Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FOOTBALL (Soccer)
I. History/Origin of Football
The history of football, also known as soccer in certain regions of the world, dates
back quite a few decades. The sport of football, in its modern iteration, may be traced
back to the middle of the 19th century in England. However, there were variants of the
game that were played far earlier on, and these games are considered a part of the
history of football. The first known version of the game was played in Mesoamerican
civilization with a rock around three thousand years ago. This was followed by Cuju,
which was played in China with a ball and involved kicking. Although the game was
played in a variety of guises in a number of nations, the version of the game that is
played today was invented in England in the 12th century. This earlier version of football
was also far more aggressive and dangerous than the way the game is played now. One
of the most essential aspects of the sports that came before football was that it engaged a
big number of people and that it was played on a vast scale in urban places. The
mayhem caused by these games might end up killing people and wreaking havoc on the
community. These would be some of the reasons that proclamations were made against
the game, which ultimately resulted in it being banned for a number of centuries.
However, it wasn't until a very long time ago that football started incorporating the
strategies and tactics that are used today. There was a great deal of flexibility with
regard to the dimensions of the ball, the number of participants, and the time allotted to
each match.
Both soccer and rugby, the game's forebears, influenced the development of
football as we know it today. The term "pigskin" was attributed to the game because
back in the middle of the 1800s, players used a spherical ball that was fashioned of a
pig's bladder and sewed together with calfskin. During the time of the Industrial
Revolution, both soccer and rugby were introduced to North America, where the rapidly
developing United States of America swiftly joined in on the trend. The athletes, in a
typical manner for the United States, devised their own kind of football by combining
elements of soccer and rugby. They continued to make the ball out of pig bladder despite
the fact that other materials were readily available and more reliable. Even though it was
played in the United States for the first time in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton, the
game more closely resembled soccer at the time. The only allowed action for the players
was kicking the ball, and one point was awarded for every goal scored. Nevertheless,
everyone saw quite clearly after this game that the football rules needed to be updated.
It was said that the teams had to reinflate the bladder many times before the game could
continue. By the time the game was over, the ball was purportedly half deflated and
resembled an oval.
Beginning in the year 1869, educational institutions all around the country
started football programs, and the game itself started using new regulations. The most
crucial aspect was the introduction of the forward pass, which mainly did away with the
rugby-style lateral passes and gave the game a more vertical aspect than soccer. Because
of this, American football now has its own distinct personality. The addition of laces by
the manufacturers helped to tighten the pigskin and prevent the ball from bursting
while it was being played. In addition to this, the ball took on a form similar to an oval
that was more aerodynamic, which enabled players to toss it over greater distances.
Rubber eventually replaced most of the other materials used in the production of
footballs throughout time. It was less cumbersome and less prone to rupturing than pig
bladder was. The calfskin casing was maintained because, in conjunction with the laces,
it provided the players with an adequate amount of grip. The ball was given a more
aerodynamic form in the early 1900s, resulting in contemporary football. The prolate
spheroid form was created to aid in the accuracy and efficiency of the ball's flight
through the air. The form also allowed players to grasp the ball with one hand and throw
it in a perfect spiral, which reduced the football's drag or wind resistance.
During the early 20th century, the AFL and NFL utilized Spalding-made
footballs. In 1941, with the assistance of NFL veterans George Halas and Tim Mara, the
NFL converted from the Spalding ball to Wilson's "The Duke." By this time, they had
switched from pig bladders to polyurethane bladders, which were still wrapped in
leather and stitched with vinyl. The term "The Duke" is still employed in the NFL.
Wilson handcrafted NFL footballs 70 years ago and continues to do so at their football
facility in Ada, Ohio. Every football used in the NFL over the past seven decades has
been manufactured in the Ohio village. Each football is made with the same kind of
pride that teams and supporters put into donning their jerseys every Sunday.
B. Olympics
In 1900, football was included for the first time on the schedule of the Games of
the II Olympiad in Paris. Since then, it has been included in every edition of the
Olympics, with the exception of the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, where it was omitted
due to a dispute between FIFA and the IOC about amateurism. 1996 saw the inaugural
appearance of women's football at the XXVI Olympiad in Atlanta.
There were three club teams competing in the first football competition in 1900:
Club Francais from Paris, Upton Park from the United Kingdom, and Université de
Bruxelles, which represented students from the Free University of Brussels. In the first
of two games, Upton Park defeated Club Francais with little difficulty and won the gold
medal. Club Francais came from behind to upset Université de Bruxelles 6-2 in the
match for second place.
Three teams participated in the 1904 tournament: Christian Brothers College and
St. Rose Parish from the host city of St. Louis, and Galt F.C. from Canada. The event
lasted many months, and Galt F.C. won the gold medal by defeating both American
teams by a combined 11-0 score. While the 1900 and 1904 games are recognized by the
IOC, FIFA does not recognize them as legitimate competitions.
The competition included national teams for the first time in 1908. Great Britain
(as the host nation), France A, France B, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands were
the six official competitors. At the following competition, the number of competitors
increased to eleven. The tournament used a cup system, with higher-ranked teams
receiving a bye into the round of 16.
In 1920, after a hiatus caused by World War I, the Olympics resumed. This time
around, 14 nations participated in the football event, including Egypt as the first non-
European participant. The 1920 tournament is most notable for being the only occasion
in which a final international match was abandoned. In the 40th minute,
Czechoslovakian players stormed off the field in response to many perceived slights by
the 65-year-old referee John Lewis and his linesmen. Consequently, they were
disqualified from the competition.
C. Branches
➔ 5-a-side Football – is soccer played with five people with 4 field players
and a goalkeeper, this variation can be in both indoor and outdoor with
smaller goal sizes and shorter game time.
➔ Beach soccer – is a type of football similar to 5-a-side Football that is
played on the beach. This variation is said to have been invented by European
sailors in coastal regions of Brazil at the end of the 19th century when they
played football during their visits ashore.
➔ Indoor soccer – is similar to 5-a-side football. It is also called arena soccer,
indoor football, mini football, fast football, floor football, and/or showball.
The sport was developed in the United States and Canada to provide an
option to play soccer during the winter. Though the sport was derived from
Association football, certain modifications were adopted to better suit playing
indoors, including surrounding the play area by walls to keep the ball in play.
➔ Jorkyball – is played on a pitch enclosed on all the sides usually by glass
walls. Jorkyball is played between two teams with just two players on each
team, one player is the striker, and the other plays defense, the defensive
player is not allowed to play beyond the team’s half-court. The striker cannot
enter the opponent's kickoff region. Unlike football, the game is played in a
racket sports format. A match is played for best of three sets, where each set is
played for seven goals. A team to win two sets first is declared the winner.
➔ Futsal – Unlike some other versions of a 5-a-side football, the edge of the
field is marked by lines; there are no walls to bounce the ball off.
II. Skills
The vast majority of sports have certain requirements for players in order to
acquire a proficient level of performance. Athletes develop their skills via various forms
of training and practice. Skills are essentially learnt talents. The capacity to carry out
tasks to a high quality in an effective and time-efficient manner is one definition of skill.
A competent performance may be recognized when observing a performer or
performance if it demonstrates precision, consistency, technique, adaptability, and
confidence. In gridiron football, the positions known as "skill positions" are those that
often have contact with the ball and are primarily responsible for scoring points. It's
common practice to refer to skill positions as offensive players, such as quarterbacks,
running backs, and wide receivers. Sometimes tight ends are also included in this
category. The ability to dribble the ball while maintaining possession of it is one of the
fundamental and most important talents in football. Running while controlling the ball
is not as easy as it may appear; it requires a high level of control, balance, and
coordination. Move up and down the field while keeping hold of the ball and making
sure you don't lose control of it. This will help you have a better grasp on it. Your team
will start to learn how to master the ball as well as the more technical components of the
game as they begin to gain control of their bodies and begin to learn how to master their
bodies. For instance, in order for players to be considered skilled, they need to have the
ability to pass, shoot, dribble, turn, intercept, and tackle.
A. Hand
The phrase "ball to hand" will serve as this week's English for football phrase.
Only the goalkeeper is permitted to use his or her hands in the game of football; thus, if
an outfield player touches the ball with his or her hand, the referee may give a free kick
or even a penalty. It is a violation of the rules for a player to intentionally contact the
ball with their hand or arm in any way, including moving their hand or arm in the
direction of the ball. Directly puts the ball into the goal of the other team with their hand
or arm, whether by purpose or by mistake; this includes the goalie. In order to prevent
the opponent from acquiring an edge, the player is required to purposefully handle the
ball. It did not happen by chance. According to the Laws, someone is not guilty of
committing a foul if he unintentionally hinders the opponent from gaining an
advantage. When it comes to judging whether or not a player has committed an offense
in handball, the upper limit of the arm is considered to be in line with the bottom of the
armpit. Not every time a player's hand or arm comes into contact with the ball
constitutes a violation of the rules. straight from their hand or arm, even if it was an
accident; scores in the goal of the other team; this includes the goalie. However, it is
necessary for the majority of professional players to discuss strategies with their
teammates while they are out on the field. They put their hands over their mouths to
hide what they are saying from the other team, the cameras, and the managers who are
listening in on the conversation.
