The popular game of soccer is played in most countries worldwide at high professional levels as well as by those who take it up as a hobby. Soccer is a game meant to be played by two opposing teams using a ball. Referred to as soccer in the United States, it is better known as football in most other countries. The game has turned into a sort of craze with formations of various leagues and championships. The highest level of competition in soccer aka football known as World Cup Football is conducted by FIFA, an international body that organizes the competition once in every four years with participation from many leading countries.
Where and how is soccer played?
Basically, a game of soccer is played in a rectangle-shaped field, where the length is always more than the width. A typical soccer field is marked out into certain categories, such as the goal stands, certain fixed areas meant for penalty to players, and corners. The ball used in soccer is a hard, big, and spherical in shape. Each of the two teams comprise of 11 members including the goalkeeper. A strict rule in a game of soccer is that players are not supposed to touch the ball with their hands except for the goalkeepers. The players can either kick the ball with their legs or use their head and chest to move the ball forward. Essentially in a game of soccer, one team tries to move the ball by kicking to the opposite team’s goal stand where a goal keeper of the opposite team is standing to prevent the entry of the ball into the goal stand. If any of the team members are successful in kicking the ball into the opposite team’s goal stand that is protected by a net as well as a goalkeeper, then the team gets to win a point.
Strategies in the game
Usually, one gets to see plenty of action and thrill while the game is being played that lasts for a duration of one and half hours divided into two halves of 45 minutes each with a break in between consisting of 15 minutes. Beginning with a kick-off to the ball, the two teams set to dribble, kick, and pass the ball forward, each team member trying to propel the ball towards the opposition netted goal stand protected by a goalkeeper. Various strategies are applied by the two teams to outdo each other and gain points. If one team appears to be on the defensive then the opposite teams works out strategies that make them aggressive in their play. In the process of passing the ball, if one of the players kicks too hard resulting in the ball going out of the boundary mark, then any one of the opposite team member is awarded with an incentive in the form of getting to throw the ball with hands. Positions taken by team members in a game of soccer are carefully thought out strategies that include positions such as mid-field, defensive line etc. There is a variety of terminologies used in the game of soccer such as corner kick, offside, penalty points etc.
Who is the boss in soccer?
The usual norm is for the referee to blow a whistle at the start of the game and also when any rule is broken or a point awarded. The referee’s job is to oversee fair play in the game and shells out penalty to players such as yellow cards and red cards for breaking rules of the game.
For soccer equipment, visit wsports.com.
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Friday, August 6, 2010
GOALKEEPERS IN SOCCER
The universal love for soccer is indisputable. This game has witnessed and been through sea of changes over the centuries. Earliest account of players’ position in soccer teams date back to 1504. A lot positions have been altered since then as the game evolved over a period of time, some positions have been created while few have been eliminated, though the basic nature of the game remains standard where all the field players from both the teams have to attack and defend. Despite all the transitions, one position has been constant and been there since the inception of the game and that is of a goalkeeper.
A goalkeeper is positioned between the goal posts and has to defend the offenders from scoring a goal, they are also known as the last line of defense. Goalkeeper is the only position in the game of soccer where using hand is permissible. Like the game itself this position has also evolved over the years. Initially goalkeepers had to limit themselves close to the goal post. In 20th century an argentenian goal keeper pioneered new techniques and styles which made the role more dynamic in nature. He was the first one to move out of the penalty area to defend a goal shot, use a goal kick to attack and wearing gloves was also initiated by him. In soccer the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with any part of the body including hands however; few rules were revisited in 1992, where a mandate was given that a goalkeeper will not be able to handle the ball with hands if a team mate back passes the ball. Consequently goalkeepers had to work on the techniques of managing the ball with legs.
Ideally if squad number system is not being used, number 1 jersey is allotted to the goalkeeper, though there have been exceptions in FIFA world cup 1978 and 1982. They are also required to wear jersey’s that are distinctive and are different from the rest of the team. Typically a goalkeeper’s position has the longest playing career in soccer and they are also essentially tall or the tallest players in the team.
Needless to mention that goalkeepers play a very vital role in the game of soccer, they are no more confined to the penalty area and can get involved in the game anywhere in the pitch. Many notable goalkeepers have scored goals for their teams during a corner or a free kick. A good and a strong goalkeeper can be very reassuring for the rest of the members. Team players can concentrate better on the game knowing that it’s difficult for the offenders to score a goal against the goalkeeper who is standing tall (literally and figuratively) guarding the post.
