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Football

What you need to know

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What you need to know about football

Rules

Striker

Midfielder

Defence

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Strikers

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For being a striker you will need very good shooting, so that you can get goals for your team to win. This is what you need to know to try to be a great striker.

Learn the touchEven the best players in the world work on their 'touch' consistently. This is your feel for the ball and your ability to control it quickly first touch. To begin working on other areas of your game, you need to have a great first touch first. Individually, kicking repeatedly against a wall and controlling it (although simple) is extremely effective.

Learn the movementYou always need to be on your toes. Improving speed, strength, and agility. As a striker, it is critical to keep moving (in different directions). As a striker, you must annoy and confuse defenders. Next time you play a game with your back to goal, try running circles around a couple of defenders before curling out for a run or check out before you come in to receive the ball and hold it up

Practice shooting Shooting is a striker's number one skill. Technique in shooting is a fine art. Practice against a wall if by yourself by standing about 5 meters (16.4 ft) away and hit the ball slightly with the outside of your foot, just slightly off the instep. Keep doing this although it seems too 'straight' and a bit awkward with no power. After this move 15 meters (49.2 ft) back and start to drive the ball. You want to hit it so it just hovers a bit off the ground (Cm's) with maximum power and accuracy

If you think you have mastered this, try it after turning on the ball and after receiving it first touch, then try shooting first timeHeading is different altogether. Get someone to cross the ball to you and don't be afraid. It hurts when you don't 'go for it' and just let it hit your head. Look closely at the ball (don't close eyes!) and put your head and body behind it. You tell the ball where to go. Don't let it bounce off you.

Finish wellCompared to shooting, finishing is a bit of an art. In situations where you have just the keeper to beat or finish a fine passing build-up, you need to have a quick mind and a calm head. Too many strikers try to 'smash it' in these situations where you are more likely to score by 'slotting' it or 'placing' the ball in the net. The only way to practice this is by putting yourself in these situations. Game practice is essential. Good touch is so important again.

While different coaches may think different things are more important than others, the listed requirements above are musts If you master these general concepts entirely, you will most definitely improve. Everyone has their own strengths

Midfielders

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In most soccer games, the team that is able to control the middle of the field usually wins. As a result, the midfielder position critical to success; for this reason, many coaches put their best players at the midfield positions. This guide looks at what it takes to be a successful midfielder.The Dual PositionThe key to playing midfield is versatility: Midfielders have to be solid defenders who can help out on the back line and skilful enough to jump into the offensive attack. While some coaches stress that midfielders should think defensively first, they should also be able to quickly cycle the ball forward after dispossessing an attacker.Good midfielders have to be both feisty and creative. The defensive line will need the feistiness to help stop aggressive attacks from the opposition, while the forwards will need creative support to make space and set up scoring chances.

And if that doesn’t sound difficult enough, here are several additional qualifications a midfielder should possess:Be the fittest players on the field: The demands of the position require more running than other soccer positions, and maybe more than any position in organized sports.Be creative passers: Midfielders must survey the offense and find open teammates to set up attacks. Making clever passes from the midfield can lead to a forceful offensive attack.Recognize their teammates’ roles: The midfielder should be smart enough to get the ball to speedy wingers, and quick enough to cover for a defender who has made a foray into the offensive zone.Have great technical skill: This includes ball-handling and dribbling when being closely marked. Being able to pass and dribble out of trouble is essential in the midfield.Wing MidfieldersWingers are usually the fastest players on the field, able to quickly follow the ball into the offensive zone or sprint to get open for long crossing runs. Wingers take advantage of open space along the side-line, and even in the corners. They give the typical four- or five-man midfield formation flexibility by moving forward when a team needs more offense, or sagging toward the defence to mark a tough offensive team.

Passing SkillsMidfielders must be excellent passers, able to find open teammates and make timely, accurate passes. Drills that encourage players to pass the ball up field, instead of dribbling through traffic, are a great tool to develop the right mind-set to play in the midfield.

Defence

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Moving. Part about defending is moving with the ball. In this article you will see that it says watch the ball. Don't do that apart about defence is watching the forwards on the other team. You can't have anyone get the open slip on you. Once the balls over your head he's gone. Always keep your eyes on those forwards.Talk. You need to as a team always know who has who and communicate if there is a new guy to not let the other team have an advantage over you.

Stay with your opponent. Don't try to take the ball from the carrier.

