Are you longing to get active and in shape, but are lacking the ambition to do it? Joining a sports team, such as soccer, can help you to do this while also having fun! If you are concerned about a lack of knowledge about the game, then follow these instructions, and you will be on your way to succeeding in the simple, yet complex game of soccer. Soccer dates back as far as a couple centuries B.C. Leather balls were first used and were kicked into nets. Now soccer has many rules and regulations to the game that give it a more competitive spin, while also allowing for fun and physical activity. The object of the game of soccer is to get the ball into the opponent's net. Seems simple, right? By the end of these instructions, you will know what …show more content…
In order to play you should be properly equipped.The first things you must purchase are cleats and shinguards. The cleats have to be specifically designed for soccer. Softball, baseball, or football cleats will not be acceptable; they are illegal to play with. Soccer cleats may not have a spike in the middle front of the cleat, and the spikes must be made out of plastic. Metal spikes are not allowed. Shinguards must fit you properly, or they will be ineffective. To find shinguards that are the correct size, you must determine your height and weight. When purchasing shin guards they will have a chart on the package. It will tell you to get a specific size, depending on your height and weight range. For example, if you are looking at adult sizes, your weight is between 120 and 160 pounds, and your height is between 5’5” and 5’9”, then you should purchase a size small. Along with proper size there is another very important feature your shinguards must have: a small square stamp located on at least one of the shinguards. The stamp must say “MEETS NOCSAE STANDARDS.” This means that the shinguards have met the standards of the National Operation Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. The other standard items you need are typically supplied by the team. Each team player will need a uniform jersey that is the team color with each team member wearing a different number. Each player will also likely have another uniform …show more content…
The first thing that needs to be done is learning what kind of soccer you are going to play. On offense your coach will tell you what formation he or she wants the players to be aligned in. On defense the coach will tell you if you are playing zone defense or man-to-man defense. Zone is when you have a certain area on the field you cover, and if the ball is in your area you take care of it. Man-to-man is when you have a specific player from the opposing team. Wherever they go, you stick on them trying to get the ball away from them, or trying to intercept a pass going to them. Once you know the way you are going to play the game you must know how the rules apply and how to put it all together. Now that you know the mechanics of soccer, you now need to put them together. It is game day, so the first thing that you need to do is put your gear on. Put on your jersey and shorts. Then your shin guards, followed by your tall socks. Then you need to put both cleats on and lace them. Once you have the proper attire on, you need to stretch so that you do not tear any muscles. Stretch every muscle in your body. Once stretching is done you can do a few warm ups including passing the ball with a partner and doing some shooting. Once this is done then the captains and coaches from both teams must meet with the referee to discuss game expectations and to flip a coin to see who is in what