Football

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME

Brief History Football originated from China where it was played in the form of ball games as far
back as Second Century B.C. In 5th Century A.D. this game was played in a square field with eight
players. In primitive days, stories go about gruesome tradition, that in historic times some races
used their enemies’ heads as footballs.

The Romans are said to have fostered football as the part of their military training. It is generally
assumed that Roman soldiers brought the game to Britain, although the modern game of football
emerged in England in 14th Century. The English Football Association was formed in the year 1863.

The type of game played in consonance with Association Football is called 'Soccer'. In 19th Century,
the football game became very Rules popular. Soccer helped changed the way people thought
about the Olympic Games. It was the first team sport to be included in the programme of Olympics
held in 1900 in Paris. World Governing Body of football FIFA (Federation de International Football
Association) was formed in 1904.

As far as football in India is concerned, this was the British ruler who brought football game to India.
The British Army in India first played organised football in 1880. They started football tournament in
1888. Later on two important football tournaments were organised. One as the 'Durand Football'
Tournament and the other the "Trades Cup', which is now known as I.F.A. Shield. The All India
Football Federation was founded in 1937. India Participated in Soccer for the first time, in the
Olympic Games held in London in 1948. Now it is played with great enthusiasm by both the genders
and a number of National Tournaments are organised throughout the country

Laws of the Game

Dimensions
The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Length (touch minimum 90 m (100 yds)

line):
maximum 120 m (130 yds)
Width (goal line): minimum 45 m (50 yds)
maximum 90 m (100 yds)
All lines must be of the same width, which must be not
more than 12 cm (5 ins).
The goal area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the
inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a
distance of 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the
goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The penalty area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5 m (18 yds) from the
inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a
distance of 16.5 m (18 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the
goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty
area.
Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 m (12 yds) from
the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc
of a circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) from the center of each
penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
Flag posts

A flag post, not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag Must
be placed at each corner.

Flag posts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1
m (1 yd) outside the touch line.
The corner arc

A quarter circles with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from each corner flag post is
drawn inside the field of play.
Goal Post:

A goal must be placed on the center of each goal line.

A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts
and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar
must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They must be
square,
Rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to
players.

The distance between the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from
the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft).
The ball
• spherical
• made of leather or other suitable material
• circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less than 68 cm (27 ins)
• not more than 450 g (16 oz) and not less than 410 g (14 oz) in weight at the start of
the match
• of a pressure equal to 0.6 – 1.1 atmosphere (600 – 1,100 g/cm2) at sea level
(8.5 lbs/sq in – 15.6 lbs/sq in)

Number of Players

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than

eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start
if either team consists of fewer than seven players.
Number of substitutions

Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in

an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the
confederations or the member associations.

The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be
nominated, from three up to a maximum of twelve.
Substitution procedure

In all matches, the names of the substitutes must be given to the referee
prior to the start of the match. Any substitute whose name is not given to
the referee at this time may not take part in the match.

To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be

observed:
• the referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is made
• the substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has
left and after receiving a signal from the referee
• the substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a
stoppage in the match
• the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play
• from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he
has replaced becomes a substituted player
• the substituted player takes no further part in the match, except
where return substitutions are permitted
• all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the
referee, whether called upon to play or not
 Changing the goalkeeper

Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that:
• the referee is informed before the change is made
• the change is made during a stoppage in the match

Basic equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following

separate items:
• a jersey or shirt with sleeves
• shorts
• stockings
• shin guards
• footwear

Duties of a referee before a match

• Checks the ground conditions.
• Checks the goal post and the nets are properly fixed.
• Checks the jersey’s number and safely equipment’s (shin guards and Books)
• Checks the marking of the field
• Checks the pressure and weight of the ball

Duties of a Main or Centre Referee

• He carriers the official football for the match.
• The referee tosses the coin before starting between the two captains to decide who starts the
game.
• Each match is controlled by a referee where a decision is/are final.
• HE is the only authority who can issue Red and Yellow card to the players.
• He is also the one to decide whether it was a Goal or Not.

Duties of Assistant Referee’s

• 2 Assistant referee’s per match. Each controls half the field of play.
• Assists the main referee in pointing out as to which team has to take a throw-in.
• He also assists the referee in off-sides, goal kick, corner kicks,
• Substitutions and any mis content by players.