Move the line. If the ball is on their side move up to half to draw them offside. But don't go past half as there are no offside before the half.When attempting to do sliding tackles, proceed with caution; if you miss, you will leave your defence open. In addition, it is very common for a slide tackle to get someone a yellow card.When coming to your opponent make sure that you are ready to stop the ball from any direction. For example: You are in front of your opponent - he sends the ball left, intercept it.

Football Rules

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Rules of Kicks

Main Football rules

Equipment

Main rules of footballBall Must be spherical, made of leather (or similar) 68-70 cm in circumference and of a certain pressure.

Number of PlayersTwo teams of no more than 11 players (one of which is the goalkeeper). A game cannot start if either team has less than 7 players.

EquipmentPlayers must wear a jersey, shorts, stockings, shin guards and footwear.

RefereeThe referee ensures the Laws of the Game are respected and upheld.

Assistant Referees. There may be at most 2 assistant referees.

Duration of the Match The game is played in 2 halves consisting of 45 minutes each. The half time interval must not exceed more than 15 minutes. At the discretion of the referee more time is allowed to compensate for any stoppage during play e.g. Due to substitutions or care and attention of injured players.

Start and Restart of Play A kick-off starts play at the start of the match or after a goal. A kick-off involves one player kicking the ball, from stationary, forward from the centre spot. All players must be in their own half prior to kick-off. A coin is tossed pre-game, the team which loses the toss are awarded the kick-off to start the game whilst the team that win the toss are allowed to choose which direction they want to play. After half time the teams switch direction and the other team will kick-off. After a goal is scored, the team which conceded the goal will kick-off to restart play.

Ball in and Out of Play The ball is out of play once a goal has been scored or when the referee has stopped the game. The ball is in play at all other times.

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EquipmentPlayers must wear:

Football shirts or jerseys

Socks

Shorts

Shin guardsfootball

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Kicks

Throw-in. Used to restart play after the whole of the ball has crossed the touch lineGoal kick. Used to restart play after a goal has been scored.Corner Kick. Is given when the whole of the ball crosses the goal line and was last touched by a member of the defending team (and no goal was scored). A corner kick is taken from inside the corner arc closest to the point where the ball crosses the goal line. The defending team must be at least 9.15 m from the ball when the corner kick is taken.

Free Kicks. Are given by the referee for fouls and misconduct. A free kick can either be direct or indirect. A goal can be scored directly from a direct free kick. A goal can only be scored from an indirect free kick if it touches at least one other player first. The free kick must be taken from a stationary position with that position varying depending on whether the free kick was given inside or outside the goal area and whether it's direct or indirect. The opposing team must be a minimum of 9.15 m from the ball when the free kick is taken.

Penalty Kicks. Are given against a team when they commit an offence which would normally be awarded a direct free kick inside their goal area. The ball is kicked from stationary from the penalty spot. The opposing team must be outside of the penalty area and at least 9.15 m from the ball

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Rugby

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Field and equipment

Players and positions

Game play

Objective of the game

Ball movement

Game play

Ball movement Upon receiving the kick, players will attempt to advance the ball up the field either by running, passing, or kicking. Any player can run the ball; however, teammates are not allowed to block defenders from tackling the ball carrier, and it is illegal to use your teammates as a shield when carrying the ball. Passing is allowed, but only in the form of a reverse lateral, meaning that the player you are passing to must be behind you on the field of play. Laterals and forward laterals result in penalties. Finally, it is sometimes advantageous for the ball carrier to kick the ball over the defence, allowing himself or another teammate to run it down or receive it (it is acceptable to receive your own or a teammate’s kick).

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Objective of the game The objective of rugby is to score goals, known as a try, by touching down the ball inside the opposing team’s end zone. Any player may carry the ball and is capable of scoring. A try is worth 5 points, after which a conversion kick is awarded, allowing for the chance to score 2 additional points if successful. There are also other means of scoring, the first being a drop goal. This occurs when a player kicks the ball through the opposing team’s uprights during play, and is worth 3 points. In order for the drop goal to count, the ball must make contact with the ground before being kicked (essentially dropped then kicked, making it a difficult maneuvre). A penalty kick can also be granted for certain penalties, allowing for a free kick from the site of the infraction (as long as it is behind the 22 meter line). The penalty kick is also worth 3 points.So how do teams go about scoring? There are various elements that occur during play after certain events. By following along with an imaginary scenario of how a match might progress, we can analyse these elements.

