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Articles & Books From Scott Murray
Flick, fake, and dribble your way to soccer masteryPrepare for the World Cup or learn the rules for your own indoor or outdoor league, with Soccer For Dummies. We cover the world’s most popular sport from one end of the field to the other, starting with the history of soccer and the basics of the game. Discover the positions on the field, the best tactics for winning, and the skills the players (including you!
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Before a game or practice, every soccer player should run through some sort of stretching routine. A qualified fitness coach can put together a personalized program. If a customized routine isn't possible or practical, try the following stretches.
Quadriceps: Stand by a wall. Bend one leg up behind you using one hand to steady yourself against the wall and the other to keep your leg in place by holding onto your foot.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
A 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.
Article / Updated 01-14-2022
The offside rule is the most debated soccer principle (no matter where the game is played), even though what is known as Law 11 isn't terribly difficult to grasp. Here’s what offside is all about:A player is caught offside if he’s nearer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-last opponent (including the goalkeeper) when his teammate plays the ball to him.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
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.