essent i al

SOCCER SOCCER
SOCCER

Key tips and techniques

to improve your Game
Includes content previously published in The Soccer Book
sk ill s

6
LONDON, NEW YORK, MUNICH,
Contents Introduction

INTRODUCTION
MELBOURNE, and DELHI
6 Introduction Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. From the Andes
to Greenland, people just can’t seem to resist kicking a leather
Senior Editor Bob Bridle 1 The Basics
Senior Art Editor Sharon Spencer ball around or watching others doing the same. The figures are
Production Editor Tony Phipps 10 The rules staggering—approximately 250 million people play the game
Production Controller Louise Minihane 14 Using set pieces regularly. In fact, if soccer players made up a nation, it would be
Jacket Designer Mark Cavanagh 18 The offside rule
20 Fouls and infringements
the fourth most populous on the planet.
Managing Editor
Managing Art Editor
US Editor
Stephanie Farrow
Lee Griffiths
Margaret Parrish
22
28
30
32
The officials
Shirts, shorts, and socks
Shoes
Protective gear
,, IF ALL THE SOCCER PLAYERS
IN THE WORLD WERE TO FORM

,,
DK INDIA 34 The ball

A NATION, IT WOULD BE THE

Managing Art Editor Ashita Murgai 36 The goal
Editorial Lead Saloni Talwar 38 The field

FOURTH MOST POPULOUS

Senior Art Editor Rajnish Kashyap
Project Designer Anchal Kaushal 2 Player Positions
ON THE PLANET.
Project Editor Garima Sharma
Designers Amit Malhotra, Diya Kapur 42 Goalkeepers

SOCCER
Editors Shatarupa Chaudhari,
44 Defenders
Karisma Walia
Production Manager Pankaj Sharma
48 Midfielders
DTP Manager Balwant Singh 52 Forwards You could almost say that soccer is a universal language. If you
Senior DTP Designer Harish Aggarwal found yourself in a strange country with no knowledge of the local
DTP Designers Shanker Prasad, Bimlesh 3 Individual Skills tongue, you would still be able to strike up a conversation by using
Tiwari, Vishal Bhatia,
Jaypal Singh Chauhan 60 Anatomy of a player a few hand gestures accompanied by the names of some prominent
Managing Director Aparna Sharma 64 Warming up players. Place one hand at chest level while saying “Pelé,” then raise
68 Training it with the word “Maradona” and you’ll quickly start making friends.
First American Edition, 2011 72 Controlling the ball
Published in the United States by 76 Passing
DK Publishing 80 Running with the ball An interesting observation often made about soccer is that its
375 Hudson Street 84 Stepovers language is couched in military terms (such as campaigns, tactics,
New York, New York 10014 88 Spins and turns
11 12 13 14 15 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 92 Fakes
and captains). Some theories claim that soccer is a surrogate for
001—176109—Mar/2011 96 Shooting hunting—on which, of course, our ancestors depended for their
Includes content previously published in
98 Volleying survival. According to this view, a goal scored is equivalent to a kill,
KEY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES The Soccer Book 102
106
Heading
Throw-ins and corners
which would certainly explain the sense of importance surrounding
TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME Copyright © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited
All rights reserved.
110 Free-kicks the game. Another possibility is that soccer is a kind of ritualized
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
114 Penalties warfare. It may be no accident that its popularity has coincided with
in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by 118 Goalkeeping an era in which young men have been less regularly engaged in war
any means, electronic, mechanical, 126 Tackling
photocopying, recording, or otherwise 130 Freestyle skills than in the past. Both these theories have their merits but perhaps
Includes content previously
published in The Soccer Book without the prior written permission 134 Injuries another, simpler explanation needs to be added.
of the copyright owners.
Published in Great Britain by 4 Teamwork
Dorling Kindersley Limited.
A catalog record for this book 138 Teamwork: key concepts
is available from the Library of Congress. 142 Formations
ISBN 978-0-7566-5902-8 150 Defensive strategies
156 Attacking strategies
DK books are available at special discounts when
purchased in bulk for sales promotions, premiums, 160 Set pieces
fund-raising, or educational use. For details, contact: 164 Managers and coaches
DK Publishing Special Markets, 375 Hudson Street, 166 Anatomy of a club
New York, New York 10014 or SpecialSales@dk.com.
170 Index
Printed and bound by 176 Acknowledgments
L. Rex Printing Company Limited, China
Discover more at www.dk.com

7 10
The rules

THE BASICS | THE RULES

INTRODUCTION

Our history can be seen as the story of an ever-increasing split The Laws of the Game were devised by the FA in 1863. As a
between our physical selves and our minds. Soccer, however, testament to the game’s simplicity, there are only 17 laws in place
works the other way around. By uniting the brain with the parts today. The offside rules (see pp.18–19) have proved to be the most
of the body at the opposite extremity (the feet), it temporarily complex to create and administer, having been overhauled three
heals the split. When we play the game or identify with others times in the rulebook’s history.
who are doing so, we become whole again. And, of course, it is
not just men who feel this way. The women’s game is extremely Enforcing the rules
popular as well—for every reference to a “he” in this book, a The Laws of the Game are enforced
by the referee (see pp.22–23), who
“she” can and should just as easily be substituted. has the final say in any match disputes.
Since 1992, FIFA has stipulated that
Essential Soccer Skills celebrates the sport by presenting its all referees in international matches
varied and complex skills in a clear and simple way. It describes must speak English. The referee may
the relative merits of zonal and man-to-man marking, for example, be helped by two assistant referees
and a fourth official (see pp.24–27).
and explains how to perform the perfect header. The book goes
The fourth official is increasingly used
on to unravel the complexities of the offside rule and even shows in international matches and the
you how to spin and turn like Zinédine Zidane or “bend” the ball leading leagues, primarily to assist
like David Beckham. Essential Soccer Skills will help you appreciate the referee in administrative duties.
what makes soccer such a great game to watch—and play.

,, The Basics ,,
,,
BY UNITING THE BRAIN AND THE
FEET, SOCCER TEMPORARILY HEALS
THE
THE SPLIT BETWEEN OUR PHYSICAL OFFSIDE
AND MENTAL SELVES. RULE
HAS BEEN
OVERHAULED
“Some people believe football (soccer) is a matter of life and
THREE TIMES

,,
death,” the great Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said.
“I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you IN THE
it is much, much more important than that.” No one has better
captured the irrational depth of passion aroused by twenty-
RULEBOOK’S
two men chasing a ball. HISTORY.

ROBERTO TROTTA
Former Argentinian defender
Roberto Trotta holds the dubious
honor of receiving the most
red cards. He was sent off
a record-breaking 17 times
during his career.

Laws of the Game 11 12 Laws of the Game (continued) 13 14

Using set pieces
THE BASICS | THE RULES

THE BASICS | THE RULES

THE BASICS | THE RULES

THE BASICS | USING SET PIECES

1. FIELD OF PLAY
The field (see pp.38–39) must be
a rectangle, marked with touchlines,
goal lines and areas, a halfway line,
a center circle, penalty areas, spots,
and arcs, corner arcs, and flag posts.
It must be between 100–131yd
(90–120m) long and between
49–98yd (45–90m) wide. For
international soccer, the limits
are 109–120yd (100–110m) and
70–82yd (64–75m), respectively.
3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A match consists of two teams
of not more than 11 players, each
including a goalkeeper. An outfield
player may swap with the goalkeeper
during a stoppage of play. Teams
must have at least seven players
to begin or continue a match. In
official competitions, a maximum
of three player substitutions may
be made by each team.
5. THE REFEREE
2. THE BALL 7. DURATION OF MATCH
The ball (see pp.34–35) must be There are two equal halves of
made of approved materials. At 45 minutes of play. Additional
the start of the game, it must have time may also be added—at the
a diameter of 27–28in (68.5–71cm), discretion of the referee—in
weigh between 141/2 –16oz (410– case of injuries, substitutions,
450g), and have an internal pressure and time-wasting. Time can also
of between 0.6 and 1.1 atmospheres be added to allow a penalty to be
at sea level. It can only be changed taken at the end of normal time.
by the referee. If it bursts during a Rules covering extra time are
game, play is stopped and restarted made by the national soccer
with a new drop ball. associations and confederations.
4. PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT 9. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
Compulsory equipment for players The ball is in play when it is inside
are a shirt, shorts, socks, shin pads, the field of play and the referee has
and soccer shoes or cleats (see still not stopped play. The ball is out
pp.28–31). Goalkeepers must wear a of play when it has completely
uniform that distinguishes them from crossed the sidelines or the goal
their own team, their opponents, and lines, whether in the air or on the
the officials. Headgear is allowed if it ground. If the ball rebounds off a
does not present a threat to other goalpost, crossbar, corner flagpost,
players. Most forms of jewelry
are not permitted.
or the referee or one of the assistant
referees, and remains in the field
of play, it is still in play.
6. ASSISTANT REFEREES 11. OFFSIDE
8. START/RESTART OF PLAY
A coin is tossed at the start of play;
the winners choose ends for the first
half and the losers kick off. The other
team kicks off in the second half. The
kick-off is taken from the center spot
and the ball must move into the
oppositions’ half. All players must be
in their own half, and the opposition
must be at least 10yd (9.15m) away
from the ball. The ball must be
touched by a second player before
the first player can touch it again.
10. METHOD OF SCORING
A goal is scored when the ball
has completely crossed the goal
line between the goalposts and
under the crossbar, provided that
no other infringements have taken
place. The team with the most goals
wins. If both teams score the same
number of goals, or if no goals are
scored at all, the match is declared
as a draw.
12. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
13. FREE-KICKS
Free-kicks (see pp.14–17, 110–13)
restart play after a foul or
infringement and are usually taken
from the place from which the
offense was committed. Free-kicks
can be “direct,” in which the taker
may score directly, or “indirect,” in
which the taker and a second player
from the same team must touch the
ball before a goal can be scored.
15. THE THROW-IN
A throw-in (see pp.15, 106–09) is
awarded when the ball has crossed
the sideline and an opposition player
was the last to touch it. The throw is
taken from the point from which the
ball crossed the line. The taker must
have both his feet on the ground, use
two hands, throw the ball from
behind and over his head, and be
facing the field of play.
17. CORNER-KICK
14. PENALTY-KICK
A set piece is a predetermined, fixed move to restart play when the
referee is forced to halt the game temporarily. There are three occasions
A penalty-kick (see pp.15, 114–17)
is awarded for a foul committed when a game of soccer is stopped: following an infringement, such as
by a defending player in his or her a foul or an offside; when the ball goes out of play; and following
own penalty area. The kick is taken a player injury or other interruption, such as a burst ball.
from the penalty spot and all other
players—except for the goalkeeper Types of set piece
and taker—must be at least 10yd There are six different types of set
(9.15m) from the spot. The taker may piece: goal-kicks, free-kicks, throw-ins,
touch the ball if it rebounds from the penalty-kicks, corner-kicks, and
goalkeeper, but not if it rebounds drop-balls. Free-kicks can be either
from the post or crossbar. “direct” or “indirect” (see p.110). In
either situation, every member of
the opposing team must be at
least 10yd (9.15m) from the ball
at the moment the kick is taken.
A goal-kick
16. GOAL-KICK is taken
from inside
GOAL-KICK the goal
A goal-kick (see pp.118–25) is A goal-kick is awarded to a area
awarded to the defending team when defending team when the ball
the ball crosses its goal line, a goal completely crosses the goal
has not been scored, and the last line—either on the ground
player to touch it was from the or in the air—having been
opposition. Any player may take the kicked by an opposing player
goal-kick, placing the ball anywhere without a goal being scored.
in the goal area. The kick must send
the ball out of the penalty area or be
retaken. The taker may not touch the
ball again until it has been touched
by a second player.
The goalkeeper
organizes the
defenders
into a wall
,, FOR FREE-
KICKS, EVERY
MEMBER OF THE
OPPOSING TEAM
SEEING RED
Law 5 says that the
MUST BE AT
referee’s decision LEAST 10YD

The referee (see pp.22–23) is the
final arbiter and interpreter of the
rules. He decides whether a game
can go ahead or not, and may stop
play if a player requires medical
treatment. He cautions players
(yellow card), sends them off
(red card), and is responsible for
timekeeping, record-keeping, and
ensuring that all match equipment
and uniforms are correct.
The assistant referees (see p.24–25), A player is offside (see pp.18–19),
formerly called linesmen, support at the moment a ball is passed
the referee, primarily by signaling forward, when he is: in the opponents’
for corner kicks, throw-ins, and half of the field; is closer to the
offside infringements. They must opponents’ goal line than the ball;
also bring the referee’s attention and there are fewer than two
to any other fouls or infringements defenders (including the goalkeeper)
that the referee may not have seen. closer to the goal line than the
However, the referee’s word is attacking player. When a player
always final. is called offside, the opposition is
awarded a free-kick.
A foul (see pp.20–21) has been
committed if a player: trips, kicks,
pushes, or charges another player
recklessly; strikes, attempts to
strike, or spits at an opponent;
makes a tackle but connects with
the player before the ball; deliberately
handles the ball (goalkeepers in their
area excepted); or obstructs an
opponent or prevents them from
releasing the ball.
,,
A corner (see pp.15, 106–09) is is always final. (9.15M) FROM
awarded to the attacking team
when the opposition is last to touch THE BALL
the ball and the ball crosses the goal WHEN THE KICK
line without a goal being scored.
A corner is also awarded if the ball
IS TAKEN.
enters the goal from a throw-in or
indirect free-kick. The attacking
FREE-KICK
team restarts play by placing the
Direct free-kicks are awarded
ball in the corner arc nearest to
for serious offenses, such as
where it crossed the goal line.
kicking, tripping, or pushing,
The taker kicks the
while indirect free-kicks are ball from where
awarded for less serious the infringement
offenses, such as obstruction took place
or offside (see p.16).
 15 16 Set-piece etiquette High stakes 17 18
THROW-IN
A throw-in is awarded against the The offside rule

THE BASICS | USING SET PIECES

THE BASICS | USING SET PIECES

THE BASICS | USING SET PIECES

THE BASICS | THE OFFSIDE RULE

team that last touches the ball If a player is injured, the team in possession is expected to kick the ball into Since many goals are scored from set pieces, a lot of time is spent practicing
before it crosses the sideline. It touch. The other side should then return it from the resulting set piece. how to attack (and defend) from set pieces. A defending team, for example,
is made with both feet on or behind
Offside is the most contentious and frequently misunderstood
During an English FA Cup tie in 1999, Sheffield United’s goalkeeper kicked will adopt positions and patterns of movement, such as the wall where the
the sideline, and both hands moving rule in soccer, as decisions often rest on an official’s individual
The thrower the ball out of play so that an injured teammate could receive treatment. defending players stand in a line, to stop an easy goal.
must face the from behind the taker’s head. But instead of returning the ball, Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour initiated interpretation of the law. It is also the most frequently revised
field of play
and have a move that led to the winning goal. The match was eventually replayed. Legendary free-kick rule, as minor changes to the regulations can have dramatic
both feet on In 1997, Roberto Carlos (see below) effects on the character of matches.
the ground
scored from an incredible direct
DROP-BALL
A drop-ball is played when
a game needs to be started
again following an incident
,, A DROP-BALL
IS PLAYED WHEN
free-kick. He hit the ball so far to
the right of the French wall that
a ballboy between the corner flag
and the goalpost ducked. Miraculously,
the ball swerved in and landed
What is the rule?
A player is ruled offside when the ball is passed
forward by his teammates if: he’s in the opponent’s
half of the field; he’s closer to the opponent’s goal line
than the ball; there are less than two defenders closer
KEY
Attacking team
that is not covered in the rules,
such as a serious player injury.
THE GAME NEEDS in the goal. Carlos’ “banana shot”
has entered soccer folklore. With a shot that Roberto Carlos
to the goal line than himself. Only the head, body, and
legs are considered. The player is onside if he’s level
Defending team
Goalkeeper
When such a case occurs, the TO BE RESTARTED seemed to defy (Brazil) with the second defender from the goal line or if he Pass

AND THE BALL IS

the laws of physics, Defending team

,,
ball is not awarded to either receives the ball from a throw-in, corner, or goal-kick.
team. Instead, a player from Carlos swerved the (France)
one team stands opposite a
player from the other team
NOT AWARDED ball around the wall. Trajectory of ball
OFFSIDE
TO EITHER GOAL LINE

PENALTY-KICK
A penalty is awarded for any
offense committed inside
the penalty area that would
There can be huge
pressure on the taker of
a penalty-kick, especially
during a penalty shootout
(see p.114)
and the referee drops the ball
between them.
TEAM. ,, TEAMS
SPEND A LOT
In this situation, Player A
is offside because there is
only one defender—the
goalkeeper (1)—between
him and the goal line when
1

otherwise be punished by a OF TIME Player B passes the ball. An

,,
OFFENSES: DIRECT FREE-KICKS OFFENSES: INDIRECT FREE-KICKS indirect free-kick would be
direct free-kick if it had taken PRACTICING
Direct free-kicks are usually awarded Indirect free-kicks are usually awarded for this offense.
place outside the penalty area.
for relatively serious offenses (see awarded for less serious offenses HOW TO Player A is in an
pp.20–21). The most common are: than direct free-kicks. The most A
Many goals are scored common are: ATTACK FROM offside position

from corners, often as

a result of headers
KICKING AND TRIPPING SET PIECES.
It is an offense for a player to OBSTRUCTION
Player B passes the B
kick or trip —or attempt to kick It is an offense for a player to ball to Player A,
or trip— an opponent. deliberately impede the progress who is offside
of an opponent.
JUMPING OR CHARGING
It is an offense for a player to DANGEROUS PLAY ONSIDE
jump or charge at an opponent. It is an offense to make an attempt Player A is not offside in this GOAL LINE
to kick the ball when an opponent is case. This is because when
STRIKING AND PUSHING attempting to head it, for example. Player B passed the ball, there
It is an offense for a player were two defenders between 1
to strike, push, hold, or spit IMPEDING THE GOALKEEPER
Player A and the goal line.
at an opponent. It is an offense to prevent the
2
goalkeeper from releasing the ball.
The keeper must MAKING CONTACT Both the goalkeeper (1)
decide whether to ROBERTO CARLOS and another defender (2) A
defend from the goal It is an offense for a player TOUCHING THE BALL TWICE are between Player A
line or advance to try to touch an opponent before It is an offense to touch the ball twice Brazilian wingback Roberto Carlos is known and the goal line
CORNER-KICK and clear the ball
touching the ball when making at a set piece without an intervening for his trademark free-kicks. His seemingly
A corner-kick is awarded when a tackle. touch from another player. impossible “banana shot” is legendary. B
the whole ball crosses the goal He has played for the Brazil national
line (either on ground or in air) HANDLING THE BALL OFFSIDE team in three World Cup tournaments,
having last been touched by It is an offense for a player to If a player is offside (see pp.18–19), helping them reach the final in 1998 Player A is in an
a member of the defending deliberately handle the ball (except an indirect free-kick is given to and to win in 2002. onside position
team, including the goalkeeper. for the goalkeeper in his area). the opposition.

It is a foul to
Offside or not? 19 20 21 22
SCENARIO ONE
Fouls and infringements deliberately trip
an opponent The officials
THE BASICS | THE OFFSIDE RULE

THE BASICS | FOULS AND INFRINGEMENTS

THE BASICS | FOULS AND INFRINGEMENTS

THE BASICS | THE OFFICIALS

The offside rule has many nuances
that often make rulings very
subjective. There are, for example,
many situations in which a player
is in an offside position but is not
deemed to be violating the offside
rule. The following scenarios
illustrate some of the peculiarities
of the rule.
KEY
Attacking team
Defending team
Goalkeeper
SCENARIO TWO
Since the FA’s Laws of the Game (see pp.10–13) were first In professional matches, the game is controlled by four officials:
drawn up in 1863, many offenses have been written into the the referee (see below and opposite), two assistant referees (see
rulebook as fouls. Referees, equipped with red and yellow pp.24–25), and the fourth official (see p.26). The referee has full
cards, have been employed to enforce them. authority and, aided by the other officials, is tasked with enforcing
A It is a foul the 17 Laws of the Game (see pp.10–13).
Crime and punishment for a player
to hold back
A foul is committed by a player when he has contravened Law 12 of the
B
Laws of the Game. This includes kicking, tripping, or striking an opponent,
an opponent
The referee’s hand signals
ONSIDE connecting with a player before connecting with the ball when tackling,
Player A is in an offside position and deliberately handling the ball. Red and yellow cards are used to Referees use various hand signals to indicate decisions to players. They also
when he receives the ball but was punish serious fouls, while free-kicks are awarded for lesser fouls. blow a whistle to stop play before making the signal. A short, quick whistle
Pass
onside when it was played forward
HOLDING TRIPPING indicates a less serious offense, while more serious fouls elicit harder blasts.
Player
Pulling on a player’s shirt to slow Tripping has long been an offense,
movement by his teammate. Hence, he is onside.
Direct and indirect free-kicks him down in an attempt to gain
possession of the ball contravenes
but the referee must be sharp-eyed
to see if there really has been contact
A direct free-kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player the Laws of the Game. between the players.
SCENARIO THREE commits a dangerous or “penal” foul, such as charging at an opponent
with excessive force or performing a high tackle. A goal may be scored
directly from this type of free-kick (see pp.14–17). The opposing team is A sliding
tackle can
awarded an indirect free-kick when a player commits a foul other than be a serious
a dangerous or penal foul, or infringes technical requirements. A goal offense if
C cannot be scored directly from this type of free-kick (a second player not executed
properly
must first touch the ball). See below and opposite for some typical fouls.
A
A
,, SLIDING TACKLE

,,
A sliding tackle, in YELLOW CARD RED CARD DIRECT FREE-KICK
IN ADDITION TO AWARDING FREE- which the attacking A yellow card is held up, A red card is held up, The referee blows the
B B
KICKS, THE REFEREE CAN PENALIZE A player fails to gain above the head, to the above the head, to the whistle and points in
possession of the player being cautioned. player being sent off. the direction of the kick.
OFFSIDE ONSIDE PLAYER BY ISSUING HIM WITH EITHER ball, is considered
Player A, who is receiving the ball, Player C on the left wing is in an
was in an offside position when offside position. However, as he is not
A YELLOW OR RED CARD. to be a serious foul.
the ball was played forward by interfering with play between Players
Player B. He is therefore offside. A and B, he is deemed to be onside.

The card system

SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE In addition to awarding free-kicks, the referee can penalize an individual player
by issuing him with either a yellow or red card. A yellow card (or caution) is
issued for serious offenses or dissent. A red card is issued for very serious or
It is a foul for a INDIRECT FREE-KICK ADVANTAGE PENALTY-KICK
player to use his
violent offenses and results in the player being sent off immediately. If a player
body to block receives two yellow cards in the same game, he will also be sent off. A hand is held up until the The referee extends The referee points
another player taker and a teammate both arms to indicate to the appropriate
B have touched the ball. that play can continue. penalty mark.
A YELLOW CARD OFFENSES RED CARD OFFENSES
A
• Dissent by word or action • Serious foul play
• Persistent infringement of • Violent conduct, or using foul language
B
the rules • Spitting at an opponent or
High tackles are • Delaying the restart of play, other person
OFFSIDE ONSIDE considered to be
dangerous play
and deliberate time-wasting • Denying the opposing team a
Player A receives the ball in an Although Player A receives the ball • Making a poorly timed and goal or potential chance at goal
onside position but was offside at in an offside position, he is actually OBSTRUCTION HIGH TACKLE dangerous tackle by deliberately handling the ball GOAL-KICK CORNER-KICK
the moment it was passed forward onside because he was behind the If a player is positioned between the ball Whether attempting to play the ball or • Entering or leaving the field (except the goalkeeper inside his The referee points The referee points toward
by Player B. So, Player A is offside. ball at the moment that it was played. and an opponent and makes no attempt not, tackles made with “high feet” have without the referee’s permission own penalty area) toward the appropriate the appropriate corner
to play the ball, it is known as obstruction. become less acceptable in soccer. • Unsportmanlike behavior • Receiving two cautions in one match part of the goal area. arc.

Refereeing systems 23 24 Assistant referee Flag signals BEST BEHAVIOR 25 26 Fourth official
The referee has
,,
THE BASICS | THE OFFICIALS

THE BASICS | THE OFFICIALS

THE BASICS | THE OFFICIALS

THE BASICS | THE OFFICIALS

Early matches were played without the referee
on the field, but from the late 1890s it became
clear that a coordinated and mobile approach
to refereeing was needed. Several systems of
patrolling the field have since been developed.
KEY
Linear system
Diagonal system
Zigzag-path system
The assistant referee helps the referee to officiate
a match. In professional games, two assistants
patrol each sideline. They each take responsibility
for one half of the field, diagonally opposing
each other (see “Refereeing systems,” p.23).
,, THE
ASSISTANT
The flag is the assistant’s most important piece of
equipment, as flag signals are the standard form
of communication with a referee (although a buzzer
system is sometimes also used). The distinctive
red and yellow checkered design of the flag has
the power relieve an
assistant of his or her
duties—and make a
report to the appropriate
authorities—if an
The fourth official assists the referee with
administrative duties before and after the game,
helps with assessing players’ equipment, and may
be called on to replace another match official
(see below). He also sets and holds up electronic
THE FOURTH
OFFICIAL KEEPS
A DUPLICATE
They officiate in situations in which the referee REFEREE been proven to be the most eye-catching color assistant referee acts display boards, acts as another pair of eyes for SET OF
RECORDS AND
LINEAR SYSTEM is not in a position to make the best decision. combination over a long distance. The following in an improper way. the referee, and keeps an extra set of records.
INDICATES

,,
The referee patrols one side Although crucial, their role is purely advisory. signals are most commonly used during a match.
of the field, while one or two WHICH SIDE The fourth official as substitute ACTS AS AN
ASSISTANT REFEREE 1

assistants cover the opposite The role of assistants IS ENTITLED The fourth official may replace the assistant EXTRA PAIR OF

,,
sideline. However, the referee referee or the referee. If an assistant is injured,
may obstruct wing play.
The more senior of the two assistants usually
oversees the side of the field that contains the TO A GOAL- for example, the fourth official replaces him
EYES FOR THE
DIAGONAL SYSTEM
technical areas, so that he can help supervise KICK, CORNER- automatically. If a referee cannot continue, the REFEREE.
substitutions. Typical duties for assistants fourth official may replace him directly, or an
The referee patrols a diagonal include signaling for offside and determining KICK, OR OFFSIDE assistant may replace the referee, with the
area between two opposing which team should be awarded a throw-in. THROW-IN. POSITION fourth official taking the assistant’s position.
corner flags, while the assistant A high flag is
ASSISTANT REFEREE 2

referees stand on opposite sides.

ASSISTANT REFEREE

OFFSIDE for far offside,

The flag is held a horizontal flag FOURTH OFFICIAL’S DUTIES
ZIGZAG-PATH SYSTEM ASSISTANT REFEREE’S DUTIES above the head for middle, and The fourth official has the
If the referee officiates alone, The assistant referee assists to signal for an a low flag for following duties:
he may move in a steady zigzag with refereeing decisions. His offside offense. near offside.
path in a line between the two or her duties include: ASSISTING WITH
penalty arcs, changing positions RECORD KEEPING
for corners and penalty kicks. SIGNALING FOR The fourth official keeps

,, OUT OF PLAY
THE GENDER AGENDA
a duplicate set of records.

,,
The assistant referee signals when The role of “linesman”
A SHORT, QUICK WHISTLE the ball leaves the field of play. was added to the THROW-IN CHECKING PLAYERS’
Laws of the Game (see
USUALLY INDICATES A LESS SERIOUS SIGNALING FOR RESTARTS pp.10–13) in 1891— SUBSTITUTION
A flag is held
out to one side,
EQUIPMENT
He helps the referee check
OFFENSE, WHILE MORE SERIOUS The assistant indicates which at a time when the A flag is held pointing in that the players’ equipment
FOULS ELICIT HARDER BLASTS. side is entitled to a goal-kick,
corner-kick, or throw-in.
officials were always
male. It wasn’t until
above the head the direction meets the requirements set
with both hands of play of the out in the rules.
1996 that the term to indicate a team awarded
SIGNALING was dropped in favor substitution. the throw. OVERSEEING SUBSTITUTIONS
FOR OFFSIDE of the gender-neutral
REFEREE’S DUTIES TIMEKEEP AND He ensures that substitutions are
The match is controlled by the MAINTAIN RECORDS The assistant referee “assistant referee.” conducted in an orderly manner.
referee, who enforces the rules The referee must act as the signals when a player
for the match to which he has been
appointed. His main duties are:
timekeeper for the match, and
keep a record of any substitutions
is in an offside position.
Other signals DISPLAYING INFORMATION
He uses numbered boards or electronic
SIGNALING FOR
and offenses. SUBSTITUTIONS
In addition to using flag signals and a buzzer system, assistant referees employ displays to inform the referee of any
ENFORCE THE RULES a variety of other forms of communication. Discrete hand signals, for example, substitution, and to show the amount
He or she signals when a
The referee’s main task is to enforce the STOP PLAY WHEN NECESSARY indicate that a close ball has not gone out of play or that no offense has been of time added at the end of each half.
substitution has been requested.
rules set out in the Laws of the Game. It is the duty of the referee to committed. In return, the referee can use hand signals to inform an assistant
stop, suspend, or abandon the SIGNALING FOR MISCONDUCT the direction in which a throw-in should be taken if he or she is unsure. MAINTAINING CONTROL
CONTROL THE MATCH The assistant signals when He maintains control in the teams’
match in case there are any
He must control the match with the misconduct occurs out of technical areas, intervening when
infringements of the Laws of
assistant referees and, for official the referee’s field of vision. coaches, bench personnel, or
the Game, or because of any
matches, the fourth official. substitutes become argumentative.
other outside interference. CALLING TIME NO OFFENSE SUPPORTING ROLE
MONITORING THE
CHECK EQUIPMENT GOALKEEPER A clenched fist The assistant referee ACTING AS AN INTERMEDIARY
ENSURE PLAYER SAFETY Among other duties, the fourth
He must ensure that the ball He or she monitors the on the chest shows a lowered He is the contact point between the official holds up a display board to
and the players’ equipment meet He must stop the match if a player goalkeeper during penalty- means 45 minutes palm to indicate match officials and non-participants, indicate any time added on at the end
the requirements as stated in the is seriously injured, and ensure that kicks, signaling if he moves have elapsed in that no offense has such as stadium managers, broadcast of each half (advised by the referee).
Laws of the Game. he is removed from the field of play. off his line before the kick. the half. been committed. crews, and ball retrievers.

Officials’ equipment 27 28 29 30
Shirts, shorts, and socks Shirts
Modern soccer shirts, made of
Shorts
Modern shorts are loose, which Shoes
THE BASICS | THE OFFICIALS

THE BASICS | SHIRTS, SHORTS, AND SOCKS

THE BASICS | SHIRTS, SHORTS, AND SOCKS

THE BASICS | SHOES

The referee and the assistant referees make use of several durable synthetic material, help allows for freedom of movement
different pieces of equipment. These are all designed to help the carry air and moisture away from and good air circulation. These
For official games, it is compulsory for players to wear a shirt the body, while retaining warmth shorts are considerably longer Players need comfortable, lightweight, and durable footwear
referee enforce the Laws of the Game (see pp.10–13) effectively.
or jersey, shorts, socks, shoes or cleats (see pp.30–31), and shin pads when needed. Reversed seams than they were in 1960s and ‘70s. that grips the playing surface. The soccer shoe should be
(see p.32). All the players on a team (except prevent rubbing and soreness, flexible enough to maximize performance but sturdy enough
for the goalkeeper) must wear matching and undershirts help increase Socks to reduce the risk of injury. On grass, players wear cleats (see
uniforms. While shirts may feature stripes or comfort and aid ventilation. Socks are an integral part of opposite for types of cleats); on artificial turf, players wear
patterned designs, shorts are usually one color. a soccer player’s uniform and athletic shoes with rubber studs on the sole.
must entirely cover the shin pad.

A compact radio
is strapped to the
Referee’s decision
A player who is not wearing the
correct uniform will be asked to
leave the field by the referee and
may only return when the referee
Technological advances
may allow computers built
into the shirts to monitor
,, A PLAYER
WHO IS NOT
Modern soccer shoes
Modern shoes are extremely light and flexible, and are
made from an array of synthetic fabrics and plastics.
Kangaroo leather, which is markedly stronger, lighter,
and more supple than other leathers, is widely used in

WEARING
confirms that his uniform is correct. shoe manufacture.

EARPIECE AND RADIO SET

In all top-flight matches, referees
referee’s waist

ASSISTANT’S FLAGS
Flags are used by the assistant
the wearer’s heart rate
and sweat levels

THE CORRECT
UNIFORM MAY
,, ON ARTIFICIAL

,,
and their assistants communicate referees to signal to the referee TURF, PLAYERS
BE ASKED TO
by using a small radio set. (see p.25 for assistant’s signals).
WEAR ATHLETIC

,,
SHOES WITH
A shirt made from modern
synthetic material absorbs LEAVE THE RUBBER
water corresponding to only
0.4 percent of its weight
(the comparable figure
PITCH. STUDS ON
for cotton is 7 percent)
THE SOLE.
GOALKEEPER’S SHIRT
An outer coating
As the only player who is allowed on some shoes
to handle the ball, it is important increases the level
of friction for kicking
that the goalkeeper is easily
Shorts are also identifiable. For this reason, in
made of similar
synthetic material BREATHABLE MATERIAL 1909, goalkeepers could wear
TIMEPIECE CARDS AND NOTEBOOK and are usually white, scarlet, or blue shirts.
Tiny pores in the fabric let air reach the
The referee must have at least one The referee may decide to penalize simpler in design In 1912, the green shirt was
player’s body, while allowing the release
timepiece—such as a wrist watch players by issuing yellow or red cards. introduced as an option. In the
of moisture from the skin. The pores are
and a stopwatch. Incidents are recorded in a notebook. 1970s, regulations were relaxed,
too small for raindrops to penetrate.
allowing manufacturers to
experiment with designs.
HOME AND AWAY The insoles can be
A metal whistle premolded to
is tough and The first clash of uniforms in SHIRT NUMBERS the player’s feet
produces a the world came in 1890, when Shirt numbers were first used for a perfect fit
loud, high pitch An elastane content in 1928 to help referees and the
“molds” the sock Sunderland played Wolverhampton
to the body, while Wanderers (both teams wore red crowd identify players. They
padded foot-beds and white stripes at the time). corresponded to fixed playing
ensure comfort positions, with the center forward
Sunderland was the home team
A built-in needle and, in accordance with the rules of (see p.53), for example, always
fits directly allocated the number nine. As
into the valve
the English league, was required to
of the ball change uniform. In 1921, however, the formations have evolved, however,
rules were reversed, with the away this practice has become rare.
WHISTLE PRESSURE GAUGE team required to change (although Today, “squad” numbers are used,
The referee blows his whistle to start A pressure gauge is used by the both teams had to change in FA Cup with individual players being
play, stop or delay play due to a foul referees to check that the ball games played at a neutral ground). designated a number for the
or injury, and to end each half. has been correctly inflated. whole season.
An elasticated tongue
covers the shoelaces for
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS 31 32
Protective gear
,,GLOVES ARE NOW
UNIVERSALLY WORN BY
33 34
The ball