4th official
• He indicates the substitutions to the referee as to who has to come in and Who has to go out.
• He checks the equipment's of the substitutions
• Before they enter the field of Play.
• The 4th official must submit a report to
• The concerned authorities.
Match commissioner
• His duties are to dispute any unwanted problems on the field.
• He can suspend a player and can also suspend a team if necessary, The Power of Referee:
• Enforces the Laws of the Game
• Controls the match in cooperation with the assistant referees and, where applicable, with the
fourth official
• Acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match.
• Stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws.
• Stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind.
• Stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from
the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted
• Allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured.
• Ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return
on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped.
• Allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit
from such an advantage and penalizes the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not
ensue at that time
• Punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the
same time.
• Takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable.
Centre Referee Signals

 Direct free kick. The referee blows the whistle and, with the hand that is not holding the
whistle, they point (at no specific angle) in the attacking direction of the team that is
receiving the free kick.

 Indirect free kick. For this signal, the referee blows the whistle and, with their free hand,
points directly towards the sky.

 The referee will point the red card at them and then hold it straight up in the air.

 The referee will point the Yellow card at them and then hold it straight up in the air.

 The referee puts out both of their arms parallel in front of them, pointing towards the goal of
the team that has the advantage.

Assistant Referee Signals

 When the ball crosses the touch line near to the assistant referee’s position, the assistant
referee must make a direct signal to indicate the direction of the throw-in.

 The assistant holds his flag above his head with both hands, he is indicating to the referee that
a substitution.

 Assistant Referee hold the flag up at a 45-degree angle, they are signalling for an offside.

Duration of a football Match

Playing time – 90 minutes of play
(Half time)
45m --- 15m ------- 45m
(Break)
When in a game it ends in a draw extra time of 15 minutes of each half is given with
the break of 5 minute. 15m ------ 5m ------- 15m. If this extra time ends in a draw
then penalty kicks are given. 5 penalty shootouts for each team is given alternately and
it is called Tie-breaker.
Even during the tie-breaker if it ends in a draw on shootout is given to each Team it is
called Sudden death.
In case if it is draw during sudden death the referee will put a toss and decide the
winner.
The players who kicked in penalty kicks (tie-breaker) are not allowed to kick in
sudden death.
Abandoned match
An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide otherwise.

The Start and Restart of Play

A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play.
• at the start of the match
• after a goal has been scored
• at the start of the second half of the match
• at the start of each period of extra time,
Where applicable a goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

Ball out of play

• The ball is out of play when
• it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air
• Play has been stopped by the referee.

Ball in play
• The ball is in play at all other times, including when
• it rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar or corner flag post and remains in the field of play.
• it rebounds off either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on
• The field of play.

Direct free-kick
• A direct free kick is when one kicks the ball directly. A goal can be score directly.

Indirect free kick

• Indirect free kick is when one passes ball to his teammate and then he kicks. The ball must
touch other players before a goal can be scored.
Indirect free kick for an offence committed by the goal keeper.
• If the goal keeper takes more than 6 seconds before releasing the ball from its position.
• Touches the ball with his hand after releasing it from his position and not been touched by
another player.
• Touches the ball with his hand after it has been deliberately hit him by his team mates.

Offside rule
No player is offside in his own half of the field. A player would be offside. If the attacking team pass the
ball to his team who is behind the last defender and his alone in the front of the goal keeper.
• Note: No offside when the player throws in.
Throw in awarded
When the ball passes the touch line, assistant referee signals a throw in. Such a case the ball
is awarded to a player of the team opposite to the one that caused the ball to go out of the
bounds for a throw in from the point from where the ball went out.

Dropped ball
• A dropped ball is a method of restarting play when, while the ball is still in play, the referee
is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of
the Game.

Kick-off
• After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.
• all players must be in their own half of the field of play
• The opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 9.15 m (10 yds.) from the ball until
it is in play.
• The ball must be stationary on the Centre mark.
• The referee gives a signal.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward.
• The kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

Fouls and mis content

• A player is penalize if he intentionally commits any of the following offence.
• Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.
• Trips an opponent.
• Jumps at an opponent.
• Charges at an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
• Charge an opponent from behind unless the tatter (player) is obstructing.
• Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent or spits at him.
• Holds an opponent.
• Pushes an opponent.

