Football is a ball game where two teams of 11 players each compete against each other over two halves of 45 minutes. Unlike, for example, handball and basketball, football is a low-scoring sport, but it is also the world's most popular spectator sport.
This article provides a basic introduction to football. More advanced topics, such as playing systems and tactics, are covered in separate articles, which you can find at the bottom of the page.
Football pitches can vary in size. As illustrated below, a pitch typically measures between 90 and 120 meters in length and between 45 and 90 meters in width.
However, FIFA's rules for international matches are more precise: Here, the pitch must be between 100 and 110 meters long and between 64 and 75 meters wide. The most commonly used size among professional clubs is 105 x 68 meters.
Below are the dimensions for the penalty area and goal area on a standard football pitch.
The largest rectangle in front of the goal is called the penalty area. If a defender commits a foul against an attacker in this area, it can result in a penalty kick or an indirect free kick. Penalty kicks are taken from the penalty spot, while indirect free kicks are taken from the spot where the foul occurred (but not inside the goal area).
The curved line at the edge of the area – often called the "arc" – has a radius of 9.15 meters from the penalty spot. It ensures that opponents keep the correct distance during penalty kicks.
The goal area is the small rectangle closest to the goal. If the attacking team is awarded an indirect free kick in the goal area, the ball must be placed on the goal area line closest to the foul. If the defending team is awarded a free kick in the goal area, the ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area. Goal kicks are also taken from here.
The football goal measures 7.32 meters in width and 2.44 meters in height.
The image shows a fixed goal. There are also portable goals, which can be equipped with counterweights to prevent them from tipping over. However, counterweights increase the weight, making the goal harder to move.
A direct free kick is awarded if a player, for example, touches the ball with hand or arm, tackles illegally, or otherwise commits a foul against an opponent.
A free kick is awarded if a player deliberately touches the ball with hand or arm (the shoulder is excepted). The arm is counted from the armpit down.
If the ball goes directly into the goal after contact with hand/arm, a free kick is awarded – regardless of whether the contact was intentional or not. The same applies if a teammate scores immediately after a handball, or if a clear goal-scoring opportunity arises. The rules for unintentional handball are continuously updated, as they often lead to discussions, especially in the penalty area.
A free kick is also awarded if the player makes themselves unnaturally wide or has their arms above shoulder height.
No free kick should be awarded if the ball hits the arm after coming directly from the player's own head or from an opponent's head at close range – except in the cases mentioned above. If a player falls and uses their arms to break the fall, no free kick is awarded either.
When taking a direct free kick, opponents must keep a distance of at least 9.15 meters from the ball until it is in play. A goal can be scored directly from a direct free kick.
With an indirect free kick, the ball may not be kicked directly into the goal. If it is, a goal kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Indirect free kicks are awarded, among other things, for obstruction (blocking the path of an opponent without physical contact), unsporting behavior, or dangerous play. The goalkeeper can also commit an indirect free kick offense by holding the ball in their hands for more than six seconds or by picking up a back pass with their hands.
The referee signals an indirect free kick by holding one arm straight up until the ball has been touched by another player. If the offense occurs in the goal area, the ball is moved out to the goal area line closest to the offense. Opponents must keep at least 9.15 meters distance, unless they are standing on the goal line.
A penalty kick is awarded when an offense that would normally result in a free kick is committed by the defending team in their own penalty area.
The penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot, and the ball must be kicked forward. The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player or has gone out of play. The goalkeeper must stand on the line and may only move once the ball is in play.
All other players except the kicker and goalkeeper must be outside the penalty area and outside the arc. If a player enters the area too early, it can result in a retake or an indirect free kick, depending on the situation.
A throw-in is awarded when the whole ball has crossed the touchline, and it is given to the opposing team of the player who last touched the ball.
The player taking the throw must face the field, and both feet must be on or behind the touchline until the ball is released. The ball must be thrown with both hands over the head. The player may not touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
If the throw-in is taken incorrectly, the opponents are awarded the throw-in. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. Opponents must keep at least 2 meters distance from the thrower.
A corner kick is awarded when the whole ball has crossed the goal line and was last touched by a player from the defending team. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick, but not an own goal.
The corner kick is taken from the small quarter circle by the corner flag, and the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken. The flag may not be moved. Opponents must keep at least 9.15 meters distance until the ball is in play.
It is not an offense in itself to be in an offside position. Only if the player actively participates in play can offside be called.
A player cannot be offside on their own half of the field. A player is in an offside position if any part of the body (except hands and arms) is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent.
An offside offense only occurs if the player actively participates in play at the moment the ball is played by a teammate while the player is in an offside position.
In the image above, the red player in front of the goal is in an offside position, as the head is closer to the goal line than the foremost white defender.
Here the most important equipment in football is reviewed, with the ball naturally being central.
The football was originally made of leather, but since the 1990s synthetic materials have become standard. Balls come in sizes 1-5, with size 5 used from U-15 up to senior level.
Football boots have developed significantly. Previously, they were almost always black, but today they come in many colors and materials. The most important factor is the type of studs, which depends on the surface:
The choice of boots also depends on playing style and position. Defenders often prefer more robust boots, while attackers and wingers choose lighter and more flexible models.
Goalkeeper gloves come in several varieties:
