How Do You Play Soccer for Kids?

Soccer is a team sport and one of the most popular sports in the world. Learn how to play the game and what the most important rules are, as well as how you can enjoy a game with your friends at any time. The game is played between two teams, each with 11 players.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer ball
  • Protective shin pads
  • Goalkeeper gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the teams on opposing halves of a soccer field. Each team should have a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and strikers. The usual number of defenders and midfielders is four apiece, and the number of strikers is usually two.

    • 2

      Observe that the objective of the game is to put the soccer ball into the opposing team's net. Soccer is a game played with the feet; the only player on the field who can use hands is the goalkeeper.

    • 3

      Note that the game is officiated by a referee, who will make sure the game is being played by the rules. The referee will often be accompanied by two linesmen. The referee starts and ends the game. Remember that the referee's decision is final.

    • 4

      Note that the length of a soccer match varies, depending on the level it is played at. The most common length of time is 90 minutes, with the game being split into two 45-minute halves. Games can last as long as people want them to at amateur level, as long as the two halves are equal in length.

    • 5

      Remember that the winner of the game is the team that has scored the most goals at the end of the 90 minutes. After each goal, the game will restart at the center circle, just as it does at the beginning of both halves.

    • 6

      Observe that, depending on the situation, a tie game can end in one of three ways: It can end as a tie, it can progress into a 30-minute overtime period, or it can go to a shootout. Often a shootout will proceed if the teams are still tied after overtime.