,,
a larger kicking area While innovations in modern soccer

THE BASICS | SHOES

THE BASICS | PROTECTIVE GEAR

THE BASICS | PROTECTIVE GEAR

THE BASICS | THE BALL

shoe design may appear to be limited
Synthetic materials
reduce water absorption,
to a profusion of often garish colors Gear meant to protect players during play is an important part GOALKEEPERS TO INCREASE Modern soccer balls consist of an outer covering of synthetic
GRIP ON THE BALL AND
and logos, there have, in fact, been a of their uniform. Shin pads, which are made from plastic, are worn leather panels stitched together to form a spherical surface.
which helps keep the
number of significant technological
shoe light to protect the shins, and must be covered entirely by socks. Real leather, which was used until the 1980s, often absorbed
developments. These have had
wide-ranging implications Goalkeepers can wear protective headgear and gloves that PROTECT THE HANDS. water, making the ball heavy. Inside the outer layer is the air
for performance and play. provide grip and hand protection bladder, which is usually made from latex or butyl. Between
when catching the ball. the bladder and the outer cover is an inner lining, which
gives the ball its bounce.
A molded, reinforced High-impact Goalkeeper’s gloves
heel stiffener supports and anatomically
the heel and protects designed outer shell
All players may wear gloves, although FIFA requirements
against injuries protects the shin up until the 1970s, few chose to do so. According to the Laws of the Game (see
Gloves are now universally worn by pp.10–13), the ball must be spherical, made
goalkeepers to increase grip on the from leather or other suitable materials,
ball and protect the hands. They are and have a circumference of 27–28in
Shin pads made from strong synthetic materials
Shin pads are made (68.5–71cm). At the start of the match,
and are segmented to aid flexibility. the ball should weigh 141 ⁄2 –16oz
from plastic polymers and
Protectors prevent the fingers from (410– 450g) and be inflated to a
fiberglass. They are strapped
bending backward. pressure of 81 ⁄2 –151 ⁄2lb/sq in
to the shin, under the sock,
and help prevent fractures to (600–1,100g/sq cm). These
the tibia resulting from rough requirements were set in
SCREW-IN CLEATS
tackles. Pads were made 1872 and have remained
Detachable cleats are Velcro straps
compulsory by FIFA in 1990. secure the pad largely unchanged ever since.
used for wet conditions. tightly to the leg
Different lengths can
be used.
SOCCER BALL
Soccer headgear CONSTRUCTION
is flexible but
tough enough to There are four main
prevent injuries components of a
ball: the outer cover,
the stitching, the inner
lining, and the bladder.
The quality of materials
used for them can affect
how the ball behaves.
FIXED CLEATS
Shoes with fixed or
“molded” cleats are Panels on
professional balls are
used for standard stitched together by
turf conditions. hand using polyester
thread to form a
tight, strong seam

Headgear Laboratory testing

Protective headgear A ball’s level of bounce, ability to swerve through the air,
SOLE BRIDGE is designed to cushion level of air-retention, and overall longevity can all be altered by
A microfiber bridge BLADED STUDS the head from collisions its design. Recent developments in the use of synthetic materials
links the cleats at the Shoes with fixed “blades” with other players, the PALM PROTECTION and production techniques have produced balls that maximize the
front and the back of provide a stable base on ground, or the goalposts. The palm area of the glove is transfer of energy from the kicker to the ball and are flight-accurate.
the shoe. This provides firm natural turf that is It is almost always worn made from materials designed FIFA-approved balls are all laboratory-tested for balance, bounce,
stability and flexibility. too hard for cleats. by the goalkeepers. to enhance grip and protection. shape, trajectory, velocity, and water absorption.

35 36 37 38
Modern covers are
made from synthetic
leathers such as
THE VALVE
In professional The goal Different goal sizes The field
THE BASICS | THE BALL

THE BASICS | THE GOAL

THE BASICS | THE GOAL

THE BASICS | THE FIELD

polyurethane (PU) soccer balls, the The dimensions of the goal vary depending on the type of soccer Technical area
and polyvinyl valve is silicone- being played. In five-a-side, for example, the ball must not go above One person at a
chloride (PVC) treated to prevent air
Soccer would be nothing without goals, so great importance is Professional soccer is played on a flat grass or time can instruct
head height, so the goal is low. In beach soccer, the goal is slightly
loss and to aid the placed on the design of these structures. They must be safe and artificial turf field, with set markings. The area from this 3ft (1m)
smaller than it is for professional matches, because the sand makes area that extends
smooth insertion of reliable, and must not obscure the spectators’ view. They also it difficult for the goalkeeper to cover distances quickly. of the field may vary. The playing area must be on either side of
the inflating needle. need to be durable. Nets, for example, used to be made of string rectangular—the length of the sideline must the dugout
and had to be taken down between matches to prevent them from be greater than the length of the goal line.
PROFESSIONAL GOAL 24ft (7.32m)
rotting. Today, they are made from weatherproof synthetic fibers.
The field of play

8ft (2.44m)
Goal requirements BEACH SOCCER GOAL 18ft (5.5m) The outer extremes of the field are
The Laws of the Game (see pp.10–13) state that a goal delineated by the sidelines and goal
must be placed on the center of each goal line and consist lines: if the ball wholly crosses the

7ft (2.2m)
FUTSAL GOAL 10ft (3m)
of two upright posts joined at the top by a crossbar. It should The crossbar sideline it is out of play; if it crosses
be equidistant from the corner flagposts and may be made must be the the goal line between the goal
Inner lining, which same width and posts a goal is scored. If part
of wood, metal, or other approved material. The posts and

6 ⁄2 ft (2m)
sits between the outer color as the
cover and the bladder, crossbar must be white. The goal must be securely anchored. upright posts FIVE-A-SIDE GOAL 16ft (4.89m) of the ball is on the line,
gives the ball its it is still in play.
24ft (7.32m)

1
strength and bounce 10
(9.1 yd

4ft (1.21m)
5m
)
)
.5m
8ft (2.44m)

(16
18yd yd
49 10 5m)
– (9.1
98 yd
yd 12 )
m
Professional soccer (4
5– (11
balls usually have 90
four layers of inner m)
lining; this helps the
ball retain its shape
The net is
SIZE MATTERS Crossbar and post profile 6y
d (5
.5m
)

The goalposts, crossbar, and (5 d 6y

attached to two .5
tensioning poles goal lines must all have the Early posts and crossbars, which were usually made from wood Penalty spot
m
)
situated behind same width and depth. (often Douglas fir), were typically either round or square in profile. The penalty spot is 12yd (11m)
the goal 43⁄4in (12cm) This was largely because these were the easiest shapes to produce. from the goal line. Penalty
The goal consists of kicks are taken from here 10
In 1922, John Claude Perkins of the Standard Goals Company in (9 yd
two upright posts .15
The net should be securely attached and a crossbar, England patented a goal frame with a much stronger elliptical m
Bladder contains to the posts and crossbar, and must which must not profile. He reinforced the crossbars with metal rods drilled through )
pressurized air not interfere with the goalkeeper endanger players the core, which helped prevent them from sagging in the middle. Goal area
Also known as the six-yard
Elliptical posts are now standard in top-flight games. box, goal kicks are taken from 12cm
anywhere inside this area (43⁄4in)
How the net is hung ELLIPTICAL CIRCULAR
Penalty area
Most modern goals have this profile, The major drawback with
There are several net-hanging systems. The two main considerations for their design The goalkeeper can handle Center mark and circle
which offers strength and this shape was that the the ball anywhere inside A game begins, or
are: the tension of the net should be such that it is clear when a goal is scored; and

Modern balls have

fewer panels
than older balls
the ball should not rebound off or become lodged in the back stanchion.
reasonably predictable
rebounds.
ball might bounce off
in any direction.
,, OPPOSING
PLAYERS MUST
this 18-yard box. Fouls
committed in this area
result in a penalty kick

IMPERFECT FIELD?
restarts after a goal
or following half time,
from the center mark

,, THE QUALITY OF
SQUARE
Some Scottish clubs
RECTANGULAR
The sharp edges of these posts and
NOT ENCROACH
INSIDE THE
English team Yeovil Town’s former field

,,
at Huish was renowned in the game for

BALL-AND-SOCKET
MATERIALS USED FOR SYSTEM
In the 1970s, net
A BALL CAN AFFECT extensions were plugged
EXTRUSION
SYSTEM
In the 1980s, triangular
brackets projecting back
,,
NET-TENSIONING retained square posts crossbars posed an injury its alarmingly sloping field. There was
CENTER CIRCLE
SYSTEM
In the 1990s, goal nets
long after others had
abandoned them.
threat now considered
unacceptable. UNTIL THE KICK-
a difference in height of approximately
6ft (1.8m) from one side of the field to
were clipped onto fixed
OFF HAS TAKEN the other. The site of the old field is now

HOW IT BEHAVES.
into sockets that screwed from corners of the goal aluminum mounts that home to a supermarket.
into posts and crossbar. helped tighten the net. worked like curtain rods. PLACE.

