A Football Timeline

5000-300 There is evidence in China that military forces around 2nd and 3rd
B.C. century BC (Han Dynasty) played a game, originally named "Tsu
Chu",that involved kicking a leather ball stuffed with fur into a small
hole. Like Soccer, no hands were permitted during the play of the game.

2500 B.C

There was possibly a version of a type of ball game played by young

women in Egypt during the age of Baqet III, as images of this sport
were depicted on his tomb, though there is not much known of this
sport except that it was played with a ball.

1000 B.C.

The Japanese version of 'soccer' is was called Kemari, a game much

like modern hackysacks, played with two to twelve players, and played a
larger ball stuffed with sawdust. There was also a field designated by
four trees (cherry, maple, pine and willow).

B.C.

In ancient Greece, they played a game called Episkyros, in which two

equally numbered teams would try to throw the ball over the heads of
the other team. There was a white line between the teams and another
white line behind each team. Teams would change the ball often until
one of the team is forced behind the line at their end.

50 B.C.

China's Tsu Chu players and Japan's Kemari players were the first to
have an "International" game of their versions of soccer, believed to
have occurred roughly 50 B.C.. There is a definite date of such a game
occurring in 611 A.D.

600 - 1600

In Mexico & Central America the rubber ball was created, and used in

A.D.

a game on a recessed court 40-50 feet long shaped like a capital "I". In
the middle of each wall, was a mounted stone or wooden ring and the
object was to project the hard rubber ball through the ring.

700s

The first Football games played in Britain was played by the locals of
east of England, starting after a 'legendary' game that involved kicking
around the severed head of a Danish prince that they have defeated in
a war. These games were violent, where injury and death were not
uncommon

1331

Despite the violence of these games, they were still popular. This led
King Edward III of England to pass laws in 1331 to stop the game

1424

King James I of Scotland also passed a law banning the game

1500

In Italy they played a game called "calcio" with teams of 27+ people.
The game involved kicking, carrying or passing a ball across a goal line.
In 1580, Giovanni Bardi published a set of rules of the game of calcio.

1572

Queen Elizabeth I of England, enacted laws that could sentence a

football player to jail for a week followed by penance in a church.

1600

In Alaska and Canada the native Eskimos played a game called

aqsaqtuk on ice, using balls stuffed with grass, caribou hair, and moss.
One legend tells of two villages playing against each other with goals 10
miles apart.

1605

Football became legal again in England

1620

In North America, native American Indians in the original Jamestown

settlement played a game called pasuckuakohowog, meaning "they
gather to play ball with the foot." It was a rough game, played the
beach, the field a half-mile wide with goals 1 mile apart, with as many
as 1000 players at a time.

1815

Eton College of England established a set of rules for the games.

1820

In the USA, football was played among the Northeastern universities and
colleges of Harvard, Princeton, Amherst and Brown.

1848

The rules were further standardized and a new version was adopted by
all the schools, college and universities, known as the Cambridge Rules.

1862

The first soccer club formed anywhere outside of England was the
Oneida Football Club, Boston USA.

1863

October 26 of 1863, the Football Association was formed when eleven

London schools and clubs came together at the Freemason's Tavern to
establish a single set of rules to administer any football match that were
to be played among them. On December 8 1863, Association Football
and Rugby Football finally split onto two different organizations. Later in
the year, the first ever soccer match was played on Barnes common at
Mortlake, London on 19th December 1863 between Barnes Football Club
and Richmond Football Club. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

1869

The Football Association rules were further amended to exclude any

handling of the ball.

1872

The first official international football match was played, between the
national teams of Scotland and England, played in Glasgow Scotland.
The game was played on 30 November 1872, and finished with a 0-0
draw.

1883

The four British associations agreed on a uniform code and formed the
International Football Association Board.

1885

The first international match played by teams outside of Great Britain

was between USA and Canada, played in Newark and ended with
Canada winning 1-0.

1888

Introduction of the penalty kick.

1904

Establishment of FIFA by delegates from France, Belgium, Denmark, the

Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland at a meeting in Paris on
the 21st of May.

