This is a regulation soccer field. The fields we use in class are different.

Defensive Side

Offensive Side

LW
LH
LF
G

LI
CH

RF

C
RI

RH
RW
These are the positions that the players are in during the kickoff.
On the kickoff, the forwards cross over in the direction of the arrows.

Player Names
LWLeft wing
LILeft Inner
CCenter
RIRight Inner
RWRight Wing
(The above 5 players are
also called forwards.)
LHLeft Halfback
CHCenter Halfback
RH...Right Halfback
LF...Left Fullback
RF Right Fullback
GGoalie

The Game: Soccer is played with eleven players on a team. There are five forwards, three
halfbacks, two fullbacks and a goalie. The game begins with a kickoff at the center of the field.
Players move the ball toward their opponents goal by kicking, striking or pushing the ball with any
part of the body except the arms and hands. After each goal the ball is put in play at the center of the
field by the team that did not score.

Position of players at the kickoff: The players in the above diagram are lined up onside for a
kickoff. They are on their defensive half of the field. After the kickoff in gym class, the five forwards
will move to their offensive half of the field and remain there until a goal is scored or the game is over.
The halfbacks, fullbacks and goalie are to remain on the defensive half of the field.

Forwards: They advance the ball into scoring territory and attempt to score.
Halfbacks: They work both as offensive and defensive players. They must do a great deal of
running. They must backup both the forwards and the fullbacks.
Fullbacks: They are primarily defensive players. They must be able to tackle a forward and get
control of the ball quickly.
Goalie: He is the last line of defense. The goalie must be able to move quickly and get control of the
ball. An indirect free kick is allowed if he carries the ball for more than four steps. A goalie is the only
player who is allowed to punt a ball; he is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his hands.

Remember: Before
you play soccer, be
sure you stretch and
warm up your muscles!

Turn
paper
over!

Heres what happens when the ball goes out of bounds.

Throw-in: When the ball goes out of bounds near the sidelines, it is put back in
play with a throw-in from the spot where it crossed the line. The player using this
skill must keep his hands above his head.
Goal Kick: when the attacking team kicks the ball out of bounds over the end
line, a defending player takes a goal kick.
Corner Kick: If the ball is kicked out of bounds over the end line by the
defensive team, a corner kick is awarded to the offensive team.

FOULS

What happens
if theres a
foul?

Personal Fouls: You cannot trip, strike, charge, hold, push or jump into an
opponent. These are fouls. Also, only the goalie can handle the ball with his
hands.
Penalty Kick: A penalty kick is awarded if a foul is committed by the defense
within its own penalty area. The ball is placed 12 yards from the goal, and only
the goalie can be in the penalty area.
Direct Free Kick: A direct free kick is awarded at the spot where the personal
foul occurred. A direct kick can score a goal.
Indirect Free Kick: An indirect kick is awarded at the spot where minor
infractions occur. (Examples: A player cannot handle a ball after he has used a
throw-in until another player handles it, a player cannot use his hands unless
hes playing goalie, a player cannot be off sides.)

Attacking Team: This is

the offense. They have
possession of the ball and
are trying to score.

Controlling: Receiving the ball, then bringing it

under control before putting it into play.
Defensive half of the field: The
half of the field closest to the goal
that a team is defending.

Remember
all these
important
things!

Do not wear
dangerous
objects!

Defending Team: This is

the defense. It is the team
without the ball.
Instep: The top of the foot between the toes
and the ankle. When kicking a ball, point the
toes down and keep the ankle rigid.

Inside of the foot: The inside of the foot between

the toes and the heel. Use the inside and the
outside of the foot to kick the ball.

Agile: This means

you are full of
energy and quick on
your feet. Playing
soccer will help.

Offensive half of the field:

The half of the field closest
to the goal that a team is
attempting to score in.

Be sure your
shoelaces are
tied!

Offside: In gym class off sides occurs when a forward plays

on the defensive half of the field, or when a fullback or
halfback plays on the offensive half of the field.

Onside: Both teams line up on their defensive half

of the field until the kickoff is taken.

Running:
This will help
you build
endurance!