,,
,,
39 42
THE OUTER EXTREMES OF THE Goalkeepers
THE BASICS | THE FIELD

PLAYER POSITIONS | GOALKEEPERS

FIELD ARE DELINEATED BY THE
SIDELINES AND GOAL LINES. The goalkeeper is the last line of defense between the attacking
players and the goal. The outcome of a match can often depend
Goal more on the goalkeeper than any other player. Each team must
A goal is placed in the have a goalkeeper on the field at all times. If he is injured or is
center of each goal line and
must be 8yd (7.32m) long sent off, a substitute must be used. If no substitutes are available,
Goal line another outfield player must assume the role.
18 When the ball crosses this
y line, a goal kick or corner
(16 d
.5m
)
is awarded, depending on
which team kicked it out The goalkeeper’s role
8y
d (7 Goalkeeping requires courage, quick reactions, and good concentration.
.32 Corner arc
m) Within his own penalty area, the goalkeeper can use any part of his body
Corner kicks are taken
from the corner arc, to control the ball—including the hands. He must defend his team’s goal,
which has a radius prevent the opposition from scoring, and organize the defenders.
of 1yd (1m)

12
0m
) SIZE MATTERS Essential skills
0–
d (9 Barcelona’s Nou Camp A goalkeeper essentially has to save, clear, marshall the
31y stadium has one of the
–1 defense, and distribute the ball. In addition to being a “safe
98

Sideline
Halfway line
This line divides the
playing area into two
largest fields in the world.
It measures 115yd x 78yd
(105m x 72m). Opened in
1957, the stadium has a
Player Positions pair of hands,” he must show strength of character. If an
outfield player makes a mistake, for example, a teammate
may be able to salvage the situation; if a goalkeeper errs,
If the ball crosses this line, a the consequences are usually a confidence-shattering goal.
throw-in is awarded to the team capacity of nearly 99,000. Therefore, he must be strong enough to deal with any flack.
that didn’t put the ball out of play

Field dimension Quick reactions and

The position of the field markings is unchangeable, although there is a degree a willingness to dive
are important skills
of flexibility regarding the length of these lines. Field sizes vary depending on for the goalkeeper
whether matches are being played in domestic or international competitions.
100yd (90m) A well-
placed
punch will
82yd (75m) clear the
70yd (64m) ball away

49yd (45m)
109yd (100m)
120yd (110m)
131yd (120m)

98yd (90m)

MAXIMUM MINIMUM MAXIMUM MINIMUM

DIMENSIONS
DOMESTIC GAMES
The size of the field can range between
the measurements shown above, as long
as the field does not become square.
SAVING CLEARING
DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS
Keeping the ball out of the net is the Goalkeepers need to get the ball away
INTERNATIONAL GAMES goalkeeper’s main job. He must stop and from danger areas quickly, whether with
Field dimensions can vary within allowed block any shots at goal and use his height their feet or via a punch, making sure
parameters, although the range is well to pluck high crosses out of the air. the ball doesn’t go back to the opposition.
narrower than it is for domestic matches.

43 44 45 46
RENÉ HIGUITA
Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita is famous
Defenders Central defenders Wide defenders
PLAYER POSITIONS | GOALKEEPERS

PLAYER POSITIONS | DEFENDERS

PLAYER POSITIONS | DEFENDERS

PLAYER POSITIONS | DEFENDERS

for his “scorpion kick” (pictured). During a The role of central defender, which includes the positions center The standard four-man defense consists of two center backs
friendly match at Wembley in 1995, Higuita Defenders are responsible for preventing the attacking team from back and sweeper (see below), requires constant alertness and (see p.45) in the middle of the field and two fullbacks to the side.
allowed the lobbed ball to float over his head great physical strength. The ability to anticipate danger before A further wide defender, the wingback, will regularly advance a long
scoring and for winning back possession of the ball so that a counter-
before turning himself into a human scorpion it materializes—and take effective preventative action—is often way down the flanks. All wide defenders are expected to prevent the
attack can be mounted. They can be categorized as either “central” fundamental to a team’s success. opposing team from launching attacks down the flanks, and to join in
and kicking it back into play with his heels.
(see opposite) or “wide” (see p.46). The defender must force the with their own team’s attacks.
attacking team to make mistakes by marking opponents closely, Center back The sweeper
intercepting their passes, and gaining possession of the ball. The center back is a team’s last line of As the name suggests, the role of Fullback Wingback
defense. He should have the ability to the sweeper is to “sweep up” the The fullback has to stay wide and The wingback is a cross between the
Skills required The player being marked is tackle effectively and win the ball. The ball if the attacking team breaks prevent the attacking team from fullback and the winger (see p.50). He
The defender must be a highly skilled under constant pressure center back needs to be tall, especially through the defensive line. He developing attacks down the flanks. must defend like a fullback, preventing
from the defender
player who is able to bring the ball so that he can win the ball when it is does not mark a specific attacker, He must be quick, and will usually attackers from reaching the goal line,
out of defense in a controlled way in the air. He should also be powerful, remaining “fluid”, and is free to mark a designated forward. He should while charging forward like a winger
before making accurate passes to fearless, decisive, and willing to make roam around the goal mouth, also join in with attacking play. when his team is in possession.
teammates who are better placed all-or-nothing tackles. closing down any gaps in defense.
to set up attacking moves. An ability
to accurately anticipate threats is
important, as is possessing the
necessary levels of concentration

,, THE OUTCOME
to focus on the task in hand. He
needs courage and excellent technical
ability to make last-ditch tackles in

,,
front of the goal mouth. Strength and
OF A MATCH OFTEN precision will also enable him to deal
DEPENDS MORE ON THE effectively with one-on-one attacks
wherever they occur on the field.
GOALKEEPER THAN ANY
MARKING
OTHER PLAYER. Defenders need When a defender shadows an attacker,
fast reflexes to this is known as marking. The defender
intercept well
may be able to intercept the ball or
dissuade an attacker from passing
to a marked teammate.
One of the fullbacks The wingback
may advance up the ranges up
The center backs are The sweeper roams field during attacks the field
You will launch responsible for patrolling laterally in front of
The goalkeeper a feet-first slide the area in front of the the goal, but can
is instrumental toward the ball; goal mouth advance upfield FULLBACK’S DOMAIN WINGBACK’S DOMAIN
in organizing he must take the The fullback operates on either the The wingback operates on either
the defense and ball and not
relaying advice the player right- or left-hand side of the field and the right- or left-hand side of the field,
CENTER BACK’S DOMAIN THE SWEEPER’S DOMAIN
defends the flanks. When one fullback but farther upfield than the fullback.
A team typically places two center The sweeper is usually positioned
The keeper goes on a forward run, the other “tucks He is responsible for both defending
backs in front of the goalkeeper. They behind the center backs. As he has
quickly decides in” to support the central defenders. and attacking along the flanks.
which player is mark the most advanced attacking no marking duties, he may travel a
best placed to forward, aiming to bring the ball long way forward when his team
receive the ball away from the penalty area. is in possession.
STAR DEFENDERS: BEST BACK FOURS the phenomenon of the “back four,”
Successful teams are invariably built they were the first to perfect it. This

,,THE ROLE OF A CENTRAL

on solid defenses. The following back
fours provided the greatest defensive
formidable unit helped propel Brazil