Goal kick
• The goal kick is awarded when whole of the ball having lost touched a player of the attacking
team, passes over the goal line either in the ground or air and a goal is not scored according
to the rule.
Penalty kick
• A penalty kick is awarded against a team which commits any offence for which a direct kick
is awarded inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play. The ball is place on the
penalty mark.
Goal Scored
• A goal is scored when the ball passes over the goal line, between the goal posts and under
the cross bar.
Winning Team

 The winning team is the one which scores greater number of goals during the Match, But if
the number of goals is same or no goals are scored the match is drawn.
Disciplinary Action
• Red card: When a player is sent out of the field of play.
• Yellow card: - It is to indicate that the player who has been shown yellow card is cautioned or
warned.

Fundamental Skill and Techniques

Passing (Short pass and Long pass)

• Short passing: quickly gets the ball up field and reduces the risk of giving away
possession.
• Long pass is generally more attacking than a short pass. Long pass is used to clear the ball
to the opposite side of the field.
Trapping
• Trapping the ball mean stopping the ball. The ball in a controlled manner.
Types of Trapping:
• 1. Step Trap: Simply stepping on the ball to trap it.
• 2. Inside Trap: Stopping the ball with the side of the foot.
• 3. Thigh Trap: Using thigh to stop the ball.
• 4. Chest Trap: Using chest to cushion the ball down to your feet.
• 5. Head Trap: Using head to knock the ball down to the feet.

Shooting
• Shooting Means Scoring a goal. It is done by kicking or heading. There are different types
of shots used for scoring a goal.
• Instep Drive: Most common form of shooting done with laces of a boot or top part of
the foot. This shot is powerful but is not very accurate.
• Swerve Shot: This shot is made using the side of the foot.
• Chip: It is also known as lob. It is used when the goal keeper is too far from the goal line
and the striker has 1 vs 1 opportunity with the goal keeper.
• Toe Punt: It is a quick shot which requires little motion. The toe of the boot is used to
execute this shot. It is used when the defenders are quite close and the ball is a few feet
away. The attacker does not have time to take the leg back and build momentum but he
can quickly kick the ball with the toe.

Dribbling
• Dribbling means pushing or carrying the football with foot. While dribbling keeps the ball
always under control. Touch the ball at every step-in order to keep it under perfect control,
keep the body relaxed, hands on the side and the body in a little crouched position. The
ball is not kicked or pushed, short and quick strides to keep the ball ahead.
 • There are different ways of dribbling
• (i) Dribbling with inside of any foot.
• (ii) With outside of any foot.
• (iii) With in-step.
• (iv) Using inside and outside of the same foot alternately.
• (v) Inside of the both feet alternately. By dribbling the ball is directed in such a way
that opponent cannot reach the ball at all.

Receiving
• This is the most basic fundamental of football. The ball is received with the
• Inside of the foot when receiving the ball on the ground.

Heading
• Heading means clearing the ball with head. It is done when the ball is at shoulder's height
or above.

Tackle
• This is to take away the ball from the opponent and to control the ball. There are
different types of tackling.
• Tackling from the front.
• The back tackle from a sideways approach.
• Tackling from behind
• Back heeler tackle.
• Sliding tackle.

Goal Keeping
• Goal keeping is important for building a strong team. Safety is the foremost Principle of
goal keeping. Both hands are used. A goal keeper must have the following skills.
• Catching, throwing and fisting.
• Punting
• Deflecting
• Dribbling and dodging
• Diving for the ball and covering it.
• Stance and balance.
• Taking goal kick.

Terminology

Zonal marking is a defensive strategy where defenders cover an area of the pitch rather than
marking a specific opponent.

Advantage is essentially letting play continue after a foul for which play would be stopped for a free
kick but the team which was fouled is in a better position to score than if they had a free kick.

Sliding Tackle: The player slides his body and feet on the ground to team covers different zones of
the field. It is a defensive strategy push the ball away from the opposing team. It is the riskiest form
of opposing tackle.

Through Pass: Pass which is kicked forward between a team’s defenders

Quarter Circle: It is an arc of a circle with the radius of 9.15 mts 10 yds.) From the Centre of each
penalty mark. It is drawn outside the penalty area.

Man to Man Marking: It is also a defensive strategy where every player quad the player of opposite
team.
Extra Time: An extra time of 30 minutes is given to the teams who could not score or if the score of
both the teams is same at the end of match.

Additional Time: When the match is stopped by the Referee due to injury, the ball becomes defected
or due to some other reason it is known as injury time, stoppage time or Additional time.

Nutmeg: When a player kicks the ball through his opponents legs it is known as Nutmeg.