For quality soccer equipment for goalkeepers, visit wsports.com.
A goalkeeper is positioned between the goal posts and has to defend the offenders from scoring a goal, they are also known as the last line of defense. Goalkeeper is the only position in the game of soccer where using hand is permissible. Like the game itself this position has also evolved over the years. Initially goalkeepers had to limit themselves close to the goal post. In 20th century an argentenian goal keeper pioneered new techniques and styles which made the role more dynamic in nature. He was the first one to move out of the penalty area to defend a goal shot, use a goal kick to attack and wearing gloves was also initiated by him. In soccer the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with any part of the body including hands however; few rules were revisited in 1992, where a mandate was given that a goalkeeper will not be able to handle the ball with hands if a team mate back passes the ball. Consequently goalkeepers had to work on the techniques of managing the ball with legs.
Ideally if squad number system is not being used, number 1 jersey is allotted to the goalkeeper, though there have been exceptions in FIFA world cup 1978 and 1982. They are also required to wear jersey’s that are distinctive and are different from the rest of the team. Typically a goalkeeper’s position has the longest playing career in soccer and they are also essentially tall or the tallest players in the team.
Needless to mention that goalkeepers play a very vital role in the game of soccer, they are no more confined to the penalty area and can get involved in the game anywhere in the pitch. Many notable goalkeepers have scored goals for their teams during a corner or a free kick. A good and a strong goalkeeper can be very reassuring for the rest of the members. Team players can concentrate better on the game knowing that it’s difficult for the offenders to score a goal against the goalkeeper who is standing tall (literally and figuratively) guarding the post.
For quality soccer equipment for goalkeepers, visit wsports.com.
SOCCER COACH
Much has been spoken and written about soccer as a game and its players. However the enormous glory that this game commands has more often than not eluded from the man who is instrumental in coaching and crafting the entire team. No points for guessing, we definitely are talking about soccer coach, man who stands tall, mentors and shares all his expertise and skill to make a winning team.
A soccer coach has to necessarily devote a lot of time in order to evolve as a successful mentor. Even amongst coaches there are positions, head coach is someone who is also commonly known as team manager and is paid the highest than the rest of the coaches who are usually subordinates. Head coaches are usually in their late 40s’ or early 50s’, some even run into 60s’ so; they even have to ensure impeccable physical fitness. The head coach is essentially responsible for recruiting/selecting players, devising play tactics and strategies, which is then supported and implemented by the subordinate coaches who generally hold offensive and defensive positions.
In modern day soccer, coaches are more inspiring as military style of mentoring has not seen much success. Players normally do not like to be dominated, on the other hand if the coaching style is inspiring the team responds more effectively. Coaches at all times have to keep themselves abreast with the latest rules and techniques and be creative in their style and approach to get the best out of the players. They need to obtain their coaching equipment from quality sports stores. However; dealing with and shaping players behavioral pattern and attitude on the pitch could be a little tricky as you cannot have definitive way for the players to react/respond to a particular situation when they are on the field, this is an area where a coach can contribute a lot yet do very little by sharing certain best practices out of his own experience and observation to manage anger and anxiety.
Soccer coaches, needless to say are ex-soccer players and distinguished ones at that. Having said that if we take a tour into history and even now, coaches who may not have been in the limelight as players have done splendid job as a coach which only goes to show that it surely takes more than just being a good soccer player. We have witnessed this trend even in the latest FIFA 2010; coaches like Del Bosque (Spain) and Bert van Marwijk (Holland) during their career as soccer players, they certainly were good but not celebrated, however; they emerged as remarkable coaches. On the contrary coaches like Fabio Capello (UK) failed to deliver even with a team as strong and skilled as England’s.
A soccer coach has to necessarily devote a lot of time in order to evolve as a successful mentor. Even amongst coaches there are positions, head coach is someone who is also commonly known as team manager and is paid the highest than the rest of the coaches who are usually subordinates. Head coaches are usually in their late 40s’ or early 50s’, some even run into 60s’ so; they even have to ensure impeccable physical fitness. The head coach is essentially responsible for recruiting/selecting players, devising play tactics and strategies, which is then supported and implemented by the subordinate coaches who generally hold offensive and defensive positions.