,,
to victory at the 1958 World Cup.
MARSHALING DISTRIBUTION INTERCEPTING TACKLING support in the history of the game.
Goalkeepers are in charge of the goal area
and must organize their defenders. This is
Once the ball is safely in the goalkeeper’s
hands, he looks to find an available
When a defender intercepts an attacker’s
pass, this is often the result of the
Using the feet to take the ball away from
a player is known as tackling. The sliding
DEFENDER REQUIRES BRAZIL (1958)
LEEDS UNITED (1960s–70s)
Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Terry
particularly important during free-kicks, teammate and punts or throws the pressure applied by the defending team tackle (shown above) is very effective, but CONSTANT ALERTNESS AND While center backs Hilderado Bellini and Cooper, and Paul Reaney didn’t exactly

PHYSICAL STRENGTH.
when the goalkeeper organizes the wall. ball to him as quickly as possible. as a whole, through persistent marking the defender’s timing must be perfect. Orlando, and fullbacks Nilton Santos and have a delicate touch when it came to
and closing down available space. There is also a risk of conceding a foul. Djalma Santos may not have invented tackling, but they were highly effective.
The “back four”
The members of a standard four-man
defense are known as the “back four.”
This unit consists of two fullbacks (see
opposite) and two center backs (see
p.45), or two fullbacks, one center back,
and one sweeper (see p.45). The back
four work together as a coordinated
unit providing defensive cover across
the whole width of the field.
CARLES PUYOL
Spanish defender Carles
Puyol was awarded the
“Best European Rightback”
award by UEFA in 2002.
,, THE MEMBERS
,,
OF A STANDARD
FOUR-MAN DEFENSE
ARE KNOWN AS THE
‘BACK FOUR.’
Back four as a unit
Good attacking begins with a solid
defense. A strong back four should
be well organized, committed, and
focused. The unit must contain a
mix of talented players who are able
to work together to wrong-foot the
attacking team. At the highest level of
the game, the pressure to perform can
be immense—especially given that an
attacker who outwits the back four will
almost certainly score.
The Leeds team of the late 1960s and
early ’70s owed much of its success to
this hard-as-nails back four.
AC MILAN (1980s–90s)
Sweeper Franco Baresi, center back
Alessandro Costacurta, and fullbacks
Mauro Tassotti and Paolo Maldini
formed one of the greatest back four
defense units of all time at AC Milan
Central midfielder—attacking
A player with particularly attacking instincts
often deployed relatively far upfield, the attacking
central midfielder often produces excellent shots
and contributes several goals during a season.
He must have great vision and technical ability,
including faultless passing and shooting skills.
Attacking central
midfielders usually
play upfield
ATTACKING CENTRAL
MIDFIELDER’S DOMAIN
With a talent for bursting into the attacking team’s
penalty area at exactly the right moment (either
with or without the ball), the attacking central
midfielder is positioned in an advanced position.
He often forms the front point of a four-man
diamond in a 4-4-2 formation (see p.145).
Wide midfielders
The wide midfielder is an attacking midfielder
who focuses on one side of the field. He is
relatively flexible in his movements rather than
just sticking to the flanks. In recent years, his role
has become very fluid. The rise of the wingback
(see p.46) requires the modern winger to provide
defensive cover when the wingback is upfield.
The modern wide midfielder
stays wide to stretch the
attacking team’s defense
MODERN WIDE MIDFIELDER’S DOMAIN
Active in both defense and offense, the modern
wide midfielder provides defensive cover by
tracking back and moving in toward the
middle to help maintain a tight defensive unit.
The “off-the-shoulder” striker
A forward who specializes in timing his runs so that he is only just onside
when the ball is played forward to him is known as an “off-the-shoulder”
striker. This is because he stays directly parallel with the opposing team’s
last defender, only moving off the shoulder at the last possible moment.
Patience required
As the off-the-shoulder striker
is often ruled offside (correctly
or otherwise), patience is a key
requirement. Fans also need to be
patient as the technique employed
by these forwards can be frustrating
to watch. However, when it works,
the tactic can be highly effective,
as it offers the striker a crucial head
start over defenders. AC Milan’s Pippo
Inzaghi is one of the
greatest off-the-
shoulder strikers.
The striker hangs
“off-the-shoulder”
of the opponent’s
deepest-lying
defender (shown
in blue)
OFF-THE-SHOULDER
STRIKER’S DOMAIN
The off-the-shoulder striker
positions himself alongside
the opposing team’s last man
(the last defender before the
goalkeeper). From this position
he is well placed to break
through on goal.
Individual Skills
47 48 49 50
Midfielders Central midfielder—box-to-box Central midfielder—playmaker
PLAYER POSITIONS | DEFENDERS
PLAYER POSITIONS | MIDFIELDERS
PLAYER POSITIONS | MIDFIELDERS
PLAYER POSITIONS | MIDFIELDERS
The central midfielder, as typified by the box-to-box midfielder, is the hardest- The playmaker is a midfielder who sets up attacking plays for the forwards (see
As the name implies, midfielders play in the middle of the field working player on the field. Technical skills such as dribbling and passing pp.52–57), usually from a central position. He must have great passing ability and
must become second nature, so that he can distribute the ball effectively to vision. A playmaker can either be “advanced” or “withdrawn” (see below).
between the defenders (see pp.44–47) and the forwards (see
teammates. When he is not setting up offensive attacks or engineering plays,
pp.52–57). Depending on the formation being used (see pp.142–49), he drops back into defense to pressurize the attacking team. Advanced playmaker Withdrawn playmaker
there can be three, four, or five in a team. Their precise roles vary The advanced playmaker makes himself The withdrawn playmaker usually
accordingly, but they can be categorized as “central” or “wide.” They Archetypal midfielder available for passes and can turn plays alongside a holding midfielder
have to anticipate and exploit as many attacking opportunities as The box-to-box player is the archetypal defensive moves into attacking ones by (see p.49). He takes advantage of the
possible, as well as be actively involved in both defense and attack. midfielder. He is actively involved in every using short, incisive passes. He usually holding midfielder’s support to launch
part of the game, running from one penalty has to make passes in very little spaces. long, decisive passes.
Skills required area to the other in an attempt to dominate
Setting up goal-scoring opportunities is a major part of a midfielder’s play. He typically has incredible stamina and The advanced The withdrawn
impeccable technical ability. playmaker sets playmaker sets up
job. He must have excellent fitness, since he is required to cover the up attacks attacks from farther
whole field, alternating between defense and attack as play dictates. from the hole down the field
To defend well, the midfielder needs to be an excellent tackler and be The box-to-box midfielder
races from one end of the
able to win aerial battles in the center of the field. In an attacking field to the other
role, he has to be adept at tackling, passing, dribbling, and shooting.
A well-timed sliding
tackle is an effective
way to gain the ball
BOX-TO-BOX PLAYER’S DOMAIN
The box-to-box midfielder covers the whole
length of the center of the field. When on
the offensive, he races up to the opposition’s
TACKLING penalty area; when on the defensive, he races
back to his own penalty area.
As part of his defensive
duties, the midfielder must
be an accomplished tackler.
Much of the technique Central midfielder—holding
in tackling comes from
pressuring the opponent Primarily a defensive role, the holding midfielder is stationed between the
before seizing the ball. other midfielders and the full- and wingbacks (see p.46). He is responsible
for repelling attacking players who have made it through the midfield.
ADVANCED PLAYMAKER’S WITHDRAWN PLAYMAKER’S
DOMAIN DOMAIN
The midfielder HOLDING MIDFIELDER’S DOMAIN
must be equally The advanced playmaker plays in Despite being relatively deep-lying,
The holding midfielder operates farther back
at home making the “hole”—an area between midfield the withdrawn playmaker must
both short and down the field than the box-to-box midfielder.
long passes
and the opposing line of defense. In set up attacks. He makes long
He “holds back” attacking players by intercepting
occupying this position, he is hard balls either through the middle
,,
passes with hard tackling and shrewd positioning.
SETTING UP
GOALSCORING
for the attacking team to mark.
,,
or to a wide player.
TRADITIONAL WINGERS
Prior to the mid-1960s, wingers were
Dribbling is OPPORTUNITIES PLAYMAKERS attacking players who rarely helped
the main way with defense. Stationed toward
for a wide IS A MAJOR PART OF SET UP ATTACKING
,,
during the 1980s and ’90s. They won midfielder to the sideline, they stretched the
three European Cup and Champions move upfield A MIDFIELDER’S PLAYS FOR THE attacking team’s defense and
League titles.
JOB. HE MUST HAVE FORWARDS USUALLY provided an outlet for their own
,,
defenders. Their main duty was
AFC AJAX (1995) PASSING DRIBBLING EXCELLENT FITNESS FROM A CENTRAL to take the ball past the attacking
Center backs Frank Rijkaard and Danny The midfielder passes the ball around The wide midfielder in particular AS HE IS REQUIRED POSITION. team’s fullback and deliver crosses
Blind, and fullbacks Frank de Boer and more often than other players on the needs good dribbling skills in order to Holding midfielder