1900

Soccer played at the Olympic Games for the first time

1930

In 1930, The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

held soccer's first World Cup tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay, with
13 teams.

1932

Soccer was taken off the program for the Olympic Games in Los
Angeles, due to a controversy between FIFA and the IOC over the

definition of amateur and the reluctance of many strong soccer

countries to travel the US because of the expense involved.

1991

The inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991 in China was won by the
United States

1996

The American women's team won the first-ever women's soccer event
at the Olympics.

BASIC SOCCER SKILLS

Receiving
Receiving a ball on the ground is different than receiving a ball in the air.
When receiving a ball on the ground, the following points should be
considered:

Keep your eye on the ball.

Choose which foot to receive the ball with (this may depend on the
location of the defender).
Receive the ball with one foot with the toe pointed up (ankle
locked).
Dont stop the ball. Instead, prepare it for the next action: shot,
dribble, and pass or to play away from pressure.
Receiving the ball in the air is a skill that involves six major phases:
Keeping your eye on the ball.
Reading the flight, speed and direction of the ball.
Deciding which body part will control the ball (foot, thigh, chest or
head).
Getting the body in line with the direction of the ball.
Preparing to receive the ball by presenting the body part to the ball.
Cushioning the ball with the body part to slow it down and preparing
for the next touch.

Dribbling
Of all basic soccer skills, dribbling is probably the most fundamental.
Dribbling involves keeping the ball moving between the players feet by
kicking it from one foot to the other. Soccer players can dribble completely
in place or can move slightly with the ball, focusing on keeping it under
their feet entirely.
By keeping the ball under the feet, athletes protect it from defenders and
prevent the ball from being stolen easily. Dribbling keeps the ball in
motion and allows athletes to pass it if necessary in order to stay on
offense. Dribbling is also the basis of other basic soccer skills.

To be successful at dribbling, there are a few tips all soccer players should
know. Athletes should work on dribbling with different parts of the feet in
order to beat defenders. Instead of always dribbling with the instep,
players should practice dribbling with the outside of the foot and the
inside heel area. This, along with increasing speed, will help players beat
defenders.

Passing
Though it might make sense at first to be moving when it comes time to
pass, soccer players should actually be stopped before passing. To do this,
players should plant one foot on the ground, facing the direction they wish
to pass. With the inside of the free foot, the athlete should connect with
the ball and bring the leg through, giving the ball momentum and
propelling it toward the target.
It is possible to pass with different areas of the foot, such as the top,
bottom, or outside, but the inside of the foot allows for maximum control
in aiming and is most commonly used. Players should avoid passing with
the toe, as it usually keeps the ball on the ground, slowing its progress
and making it easier for a defender to intercept it.
When passing, players must understand their relationship to other players
and how their pass is going to affect the game. Because passes stop the
forward movement, players have to anticipate where defenders will be
when the ball reaches its target. Players should ensure that there are no
defenders available to steal the ball prior to passing it, and they have
should a plan ready in case the ball does not reach its target.
Because passing involves giving the ball to a teammate, it is important
that players are taught to know where their teammates are by constantly
looking. A second important ingredient is verbal communication, or
talking. Coaches should teach players to provide intelligent verbal cues to
help with decision-making in passing.

The technical elements of passing vary based on the kind of pass being
made. The key elements of any pass (both short and long) include:

See the target.

Approach the ball.
Plant and position of support, or non-kicking foot (the toe of the
non-kicking foot should be pointed in the direction the player wants
the ball to go).
Look at the ball, holding the head steady.

Contact the correct area of the ball with locked ankle.

For instep and outside of foot pass, the toes are pointed down and
contact is on the top of the foot.
For inside of the foot pass, toes are pointed up.
Follow-through: kick through the ball," following through toward
the target.
Transfer the weight forward.

