AND STRATEGIES
Person –to-person marking
This is a defensive solution that involves everyone to pick one of the
opponents to guard when attacking to gains ball possession. Each player is
responsible for marking specific Player of the other team. It introduces the
concepts of marking and following ones opponent but if a player loses his/her
marker either because of being distracted or Slower than the marker or is
simply beaten then the nearest person covers for such a Player. Opposing
players must always be fully covered and tightly marked
.

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Long Ball

The long-ball strategy is the most basic tactic in soccer. The ball is moved from defense
to attack in the most direct manner possible, with long, lofted passes often bypassing the
midfield altogether. The long-ball strategy is most effective when a team possesses a tall
and physically strong forward or striker. This “target man” uses his height and strength to
gather up the long ball or direct the ball to a supporting player.

Possession

Possession soccer is a strategy designed to give a team greater control of the game. A
short passing system is used, often combined with a slow tempo, to deny the opposition
possession of the ball. Possession soccer is a highly technical strategy, requiring skillful
players and good team awareness on the field.

Counter Attack

Counter attacking soccer can be very effective, particularly for teams with fast attacking
players. A counter attack is launched as soon as an opposing attack is snuffed out, the
defending team surging forward in an attempt to catch the opposition off guard.

Wing Play

Wing play is a strategy that focuses upon playing the ball wide down both sides of the
field. There are two main reasons why this strategy could be implemented. Firstly, a team
in possession of quick and talented wingers or wide midfielders may wish to give these
players more of the ball in order to maximize their effectiveness. Secondly, a coach may
spot a weakness in the opposing defense that could be exposed by attacks down the
wings.

Overlap

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The overlap strategy is a style of wing play. Wide defenders, known as fullbacks, are
given permission to get forward and attack by advancing up the field and overlapping the
wide midfielders, or wingers. According to Jens Bangsbo and Birger PeitersenIt in
“Offensive Soccer Tactics,” the overlap is “used mainly in the opposition’s half of the
pitch and is an effective weapon for creating depth and width in the attacking play.”
Other players need to cover for the defender when he attacks.

Closing Down

Closing down, or shutting down, is a defensive strategy. It is a high-pressure form of

defense often applied to all parts of the field. When the opposing team has possession of
the ball, the defending players will close them down immediately. This can unsettle the
opposition, giving them little time to choose their passes.

Offside Trap

The offside trap is a defensive strategy and has little influence upon a team’s attacking
play. As described by Robyn Jones and Tom Tranter in “Soccer Strategies: Defensive and
Attacking Tactics,” the defenders “step up in front of an opposing forward when
appropriate, thus stranding the latter in an offside position.” This strategy relies upon
good organization. If one defender fails to advance with the rest of the back line, the
opposing attacker may not be caught in an offside position, leading to a clear goal-
scoring opportunity.

The High Press

The high pressing game is one that is built from how you play off the ball, rather than on
it. At it's core, the high press works on the precedent that the higher up the pitch you win
the ball, the short distance you have to go to get into a goal scoring position.

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What results is a team that play an incredibly high line, with all ten outfield players
harrying and hustling the opposition when in possession. Teams who adopt other tactics
will often let the opposition hold possession in their own half, safe in the knowledge they
can do little harm so far from goal. What makes the high press stand out is that this
harassing of the opposition occurs no matter where the ball is.

Strategy for the Offense

The team that has possession of the soccer ball is on the offense. When on offense a
soccer team may take a number of different tactics or strategies depending on which
players are in the game at the time and on the skill level and type of the players.

One general strategy of offensive play that all soccer players should employ is Passing
and Moving. This means that you should never just stand still on offense. Whenever a
player has the ball, they need to either pass the ball or dribble. Just standing still is a sure
way to lose possession. This also applies to any offensive player near the player with the
ball. They should always be moving and looking for an opening and providing passing
lanes for their teammate.

Another good strategy is to pass the ball and then move quickly to another open space
closer to the goal. By continuing to move and create passing lanes, the defense can be put
at a disadvantage.

Another good offensive soccer strategy is to Switch the Attack. This is a long pass to
another area of the field that has less defenders. It may be backwards towards ones own
goal or all the way across the field. This gives the offense a chance to re-group and form
a new attack on goal.

Some offensive soccer teams will play Possession Ball. This is when the team tries to

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keep possession of the ball for a long period of time. They may pass the ball backwards
side-to-side with no real apparent attack. This can be a good strategy at periods over a
long soccer game. Passing the ball takes much less effort than dribbling or chasing the
ball. The defensive soccer team will use much more energy to try and chase the ball
down than the offensive team will passing the ball around. This can also be a good soccer
strategy when the offensive team has a good lead and wants to take some time off the
clock.

When playing on offense, there are certain other key skills and times during the game that
any team should be ready for and have a strategy. These include:

Throw-ins: Throw-ins seem like a small part of the game. You just pick up the ball and
throw it back in. However, there are lots of throw-ins during a game and they should not
be taken too lightly. Consistently getting a good throw-in to set up the next play can be
key in keeping possession of the ball. Players that can throw the ball far can be valuable
in certain areas of the field and can even set up goal scoring plays.

Goal kicks: Similar to throw-ins, goal kicks don't seem that important to many soccer
players, but since there are many during a game, the coach should have a few different
strategies on how and where to place the kick depending on the game situation.

Corner kicks: Most teams practice corner kicks and have a couple of defined plays.
Corner's are one of the best scoring opportunities in a soccer game. There is usually a
player that kicks the corner best from the left side and another from the right side.
Depending on the defense, kicking the ball high and long or short can be the best play.
Often goals are scored via headers off the kick, so there should be some tall players that
can jump and head the ball well charging toward the kick. However, rebounds off
defenders or the goalie is another great scoring chance, so a player or two that comes in
late looking for the rebound is also a good strategy.

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Strategy for the Defense

The team that does not have possession of the ball is the defense. Good team defense is
essential to winning any soccer game. Defense is not just the goalie's job, but the job off
all eleven players.

A good defensive soccer team will learn to communicate and form walls of defense
against the offense. A player or two should always remain between the ball and the goal.
Other players should be covering the other offensive players to make sure that they can't
get open for a short goal shot. This is often called "marking".

It is a good idea for defenders to force the player with the ball towards the sidelines. By
playing the right angle and turning the body, the defensive player can guide or channel
the offensive player to the sidelines. This makes it hard for the offense to get off a good
shot or get a good angle for a pass. It can also cause them to lose the soccer ball over the
sideline and, therefore, get the possession back.

 Some teams have a player they call the sweeper. This is a defensive player that
positions in the center of the soccer field usually a bit deeper than the rest of the
defense. The sweeper roams the backfield looking to steal or "sweep" any balls
that get through the defense.

Defenses can also trap the player with the ball with two players preventing them
from getting off a pass and stealing the ball. This can be a risky but rewarding
play.

Defenses should take advantage of the soccer offside rule. By coordinating the
last line of defense and keeping track of the offensive player's locations, a defense
can trap a player offsides and cause a turnover of the ball.

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