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Field and equipment

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Equipment

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Equipment ClothingRugby players wear lightweight jerseys that are designed to stand up to tugging and rough play. Rugby jerseys should be snug, to keep your opponent from getting a grip, but they should not be too tight or they risk ripping. Players also wear shorts, which should be comfortable but not too loose. Second-row forwards wear special shorts with reinforced stitching that allow these players to be hoisted in the air by their shorts during a line out.Protective EquipmentRugby players wear little protective equipment compared to football or hockey players. They can wear optional upper-body pads that are designed to protect the shoulders and chest. These are thin, lightweight pads that provide some protection from tackles. Rugby players can also wear head protection if they choose. Head protections are made of thin, lightweight, soft materials. They are designed to protect players from blows and scrapes to the head during scrums. Rugby players wear mouth guards, which are designed to protect the teeth and jaw, and can help prevent a concussion when a player hits his head.BootsTraditional rugby boots have a high cut, giving extra protection around the ankle. This ankle support also helps players when pushing in a scrum. Players in the backfield, who do more running than forwards, often prefer lower-cut boots that are similar to soccer cleats. The lower cut makes them more agile and easier to run in. Rugby boots feature metal studs that provide traction on the field, making it easier to run without slipping or being taken down in a tackle.BallRugby uses a uniquely shaped ball that must fit specific regulations. Rugby balls are oval in shape and must consist of four panels stitched together. The length of the ball measures between 280 and 300 millimetres and the circumference around the width is 580 to 620 millimetres. The ball should weigh between 410 and 460 grams and have an air pressure of 0.67 to 0.70 kilograms per square centimetre at the beginning of the game.

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Players and positionsIn the game of rugby union, there are 15 players on each team, comprising eight forwards (numbered 1–8) and seven backs (numbered 9–15). In addition, there may be up to eight replacement players "on the bench". Jersey numbers 16–23 differentiate them. Players are not restricted to any single position on the field, although they generally specialise in just one or two that suit their skills and body types. Players that specialize in over three positions are called "utility players". The scrum (an assemblage used to restart play), however must consist of eight players (providing a team still has fifteen on the field); three in the front row, two in the second and three at the rear.The positions as named by the International Rugby Board are full-back, wings (left and right), centres (inside and outside), fly-half, scrum-half, number eight, flanker (open side and blindside), lock, hooker and props (loose head and tight head). The names have changed over time and with geography. Early names such as "three-quarters" and "out-halves" are still used by some people, while in New Zealand the fly-half and inside centre are called "first five-eighth" and "second five-eighth" respectively, while the scrum-half is known as the half-back. Additionally, there are a range of names for various groupings of players: the "front row" is the two props and the hooker; the "tight five" consists of the props, locks and hooker; the "back row", or sometimes "looses", are the number eight and flankers; the "inside backs" are the scrum-half, fly-half and inside centre; the "outside backs" are the outside centre, wings and full-back; and the "back three" are the two wings and the full-back.The backs play behind the forwards and are usually more lightly built and faster. Successful backs are skilful at passing and kicking. Full-backs need to be good defenders and kickers, and have the ability to catch a kicked ball. The wingers are usually among the fastest players in a team and score many of the team's tries. The centres key attacking roles are to try and break through the defensive line and link successfully with wingers. The fly-half can be a good kicker and generally directs the backline. The scrum-half retrieves the ball from the forwards and needs a quick and accurate pass to get the ball to the backs (often firstly to the fly-half). Forwards compete for the ball in scrums and line-outs and are generally bigger and stronger than the backs. Props push in the scrums, while the hooker tries to "hook" the ball. Locks are tall and jump for the ball at the line-out after the hooker has thrown it in. The flankers and number eight should be the first forwards to a tackle and play an important role in securing possession of the ball for their team.

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Home Positions on the pitch

Players and positions

Props Hooker

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Locks

Flankers Number Eight Scrum Half

Fly Half Centres Wings Fullback

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Full backThe last line of defence, the fullback usually crumbles under all the pressure that is put on him. This manifests in various ways including fumbled punts, shanked kicks, and missed open field tackles. If the stars are aligned, he may put together a worthwhile counterattack with the wings, but this occurrence is far too infrequent to merit discussion. The fullback’s status as a rugby player is questionable as he spends the majority of the game spectating from afar. In fact, this personality continues off the field; at post game functions, he is often seen drinking by himself in the corner.