Shooting
Shooting a soccer ball for a goal takes concentration and much practice to
be effective and accurate, but all soccer players can master this youth
soccer skill with a few tips. To shoot the ball, players should plant their
weak foot next to the ball. The foot should be pointing in the general
direction that the ball will be kicked, but it does not have to be perfectly
aligned, as the kicking foot will do the aiming.
When practicing basic soccer skills, athletes should practice good form.
For shooting, athletes should let the strong leg swing back and forward
toward the ball, making contact with the inside of the foot. The players
foot should be pointed down so that they can aim. Aiming is difficult
because it happens with the toe. If the big toe points to the right, the ball
will go to the right, or vice-versa.
Shooting uses the same technical elements as passing, with the important
difference being that the goal is to pass the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

If possible, the player should look up to see the position of the

goalkeeper, choosing a side to shoot the ball.
Approach the ball.
Plant the support foot beside or slightly ahead of the ball, which
helps to keep the shot low.
Keep the head steady and eyes on the ball.
Make proper contact with the ball.
Ankle of kicking foot is locked and the toe is pointed down if
shooting with instep.
Hips and knee of kicking foot are pointed in the direction of the
shot.
Follow through to keep the ball low (weight going forward, landing
on the kicking foot).
The skill of shooting sometimes is called an art because the scoring
of goals is such a prized commodity. The mechanics of how to shoot
are important, but perhaps more important is knowing when to
shoot, especially because so many players prefer to pass the ball

rather than take on the responsibility of shooting. Since scoring

more goals than the opposition is the object of the game, players
who are goal scorers are highly valued. Shooting frequently is done
under pressure from opponents, sometimes facing the wrong way
and at awkward angles. Shooting should be practiced against a live
goalkeeper.

Positions on a Soccer Team

Each soccer team has 11 players 1 goalkeeper and 10 field players. Every player,
whether playing an offensive or defensive position, works to help the team score
goals and to prevent the other team from scoring. The following list explains the
role of each general position on the field:

Goalkeeper: The keeper is the only player allowed to use his hands, and that
activity is restricted to the rectangular penalty area extending 18 yards from
each side of the goal.

Defenders: They play in front of the goalkeeper, and their primary duty is to
stop the opposition from scoring. Outside fullbacks play on the left and right
flanks and rarely move from their sides of the field. Central defenders play in
the middle of the field and usually cover the oppositions leading goal scorer or
center forward(s).

Midfielders: These players are the link between the defense and attack.
Midfielders must be the most physically fit players on the field because they are
expected to run the most in a game. They should be able to penetrate deep in
enemy territory on attack and make the transition to defense when the
opposition retains possession of the ball.

Forwards: Their primary job is to score goals or to create them for

teammates. A center forward, also known as a striker, should be a teams
leading goal scorer and the most dangerous player in the attacking third of the
field.

SOCCER FIELD

Soccer field (sometimes referred to as the pitch) is at least 100 yards long, 50 yards
wide, and has a goal centered at both ends. Within the field are markings including
those for the penalty area and spot, the center spot for kick-offs, and, of course, the
corners without which corner kicks would just be kicks.
The field of play is divided into two halves by the halfway line, which joins the middle of
both touchlines. In the middle of this halfway line is the center mark commonly referred
to as the center spot. Around it is marked a circle with a 10-yard radius.
The field can be constructed of grass, or it can be composed of manmade materials
such as AstroTurf. The color of any artificial surface must always be green. The
following figure shows the correct layout for a regulation soccer field:

SOCCER SKILLS AND DRILLS

Individual technique
Passing

with the inside of the foot

with the outside of the foot
with the instep
crossing the ball

Shooting

with the instep

with the inside of the foot
with the outside of the foot
on the half-volley
on the volley - from the front