One on One: A single defender attempts to tackle the attacker carrying ball. In this situation there is
only one attacker and one defender.

Step Over: It is a dribbling skill where the offensive player tries to dodge the opponent by moving
in a direction, he does not intend to move in.

Technical Area: Area where the coach, Team manager, other officials of team and
substitutes are allowed to sit during the Match.

Volley: When the ball has not bounced since being touched by previous player. It is a useful weapon
when the attacker wants to surprise use goal keeper with a quick shot. once on the ground

Half Volley: When the ball is kicked immediately after it has bounced towards the
opponent’s goal area to score a goal.

Attacker: Attacker is generally a forward who plays the ball forward towards the opposing goal
area to score a goal.

Defender: Are the outfield players who try to stop the opposing team from scoring goal

Cross: A cross pass is executed from wide area of the field to the Centre of the field near the
opponent’s goal. It is a medium to long range pass.

Banana kick is an off-center kick that makes the ball curve or suddenly change direction before
dropping to the ground

Bicycle kick, also known as an overhead kick or scissors kick,

Wall Pass: a short pass to a teammate who immediately returns it; a one-two.

Overlap: Overlaps are the common moves in which a player passes the to his teammate and then runs
beyond that player so that they are ready of which is to directly bring the ball into the box. To receive
the ball again.

Lob: This pass is used when an opponent is standing between you and our teammate.

Sole trap: - It is a method of stopping a ball rolling along the fields with the sole of boot or studs.

Body fake: - The swing motion of the body to deceive the opponent
Charge: - The body contact between opponents which may either be legal or illegal

Centre pass: - A pass from outside of the field near the touch line to the Centre of the field.

Chipping: - Lifting the ball in the air using instep technique contacting the ball very low causing
it to lift quickly with back

Clear: Playing, kicking, and heading the ball at a greater distance attempting to move the ball
out.

Goal Line Technology (GLT) An electronic device used to determine if a goal has been scored or not.

National and International Bodies

National Bodies
• AIFF: All India Football Federation. It is the governing body of Association Football in
India. The body was formed in 1948. AIFF organizes all competitive football tournaments
and leagues at National level.

In Men's category

• Indian super league,

• I-league,
• I-league 2nd division
• Santosh Trophy.
In Women's category

• Indian women's league

• Indian women's football Championship.
Currently 36 state Associations are affiliated with AIFF.

International Bodies
• FIFA: Federation International de Football Association FIFA was founded on 21 May 1904. It
is an International Governing body of association football. All the major International
Football tournaments are organized by FIFA. It has a membership of 211 National
Associations. The Headquarter of FIFA is in Zurich, Switzerland. The main
Head of the FIFA's A President.
• The executive committee decides the venue of the world cup. FIFA organises the following
tournaments:
Men's Category:

• FIFA World Cup,

• FIFA Confederations Cup,
• Men's Olympic Football Tournament,
• FIFA Under-20 World Cup,
• FIFA Under-17
The following tournaments: World Cup, FIFA Club, World Club, etc.
Women's Category:
  FIFA Women's
 World Cup,
 Women's Olympic Football Tournament,
 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup,
 FIFA U-17 Women's World
 IFAB: International Football Association Board. It was founded in 1886. IFAB discuss and
decide on proposed changes the laws of the Game. It is the Universal decision-making body
for the laws of the Game.
National and International Tournaments

National Tournaments
• Santosh Trophy: Started in 1941, the tournament is held annually where the states of
the country and some government institutes participate. It is played on knock out basis.

• Subroto Cup: It was founded in 1960 and is named after the Indian Air Force Air
Marshal Subroto Mukherjee. The tournament is conducted annually. It is a famous
Inter-School Tournament.

• Federation Cup: The cup was started in 1977. It is also known as Hero Federation Cup and
is played on Knock-Out basis.

• Durand Cup: It was first held in 1888. This tournament is named after Sir Mortimer Durand
also the Founder of this tournament. It is organized by Durand Football Tournament
Society and Osians.

• I-League: It is officially known as Hero I-League. 10 teams participate in the tournament.

International Tournaments
• FIFA World Cup: It was founded in 1930. 211 National teams are eligible to participate in
this tournament. The tournament is organized after 4 years.

• UEFA: European Championship It is an annual continental club football

competition organised by the Union of European Football Association.

• AFC Cup: It was founded in 2004. Organised annually. The domestic clubs run by the
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) participate in this tournament.