, , bangalore, Karnataka, India
A post graduate in physical education & sports science. Working as a teacher and a coach in sree narayana public school Poothotta....
Rules of the Game: The Basics
Football is played by two teams with 11 players in each team: one goalkeeper. All there is to it in terms of an objective is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. Simple, right? But there's more to it.
Match Duration: A standard game of football is 90 minutes long, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. There's a 15-minute break at halftime. In the case of a draw and when a winner needs to be declared, extra time or a penalty shoot-out may take place.
Fouls and Free Kicks: Not just kicking a player to gain possession of the ball, there are rules. Should a foul be committed, as it always is, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team. Depending on where the foul occurred, this could be a direct free kick?where they can shoot straight at goal?or an indirect free kick, where the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
Offside Rule: Now, this one's a bit tricky. A player is considered to be offside when they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent at the time the ball is passed to them. Quite supposedly, it is put to maintain the fairness of things and just not have "goal hanging," when a player just camps next to an opponent's goal, looking to capitalize on an easy score.
Yellow and Red Cards: Football has a system of punishing its players if they foul. There is the yellow card, which is issued as a warning to the player. Two yellows mean a red card, and a red card means you're out of the game. Misconduct of a serious nature can mean that straight red cards are given.
The Field: Where It All Happens
Everything takes place on the pitch, or football field? so it may seem like a big grassy rectangle. Still, every line and marking has a purpose.
Dimensions A standard football pitch is long between 100 to 110 meters and wide between 64 and 75 meters. The goal area, penalty area, and other markings are standardized in this way to make sure the game's very consistency is maintained.
Goalposts: At each end of the pitch you'll find two goalposts. These are spaced 7.32 meters apart and 2.44 meters high. This is the target both teams aim for.
The Center Circle: The game starts here, and play is also restarted here following a goal. The circle helps ensure that players give the team in possession enough space to begin play.
Penalty Area: This is basically a rectangular box in front of each goal; it comes into play with many aspects of the game, such as penalty kicks and goalie privileges.
How can a football coach improve your fitness level?
A football coach can guide you toward proper fitness through the implementation of all-round training programs that would help improve your strength, endurance, and agility. They will then combine the best aerobic and anaerobic exercises, like sprint drills, resistance training, and plyometric exercises. Coaches also ensure you balance high-intensity workouts with recovery sessions to optimize performance and prevent burnout. Through their fitness plan, you will work on the development of physical features that are essential in football at a high level, such as speed, stamina, and quick reaction. Better fitness raises the level of performance and increases safety by lowering the risk of injuries.
What benefits does a football coach offer for advanced players?
Coaching helps a football player in many ways, especially to an experienced player, in that a coach helps in giving expert insights and conducting challenging training sessions. They will introduce you to more difficult techniques and strategies that help develop your skills to a new level. Coaches help in analyzing the details of your performance, giving special feedback to improve your game. Coaches develop advanced tactical awareness and game plans for the competitive player. Their experience and knowledge help you stay ahead of the competition, improving and adapting constantly. The guidance of a coach helps advanced players reach the highest possible level and shine in high-class matches.
How does a football coach help you stay motivated?
A football coach can keep you motivated by varying the training sessions to make them interesting and purposeful. They will also introduce some new drills and elements of competition, making you enjoy practice and be looking forward to it. The coaches then set short-term goals that would make you feel some sense of achievement and progress. They even become inspiring because of their enthusiasm and belief in your capacity. Moreover, they would keep on encouraging and supporting you most of the time, particularly during difficult moments. Under the coach's guidance, one remains focused and driven, without losing his optimism and big wish to improve and succeed in football.
What role does a football coach play in developing leadership skills?
One of the major ways a football coach will contribute to the creation of leadership skills is by availing opportunities to take leadership roles within a team. Encouraging you to communicate effectively, to encourage teammates, and to lead by example are all qualities imparted by coaches. Additionally, coaches teach decision-making skills and how to handle pressure, which is also crucial for successful leadership. By walking you through situations and providing input on the quality of your leadership, a coach will grow an individual into a confident and capable leader. The skillset that you develop is not only for football but also for other aspects of life.
How does a football coach help with improving teamwork?
A football coach helps in team-building by making the players communicate and cooperate. They emphasize the need to understand and support each other's roles on the field. Through drills and team-building activities, coaches create a sense of camaraderie and trust within the team. They also teach you how to read your teammates' movements and make coordinated plays. By creating a positive and collaborative team environment, a coach ensures that players work seamlessly together, enhancing overall team performance and achieving collective goals.