In modern day soccer, coaches are more inspiring as military style of mentoring has not seen much success. Players normally do not like to be dominated, on the other hand if the coaching style is inspiring the team responds more effectively. Coaches at all times have to keep themselves abreast with the latest rules and techniques and be creative in their style and approach to get the best out of the players. They need to obtain their coaching equipment from quality sports stores. However; dealing with and shaping players behavioral pattern and attitude on the pitch could be a little tricky as you cannot have definitive way for the players to react/respond to a particular situation when they are on the field, this is an area where a coach can contribute a lot yet do very little by sharing certain best practices out of his own experience and observation to manage anger and anxiety.
Soccer coaches, needless to say are ex-soccer players and distinguished ones at that. Having said that if we take a tour into history and even now, coaches who may not have been in the limelight as players have done splendid job as a coach which only goes to show that it surely takes more than just being a good soccer player. We have witnessed this trend even in the latest FIFA 2010; coaches like Del Bosque (Spain) and Bert van Marwijk (Holland) during their career as soccer players, they certainly were good but not celebrated, however; they emerged as remarkable coaches. On the contrary coaches like Fabio Capello (UK) failed to deliver even with a team as strong and skilled as England’s.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Football fever - some insight into the sport
The Fifa World Cup has started in full vigour and enthusiasm, as fans all over the world get ready to root for their favorite international teams. For all those people, who do not have their favourites, but want to be a part of the game, here is a suggestion. Football is one of the easiest and one of the most affordable games to follow. The basic infrastructure of this game involves a football, a net and 11 players. For those playing at an international level, accessories like shoulder injury pads and a shoulder elastic pad to minimize blows to the shoulder.
Football is known by numerous names like soccer, rugby and beach ball. The game usually comprises of two teams trying to get the ball into the goal located on the opposite end of the field. The players usually include: goalkeeper, mid-fielders, strikers and the defensive. The goalkeeper is the one who guards the goal posts and keeps the other team from scoring. The mid-fielders are the ones that are located in the middle of the field.Last, but not the least the striker and defensive; the player in a defensive position tackles the members of the opposing team and try to prevent them from scoring or gaining the possession of the ball. Whereas a striker will try to aim it towards the goal and score points.
Like every other game, soccer also comes with its own set of gear and equipment designed for the safety of players. There aren't a lot of safety gears for this game, but there are shin guards and head gears which protect the shin and the head respectively. Apart from that, soccer gear mainly comprises of team jerseys, team shorts, socks and balls which you can purchase in any decent sporting goods store. The main reason for this is, it does not need a lot of preparation or need any hi-fi infrastructure apart from a field and a net to shoot the goals into. But there are some quality jerseys from the showrooms of Nike and Puma, that promise to keep the body cool even during arduous practice sessions. Then, there are soccer shoes which aren't like normal shoes. Earlier, the shoes were made of higher cuts, and had laces which hindered the players from delivering quality performances. Nowadays, the shoes have lower cuts and they have dispensed with the laces which have reduced the chances of a player tripping.
Well for the time being, this is what passes for soccer gear, because if truth be told, all the protective gear take care of half of the body. A little more, can ruin the fun of the game.
Football is known by numerous names like soccer, rugby and beach ball. The game usually comprises of two teams trying to get the ball into the goal located on the opposite end of the field. The players usually include: goalkeeper, mid-fielders, strikers and the defensive. The goalkeeper is the one who guards the goal posts and keeps the other team from scoring. The mid-fielders are the ones that are located in the middle of the field.Last, but not the least the striker and defensive; the player in a defensive position tackles the members of the opposing team and try to prevent them from scoring or gaining the possession of the ball. Whereas a striker will try to aim it towards the goal and score points.
Like every other game, soccer also comes with its own set of gear and equipment designed for the safety of players. There aren't a lot of safety gears for this game, but there are shin guards and head gears which protect the shin and the head respectively. Apart from that, soccer gear mainly comprises of team jerseys, team shorts, socks and balls which you can purchase in any decent sporting goods store. The main reason for this is, it does not need a lot of preparation or need any hi-fi infrastructure apart from a field and a net to shoot the goals into. But there are some quality jerseys from the showrooms of Nike and Puma, that promise to keep the body cool even during arduous practice sessions. Then, there are soccer shoes which aren't like normal shoes. Earlier, the shoes were made of higher cuts, and had laces which hindered the players from delivering quality performances. Nowadays, the shoes have lower cuts and they have dispensed with the laces which have reduced the chances of a player tripping.
Well for the time being, this is what passes for soccer gear, because if truth be told, all the protective gear take care of half of the body. A little more, can ruin the fun of the game.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)