1. Defense
When a play starts from scrimmage, the team that does not have control of the
ball is considered to be the defensive team, sometimes referred to simply as the
"defense." The goal of the team whose job it is to defend is to deny the offensive team
the opportunity to score and to take control of the ball for their own side. The defensive
line, linebackers, and defensive backs are the three separate groupings that make up
football's eleven defensive positions. The other defensive position is the defensive back.
The amount of players that each team employs in each position group differs from one
another and is determined by the specific structure that the team is using. Prior to the
start of the action, there are no restrictions placed on the defensive players in terms of
where they may stand or move on their side of the field with the football. Even while
there are certain defensive duties and positions that have been standard throughout the
years, there are no hard and fast laws that define those roles or functions specifically.
Historically, the middle linebacker has been considered to be the brains, heart, and
spirit of a defensive unit. The most crucial task, which was to catch the ball carrier, was
entrusted to the middle linebacker, who was often the guy with the greatest physicality
and tenacity on the field.
2. Attack
When a team has control of the ball, they are the team that is now attacking.
Everyone who is participating in the assault has a part to play in it. The player with the
ball is the first attacker, the person who is supporting them is the second attacker, and
the player who is unbalancing them is the third attacker (third attacker). A component
style that is related to the overall employment of techniques that are complementary to
other attacking ways is referred to as an attacking style. The direct plays are one kind of
attacking approach. Dispersal, Penetration, Movement, Support, and Innovation or
Creativity are the five assaulting concepts that should be used. The most important
objective is to score goals. The first attacker always has the responsibility of determining
whether or not a shot on goal is feasible. The act of passing the ball is more rapid than
the movement of a player. The player who currently has control of the ball is referred to
as the "1st Attacker." At this level, players should place an emphasis on developing their
ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities. It is critical for the coaches of
younger teams to dedicate the bulk of their practice time on this individual. An in-depth
analysis of the football positions and the roles played by each player (Attackers) These
players are considered to be the game-winners because they concentrate on scoring
goals, generating scoring opportunities, providing assists, and putting defensive
pressure on the other team. Every attacker, like the midfielders, is tasked with a certain
position and duty when they are on the field.
B. Foot
It is beneficial to have the ability to attain a high ball speed or a long distance
while kicking the ball in any variation of football. The speed of the foot as it makes
contact with the ball is a significant factor in determining both the speed of the ball and
the distance it may be kicked. Therefore, it is of interest to those who work in the field of
strength and conditioning to discover training methods that may boost foot velocity. The
instep of your foot should be used to kick the ball. Make contact with the ball just under
the rounded portion in the center. Keep kicking through the ball as much as you can. It
is important that your foot be approximately at the same level as your head. Foot
velocity is governed by a complicated sequencing of hip flexor and knee extensor
concentric contractions. This sequencing also incorporates activation of the hip flexors
and knee extensors to aid with movement control. The quadriceps, hamstrings, and
glutes are the primary muscles that are used while kicking a ball, and this is true
regardless of the sport being played (soccer, rugby, or football punts, for example). In
addition, your abdominal muscles, hip muscles, foot muscles, and shoulder muscles all
get a workout throughout the preparation, contact, and follow-through phases of each
kick.
1. Stance
The starting posture that an American football player assumes before each play is
called their "stance." It's the beginning point for practically every athletic motion, and
it's the most basic stance there is. It puts you in a position that is ideal for moving
rapidly in any direction while allowing you to maintain your eyes on the playing field.
The names of the stances make reference to the number of places on a player's body that
are making contact with the ground while they are in a down position. It is possible to
clog run lanes in short yardage circumstances by adopting a four-point stance, gain
speed and burst as an edge rusher, or set up a defender to take up a two-gap position in
run defense by using this stance. The four-point stance is highly adaptable in its use.
Linemen often adopt one of these three standard stances: the two-point, the three-point,
or the four-point. All safeties, cornerbacks, and off-ball linebackers, as well as the
majority of basic 3-4 outside linebackers, use the 2-point stance, which is the most
prevalent stance for defenders. This stance contains two points of contact with the
ground, which are the two feet of the defender.
2. Kicks
In a game of association football, the most fundamental part of the play is called a
kick. It is a multi-joint action that requires synchronization of several muscles, notably
those of the leg and hip, as well as other muscles that stabilize and neutralize the
movement. In gridiron football, the process of beginning a drive is referred to as a
"kickoff." During a kickoff, one side, referred to as the "kicking team," would often kick
the ball to the opposing team, which is referred to as the "receiving team." In football,
there are many various sorts of kicks, but the most popular ones include bicycle kicks,
backheel kicks, free kicks, goal kicks, dropkicks, and onside kicks. Other forms of kicks
include onside kicks and dropkicks. Having said that, these are the fundamentals, and it
is critical that you master them before going on to the more difficult movements. They
could seem difficult at first, but if you put in the effort and practice them often, you'll be
able to carry them out without any problems. Because it serves these four crucial
purposes, the kick plays a significant part in determining the total speed: The amount of
forward momentum produced is directly proportional to the degree of leg strength and
fitness as well as the flexibility of the ankles.
