Soccer
The Fields
The size of the field may vary. In international competition the field may be from 100 to 130 yards (90 to 120 metres) long and from 50 to 100 yards (46 to 90 metres) wide.
How the game is played
Before the game starts, the team captains flip a coin to decide which team will kick off. They also choose the goals their teams will defend. The teams change goals at the beginning of the second half. Teams kick off from the center spot, a point in the middle of the halfway line. Players line up on their own half of the field with three players on the kicking team usually standing close to the ball. Opponents must be at least 10 yards (9 metres) away from the ball. One of the attackers kicks the ball forward to a teammate to start. After each goal, play resumes with a kickoff. The team that is scored against kicks off.
Ball Control
Ball control is one of the most important elements of soccer. Players may trap the ball with any part of their body accept their hands. After gaining control of the ball, the player may pass it to another player or dribble it downfield. The ball is dribbled by using the instep, the inside, or the outside of the foot. For a long pass the inset is usually used to kick the ball. The player's head is also used in ball control. Players hit the ball with their forehead to pass, intercept, and shoot the ball at the goal. While a player has control of the ball, the player's teammates try to find an open area to receive a pass. the opposing team tries to intercept the ball. In soccer a defensive player is allowed to tackle the ball. This is done by kicking the ball away from the ball handler.