Heading

at goal from high crosses

Trapping the ball

with the foot

Feint and dribble

the
the
the
the
the

passing move
shooting move
body move
back-foot move
scissors move

Ball control

looking up before you receive the ball

close control

Running with the ball

close control

Turning

with the body move

Attacking play
Principles of attack

give support
passing - distance

Passing play

looking up

2-1 situations

wall pass

Runs

deep runs
diagonal runs
v-runs
create your own space
create space for others

Crosses

late crosses

Finishing

runs for crosses

clear - unpressured

Defending
Principles of defence

goal-side
marking
covering
pressing
danger areas

1-1 situations

challenged - intercept

Defending around the

box

central attacks
attacks on the flanks

Goalkeeping technique
Movement techniques

starting position

Catching the ball

cupping

gripping - low balls

gripping - high balls
Diving techniques

low balls
high balls

Goalkeeping play
Positioning

narrowing the angle

Shot stopping

basic moves

Contending one on ones basics

Dealing with crosses

unchallenged

Basic Equipment of Soccer

The Outfit or Uniform

The football outfit of a player does not only involve the jersey itself; however, it also
includes the socks and the shoes. Football players should have jerseys and uniforms
that are comfortable enough for them to move in. Note that there is a standard type
of textile for football jerseys. Socks usually are knee length. Meanwhile in terms of
shoes, there is an appropriate shoes for football; the ones with studs.

Shin Guards
A shin guard is an equipment to prevent serious injuries. It mainly protects the legs.
If you are a striker, then it is recommended that you use the smaller and lighter

ones; while for those who are defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers, use designs
that will offer you the most coverage.

Gloves

Gloves are commonly used by the goalkeepers for their primary goal is to defend
their teams home; blocking the balls using any available extremity or even body. It
is important for them to find gloves that are designed to provide maximum hand
mobility and support.

Laws of the Game

IFAB currently acknowledges 17 laws of soccer that are the standard for any
professional or international match played. They are as follows:
Law 1: The Field of Play
Soccer can be played on either grass or artificial turf, but the surface must be green
in color. The field must be rectangular in shape, and distinctly marked by two short
goal lines and two long-touch lines. The field is divided into halves, separated by the
halfway line, which runs from the midpoints of each touchline. At the midpoint of

the halfway line is a marked center point surrounded by a lined center circle with a
radius of 10 yards. Opposing players are not allowed to enter this circle during the
possessing teams kick-off. The length of the touch line must be greater than the
length of the goal line.
Regulation lengths are:

Touch line: Minimum 90 meters (100 yards), maximum 120 meters (130
yards)

Width (goal line): Minimum 45 m (50 yds), maximum 90 m (100 yds).

At each end of the field is an eight-yard-wide goal centered along the goal
line.

Six yards from each goal post along the goal line and six yards out into the
field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the goal box.

Extending 18 yards from each goal post along the goal line and 18 yards out
into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the penalty box.

In each of the four corners of the field is a five-foot-high corner flag.

Law 2: The Ball

A soccer ball must be spherical in shape and made of leather or another
comparable medium. Its circumference must be in the range of 27 to 28 inches. This
rule is only applicable for official sanctioned matches, as youth leagues often
employ the use of a smaller ball that is better suited to children.
Law 3: The Number of Players
Matches are generally played by two teams of 11 to a side. The goalkeeper is
included in the 11-player total. If a team cannot field at least seven players at
match time, the game is a forfeit. Teams of fewer than 11 a side can often be seen
in youth leagues where smaller teams are used as a developmental tool. FIFAsanctioned matches are generally limited to three substitutions per match, with the
exception of friendly matches. Most youth leagues allow an unlimited number of
substitutions, which must also be listed on the game card prior to the beginning of
the match, otherwise those players are ineligible. Substitutions may only enter at
the halfway line, upon the referees approval, and after the player being subbed out
has left the pitch. The goalkeeper may be substituted with anyone on the pitch or
any eligible substitute on the bench during a game stoppage.