A. Local
B. International
C. Training hall
IV. Equipment
→ Cleats and Turfs — Cleat studs, are made of metal or rubber depending on the
sports while Turf shoes on the other hand are designed for maximum mobility,
they offer very little stiffness on the sole of the shoe. Cleats studs are built to dig
into the ground in every step to avoid slippage, therefore adding maximum
traction in a soft grass or mud-laden field, Turfs, however, are good on artificial
turf, the gripping action on the tiny rubber cleats can help the player achieve a
much greater speed compared to turfs.
→ Socks — the socks for football are usually designed to be longer to cover the shin
guard and provide a proper grip.
→ Shin Guards — Shin Guards were one of the suggested methods to try and
prevent injury of football players back in 1994. As their main function is to
protect the soft tissues and bones in the lower extremities through shock
absorption and facilitate energy dissipation, which then helps prevent external
impact that could cause injury.
Forward
As a Forward, there are multiple roles each player can maintain. This includes the
Striker, Center Forward, and the Wingers. The most common one is the Striker.
The striker plays straight down the middle ahead of the mid-field. The center
forward plays a little deeper than the striker would, and will usually play in lieu of
the striker when the manager opts for a front 3. This type of forward is sometimes
confused with an attacking midfielder, however, the distinction is that , with the
exception of wingers, the center forward is always the first man forward. The
Wingers will maintain the width on the left and the right side and will constantly
push on the opposing team’s full-backs while feeding the ball into the center
forward.
Midfielder
The midfield contains the widest array of positions. This includes the Left Mid,
Right Mid, Center Mid, Attacking Mid, and lastly the Defensive Mid. The role of
the Midfielder is a constantly changing one. The dynamics of the position have
changed drastically over the years creating a multitude of different sub-positions.
The left-mid and right-mid will usually remain on their respective sides of the
field. A lot of players who play in these positions like to stay tight to the touch-
line, and they control the width of their team. The center mid is typically a box-
to-box player. These players are forward when their team is attacking and back
when their team is defending. Stamina is a must for the central midfielder. The
attacking midfielder can almost be considered a forward, but their defensive
duties are needed from time to time as well. They sit right behind the striker and
act as a link-up between the midfield and the forward. The defensive midfielder
sits just in front of the defense and a little deeper than the left and right
midfielders. This role requires strength and a lot of positional awareness. These
players are usually very comfortable on the ball and like to feed passes to any of
the multiple positions in front of them.
Defender
This includes the Center back, Full Back (Left Back, Right Back), Wing Backs, and
lastly the Sweeper which is considered a rare position. The center-back is a
strong-statured player. Their main job is to protect the ball from getting close to
the goalkeeper. The full-backs, also known as left-back and right-back, are the
width of the defense. They protect any attacks from the opposing team’s wingers
when they try to spread out wide. The wing-backs are very similar to the full-
backs in the sense that they control the width of the defense. The sweeper
position has been almost fully phased out in the modern game, but you will see
light variations of this role in certain strategic instances.
Goalkeeper
While there is only one position a goalkeeper will play, there are many different
types of keepers in the modern game. All have earned their number 1 spot for a
reason and should be considered as dynamic as the rest of the players on the
field.
VI. Summary
Football is a dynamic sport that evolves over time, and with that
progression comes the addition of new positions. The main positions that are
needed to be played in the game are the Forward, Midfielder, Defender, and
Goalkeeper. These main positions also have their own corresponding sub
positions, except for the goalkeeper. The simplest way to figure out where the
players are playing is to watch their movements during the game. Players will
intelligently react to each offensive and defensive play and change their positions
as needed. Playing the sport "soccer" needs a detailed understanding and
adherence of the game's rules and dynamics. The following basic football rules
and regulations have been maintained by the International Football Association
Board (IFAB). Two teams participate, each with a maximum of 11 players or
various formats depending on the level of play, including one goalie. The game is
split into two 45-minute halves, with the winning captain choosing whether to
play offense or defense.All players must use their feet, heads, or chest to play the
ball. The goal is to score a goal by kicking or heading the ball into the opposing
team's goal. The game is overseen by a central referee and two linesmen. When
rules are broken, free kicks and penalties are awarded. If the player continues to
break the rules or commits a significant offense, he or she may be sent off. The
objective of the sport of football is to score a goal for one's own side by putting
the ball into the net of the opposing team using any part of one's body other than
their hands and arms. The winner is determined by whose team scored most
goals. This is an exciting game that will have both the player and the spectators
on the edge of their seats. Football players run a significant risk of injury, yet
many continue to play because they really like the game.
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