Soccer

Soccer or football - by either name, this sport is great for fun, fitness and (nimble) feet! Apparently, it's the most watched and played sport internationally, drawing over 200 million players in countries around the world. Here in New Zealand, we may be enamoured with rugby, but soccer in New Zealand is really taking off and is a popular sport for young New Zealanders.

Simple soccer rules

Getting started is easy with the basics:

• A soccer game lasts 90 minutes - with two halves, each 45 minutes, plus additional time when the ball is off the field or play stops for substitution or injury.
• Unlike many other sports, soccer matches can end on a tied score, unless it is a competitive game which requires a winner.
• In a game of soccer, eleven players may be on the field and up to three players can be substituted during a game. Often, players are kept on the field until late in the game, when they are substituted for fresh, energised players from the bench.
• The field is usually 100 to 110 metres long and 64 to 75 metres wide, with two goal posts and a net at either end.

Find more simple soccer rules online.

The soccer team

A soccer team has eleven players on the field at any given time. They can be arranged in a number of ways - 3 defenders, 5 midfielders, 2 attackers and 1 goalie; 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, 2 attackers and 1 goalie; and so on. These positions are flexible too, so movements on the field are possible and players are multi-skilled.

The goalkeeper

One of the team's key players is the goalkeeper - the only person who is allowed to touch the ball with his/her hands and the player who must stop the opposing team from scoring a goal. The goalie can only use his hands within the penalty box (the area in front of the goal line on his own half), and cannot touch the ball if it is passed to him by a defender.

Defenders

There are four defenders in front of the goalkeeper - the left and right full backs, the centre back and the fourth defender, often called the sweeper and known as the last line of defence.

Midfield

The three or four midfield players stand in front of the defenders and must try to win skirmishes to claim possession of the ball. The left half, centre half and right half must defend the ball and find opportunities to pass the ball to forwards who will, ultimately, score a goal.

The front line

Forwards, also known as attackers, have skills in playing fast and scoring goals. The left wing and right wing players bring the ball to the middle of the field, where midfielders are positioned to attempt a goal - using either their foot or their head!  

The referee

Based at the centre of the field, the referee and 2 linesmen watch the ball and ensure that when the ball leaves the field, the team not responsible for kicking the ball out will gain possession. The referee will also call any penalties in the game - such as a foul when a player touches the ball with his/her hand of there is physical contact between players. If a foul is called, the referee may stop the game and give the ‘innocent' party a free kick - that is, a kick without a member of the opposing team attacking. Alternatively, the referee may decide that stopping play would harm the victim of the penalty even more, so play will keep going as normal - with the referee calling ‘advantage'.

What's the key to playing a good game of soccer?

There's no simple answer to this question, but to excel at soccer you'll need to:

• Maintain fitness, strength and stamina.
• Build concentration, strategy and quick thinking.
• Have the ability to work well with team mates and communicate on the field.
• Be ready to receive the ball at all times, keep your eye on the ball and try to anticipate the next move.
• Make speedy, deceptive moves. You can appear to be about to dribble the ball in one direction, while preparing to swing the ball back in the opposite direction. Just make sure your team knows what you're doing!
• Use your body to shield the ball when under attack, carrying the ball with the inside of your foot while the defender pushes against you.

• Learn to control the ball with your feet - no hands!

Where can I play soccer in New Zealand?

Soccer is an excellent participation sport for young New Zealanders, with many children playing from the age of five or six years. The game is adapted for younger players, but still gives kids all the benefits of fitness, hand/eye coordination, agility and speed. Visit your local soccer club in New Zealand, or ask about your school's team.

Soccer resources

Find out more about soccer in New Zealand through these websites:

• NZ Soccer - the official home of soccer / football in New Zealand
• All Whites - keep up with the play on New Zealand's top soccer team
• Oceania Football Confederation - the ruling body of soccer in NZ and the Pacific region
• Small Whites - get involved with junior soccer in New Zealand

Looking for more information? Find out about soccer in New Zealand in the NZS.com directory.

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Sports images from Flickr: Good Game, Yachts and Cricket.