Law 4: The Players Equipment

All players are required to wear a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks and cleats. The
socks must cover the shin guards entirely. If the referee deems a players
equipment unsatisfactory, the player can be sent off until the issue is remedied.
Law 5: The Referee
The referee is the authority on the field, and his word is law. If you question a
referees decision, you can be disciplined further simply for dissent.
Law 6: The Assistant Referees
The assistant referees are primarily responsible for assisting the referee in
performing his duties this includes signaling with a flag when a ball goes of play,
when a player is fouled, or when a player is in an offside position.
Law 7: The Duration of the Match
A soccer match is comprised of two 45-minute halves, with extra time added for
each at the referees discretion. The halves are separated by a half-time period not
to exceed 15 minutes. The extra time generally corresponds with the referees
determination of how much time was taken up due to substitutions and injuries. The
amount of extra time is announced and displayed at the half line at the end of each
45-minute period. Although soccer does have an allotted time limit, it is ultimately
up to the referees as to when to end a match.
Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play
Kick-off is generally determined by a coin toss, whereby the winning team can
either choose to start with the ball or choose which goal they would like to attack.
The losing team is then afforded whatever choice the winner does not elect to take.
Kick-off occurs at the start of each half, and after each goal scored, and is taken at
the center of the halfway line. If a team scores a goal, the opposing team is given
the kick-off to restart the match.
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is out of play when it fully crosses either the goal line or the touch line. It is
also out of play if the referee stops play for any reason. If, for any reason, the ball
strikes the frame of the goal or the referee and remains within the goal and touch
lines, it is still in play.

Law 10: The Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the goal line within the frame of
the goal. At the end of the match, the team with the most goals is the winner,
barring the circumstantial necessity for extra time.
Law 11: Offside
When an attacking player receives the ball while on his opponents half, he must be
level or behind the second to last defender (the last typically being the goalkeeper).
However, this rule only applies if he is involved with the play. To get a better
understanding of the offside rule, please see the guide section for a more detailed
explanation.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct
A direct free kick is awarded when a player:

Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

Trips or attempts to trip an opponent

Jumps at an opponent

Charges an opponent

Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

Pushes an opponent

Tackles an opponent

Holds an opponent

Spits at an opponent

Handles the ball deliberately

If any of these are fouls are committed by a player in their teams penalty area, the
opposing team is awarded a penalty kick. Indirect free kicks are awarded if a player:

Plays in a dangerous manner

Impedes the progress of an opponent

Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands

Commits any other unmentioned offense

Yellow cards are awarded as a caution or warning to a player and can be issued for
the following offenses:

Unsporting behavior

Dissent by word or action

Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game

Delaying the restart of play

Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner
kick,free kick, or throw-in

Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referees permission

deliberately leaving the field of play without the referees permission

Red cards are used to send a player off the field, and can be issued for the following
offenses:

Serious foul play

Violent conduct

Spitting at an opponent or any other person

Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by

deliberately handling the ball (the goalkeeper being an exception)

Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards

the players goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick

Using offensive or abusive language and/or gestures

Receiving a second caution (yellow card) in the same match

Law 13: Free Kicks

Free Kick is broken into two categories, direct and indirect. A direct kick can be shot
directly into the opponents goal without touching another player. An indirect free
kick is indicated by the referee raising his hand during the kick. An indirect kick can
only go into the goal if it has subsequently been touched by another player before it
enters the goal. The ball must be stationary for both types of kicks.
Law 14: The Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded either when a defensive player fouls an attacking player
or commits a handball in his/her teams penalty area. The penalty kick is placed at

the penalty spot, and all players on both teams must remain outside the penalty
box during the shot. They may enter the box immediately after the shot is taken.
The goalkeeper may move horizontally along the goal line before the shot is taken,
but he may not come off the line until the ball is struck.
Law 15: The Throw-In
A throw-in is awarded when the possessing team plays the ball out of bounds over
the touchline. While taking a throw-in, a player must release the ball with both
hands simultaneously and keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. If these
conditions are not met, play is stopped and the throw-in is given to the opposing
team. Players are not allowed to score directly off a throw-in.
Law 16: The Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded when the offensive team plays the ball out of bounds over
the defensive teams goal line. After the ball is out of play, the defender or
goalkeeper may place the ball anywhere within the six-yard goal box and kick the
ball back into play.

Law 17: The Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded to the offensive team when the defensive team plays the
ball out of bounds over its goal line. The ball is placed within the corner area and is
kicked back into play by the offensive team. Players can score directly off a corner
kick.