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Wings These speed demons hang around the outskirts of the action so as to keep their uniforms clean. Wings have great fashion sense and can be counted upon to recite tips and trends from the latest issues of GQ. On occasion, they have a chance to break for long runs and excite the crowd, although more often than not they are tackled quickly or pushed out of bounds. Their weak statures also mean they tend to be injured quite easily. Wings look more like soccer players than rugby players, and always have over-inflated egos. On the occasion the forwards provide them with an easy opportunity to score, the wings take all the credit and congratulate themselves by staunchly avoiding any contact for the remainder of the game.

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FlankersThese athletic machines have all the speed, talent, and skill of backs, but would rather enjoy the brutality of the scrum than sit idly by and watch the proceedings. They are confident, although not nearly as cocky as the backs, and they take great pride in flattening opposing scrum half's, even if the hit is late. Such an honour is reserved for flankers because they are the most versatile players on the field, capable of producing awe-inspiring runs, running smart support lines, or playing hard-nosed defence if needed.

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Number eight : Rounding out the forward pack, this man has no need for a name; rather one refers to him only by number. Sharing many of the versatile and athletic traits of the flankers, he is clearly the most valuable man on the rugby pitch. He may be seen running over opposing forwards, rucking for the otherwise helpless backs, or making booming hits in the open field. He has the speed to run around the defence, but would rather run over them if presented with the option. Although he is not as groomed as those in the back line, the number eight is one of the most handsome players on the squad.

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Scrum halfIf one back must be tolerated, it is the scrum half. He is scrappy and loud, and doesn’t shy away from a fight. In fact, he starts them more frequently than anyone else on the team. This sometimes gets him into trouble because he is too small finish an altercation: usually a forward is required to intervene and save him (does this sound like anyone we know, Alex Fortney?). A good number nine will rake mercilessly and punch opposing players in the face, or worse, if they don’t release the ball. His passing and kicking skills are developed by necessity only. In reality, he is a forward trapped in a back’s body and would stick his nose in the scrums if allowed.

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Fly half The cockiest man on the field, the fly half is never seen in the locker room without his hairbrush and French cologne. The fly half supposedly leads the backs and directs the flow of the game, but he is usually found screaming out incoherent orders and yelling at others to ruck so he doesn’t have to. His passes are rarely as pretty as his face and his flashy runs often result in a loss of yardage or a dropped pass. For his uneducated foot, the fly half enjoys kicking far more than is productive or even healthy. Off the field, he cannot be trusted; as such, any self-respecting woman should avoid him at all costs.

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Centres These players like to refer to themselves as a locomotives or “freight trains,” although their speed is often lacking and their statures less than impressive. They would do well to spend some time in the forward pack, to learn not to shy away from contact, and to embrace physicality. The inside centre carries the ball far too often due to his proximity to the fly half and his inability to pass the ball further down the back line. The outside centre has fewer chances to knock the ball on, but never fails to capitalize when the opportunity is presented. To their credit, they have an amazing knack for taking the ball into contact in such a way that it is impossible to win it back. It's really quite an anomaly. Off the field, they boast of breaking tackles and scoring tries, although everyone else knows better.

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LocksTall and strong, these giants round out the powerhouse that is the tight five. Also called the second row, they are known for their strength and athleticism, although not necessarily for their intellect. Most were not actually born slow; it is apparent, however, that years of jamming their heads between the front row's asses have taken a toll on their mental capacities. Nevertheless, locks remain an essential part of scrums and lineouts and are indispensable in rucking and ball possession.

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Hooker•  The smallest forward, a hooker is known for

his crafty ways and cauliflower ears. He is not always the fastest or most athletic man on the pitch, but he manages to get the job done for the full 80 minutes. Hooking and throwing skills are essential as he is a critical part of any good scrum or lineout. The hooker’s job mandates that he have a bald patch on the top of his head, so don’t bring it up unless you want your face raked in the next breakdown.

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Prop• These warm, friendly chaps go through life with

healthy, albeit often toothless, smiles. In general they are slightly overweight, although they prefer the term "solid." But don't let their jolly demeanours fool you: put anything too close to a prop's mouth and you may never see it again. They eat constantly to fuel their monstrous aggression in the scrums. Like many forwards, they dream of one day hitting a drop goal in a real game and practice the skill diligently in training. They are loyal and trustworthy and great friends to have around off the pitch.

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