Michael Reizeger were the Amsterdam field. Top-class performers may make get himself into positions from which TO COVER THE has to prevent the
into the penalty area. England’s
Stanley Matthews (1915–2000)
team’s formidable back four in the 50 or more passes during a match, he can deliver effective crosses into WHOLE FIELD. attacking team
from reaching was one of the all-time greats.
Champions League winning side of 1995. with a success rate above 80 percent. the opponent’s penalty area. the defenders
51 52 53 54
Forwards Center forward Withdrawn striker
PLAYER POSITIONS | MIDFIELDERS
PLAYER POSITIONS | FORWARDS
PLAYER POSITIONS | FORWARDS
PLAYER POSITIONS | FORWARDS
With the aim of scoring as many goals as possible, the center forward is a tall, The withdrawn striker has a similar role to the advanced playmaker
Forwards, or strikers, are positioned farthest forward on a team, powerful player who fights his way to the ball before his opponents. Also known as midfielder (see p.50) in that he plays between the midfield and the
a “target man,” he usually operates near the goal, where he waits to “receive” the opponent’s defense, aiming to set up attacks. However, the withdrawn
nearest to the opponent’s goal. They all have one essential job: to
ball from teammates. He often scores from corners and crosses, using his height and striker typically has just one player from his team in front of him, while
score goals. As well as taking advantage of goal-scoring opportunities, strength to head the ball, or shield it from other players while they turn and shoot. advanced playmakers have two. Many of the greatest players in the
forwards are also expected to set up goals for other team players. game’s history have been withdrawn strikers.
Skills required
Skills required The center forward must have superior strength and excellent Room to roam
Forwards must have pace (at least over short distances), show great
heading ability. He must be an accurate shooter. Since he often Exceptionally talented players, such
courage, and have an instinctive eye for goal. Excellent shooting ability is plays with his back to the goal, he must have necessary ball as Diego Maradona and Zinédine Zidane,
a prerequisite, but heading, crossing, and passing skills are also vital for
control to retain possession of the ball while waiting for other flourished in this position because it
engineering goal-scoring opportunities and out-maneuvering defenders. players to enter the game and provide support. allowed them the freedom to
Headers should
come from center
of the forehead
Center forwards wait
near the goal and act as
,, A CENTER FORWARD,
MUST BE AN ACCURATE
roam the field and express
creative instincts. In this
position, the withdrawn
striker must be aware of the
,,
focal points for attacks positions of both teammates
SHOOTER WITH and opponents, and be able to
SUPERIOR STRENGTH instinctively time his runs so that
LIONEL MESSI Powerful swing of
kicking leg produces AND EXCELLENT players can pass to him. He must be
an excellent passer of the ball, and
Lionel Messi is most effective
when playing wide on the
strong shot
HEADING ABILITY. be able to turn quickly and accelerate.
right. He can “cut in” with
his stronger left foot before
shooting, passing to a
defender, or
running with
the ball.
SHOOTING HEADING
There are many shooting techniques. Used for passing, shooting, or controlling
However, the most common is a low, the ball, heading is a versatile skill. It
hard shot struck off the cleat’s instep. allows the player to reach high balls.
The withdrawn
Use the inside striker retains
CENTER FORWARD’S possession,
of your foot to
DOMAIN sets up attacks,
make a quick,
decisive pass The center forward ranges or shoots, from
his position in
up the field, focusing on the the “hole”
area in front of the opponent’s
goal. From here he is in the
best position to receive balls,
turn, and score. WITHDRAWN
STRIKER’S DOMAIN
The withdrawn striker exploits
the space between the midfield GIANFRANCO ZOLA
A cross pass ALAN SHEARER Gianfranco Zola spent
helps move the and the opponent’s defense (the
ball from the edge Alan Shearer, who celebrated goals “hole”). He holds up the ball, his formative years as
of the field to the
center quickly
with a simple flat-palmed raise of the passes, and shoots. an understudy to
arm, scored a hat-trick on his full Diego Maradona at
league debut for Southampton in Napoli. In 2003,
CROSSING PASSING 1988 and never looked back. He is Chelsea fans voted
A cross pass delivers the ball toward A well-executed pass consists of three living proof that old-style center him their greatest
players in attacking positions. Well-hit elements: the correct amount of power, forwards still have a place. ever player.
crosses are hard to defend against. appropriate direction, and good timing.
55 56 The “poacher” Unclassifiable strikers 57
PLAYER POSITIONS | FORWARDS
PLAYER POSITIONS | FORWARDS
PLAYER POSITIONS | FORWARDS
The poacher is a penalty-box opportunist who either quickly finds space to Not all strikers can be neatly pigeonholed and this can be a positive
shoot, or picks up loose balls and toe-pokes them into the goal. While he may advantage to a team. While the defending team can use a tall defender
not always look like a conventional player, he is one of the most effective types to mark a conventional target man, it will struggle to defend against a
of striker. He has a great goal-scoring ability and possesses excellent “off-the- forward who defies categorization. For this reason, some of the greatest
,, THE OFF-
THE-SHOULDER
ball” movements. He is renowned for his accurate close-range finishes.
Quick reactions
The poacher must possess extremely quick
reactions. He needs to hone the knack of being
strikers have been mavericks with playing styles all of their own.
Versatility required
A striker who can vary his role during a game is rare
but invaluable. Dutch star Robin Van Persie is a prime
STRIKER IS in the right place at the right time and should
be able to snatch goals close to the opposing
example. He is tall, quick, and capable of shooting
from any angle and distance—attributes that
JUST ONSIDE team’s penalty area. allow him to play effectively on the left wing,
in the “hole,” or as a target man. By moving
WHEN THE
,,
The poacher occupies the
opposing team’s penalty between these positions he can shake off
BALL IS PLAYED his markers and create scoring
area, where he aims to score
opportunistic goals
opportunities for himself.
FORWARD
TO HIM. THE POACHER’S DOMAIN
The poacher is an extremely forward-lying striker,
focusing his attentions on the opponent’s penalty
area. He looks to exploit any goal-scoring
,,
opportunities that present themselves.
THE POACHER IS A PENALTY-BOX
,,
OPPORTUNIST WHO EITHER QUICKLY The unclassifiable
FINDS SPACE TO SHOOT, OR PICKS UP striker frequently
“cuts in” from the
LOOSE BALLS AND TOE-POKES THEM wing before shooting
INTO THE GOAL.
Striking partnerships
Strikers often work in pairs to form effective partnerships. The best duos
consist of players with differing styles, much like the partnerships between
central defenders (see p.45). One well-tested formula places a tall, powerful
THIERRY HENRY player with a smaller, more agile one. The larger player wins headers and sets
up goals for his partner, or tries to retain the ball to bring him more into play.
At Arsenal,
Thierry Henry
evolved into a Great pairings
mixture of forward The greatest striking TELEPATHY EXPERIMENT
and winger. His partnerships are based on In the 1970s, Liverpool forwards Kevin
approach is to more than just complementary Keegan and John Toshack developed such UNCLASSIFIABLE
drift to the left playing styles—the players an intrinsic partnership that they seemed STRIKER’S DOMAIN
before cutting must instinctively know telepathic. To test this, a TV station invited While it is difficult to place ROBIN VAN PERSIE
what the other will do in any them into the studio to guess the shape the unclassifiable striker,
in and shooting. Netherlands and Arsenal
drawn on a card by the other player. They
He often plays given situation. This can be he often receives the ball forward Robin van Persie
guessed correctly every time. Later,
“off-the- achieved by experience, but Toshack confessed that they could see
on the wing before “cutting is a creative and an
shoulder.” there is another more elusive the shapes reflected in the cameras. in” toward the center of the “unclassifiable” striker.
ingredient—they must “click.” field and unleashing a shot.
,,
,,
60 61 62
Anatomy of a player A PLAYER’S NECK Changing shape
MUSCLES ARE THE KEY TO ,,
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | ANATOMY OF A PLAYER
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | ANATOMY OF A PLAYER
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | ANATOMY OF A PLAYER
Soccer players are changing shape. One study looked
at the height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of DIEGO
Like dancers and singers, soccer players’ bodies are their
instruments, their means of performance and expression. Although POWERFUL HEADING. players in the top English division between 1974 and
2004. Over those 30 years, players on average have
MARADONA’S
professionals are generally getting taller and increasingly fitter, the LOW CENTER
,,
become taller and leaner.
game still offers space for a variety of physiques and specialisms.
BODY STRENGTH OF GRAVITY
A player’s leg muscles do much Highs and lows GAVE HIM
Key requirements Soccer does not favor one body type or one kind of
Although players vary in size and Eyes
of the work (and are the most
prone to injury), but a strong player. Since it demands a complex range and mixture AMAZING
shape, all top-level players have certain
anatomical requirements in common.
Players need to
read the game neck, spine, chest, abdominals, of skills, it can accommodate all shapes and sizes. Many BALANCE.
and judge speeds and deltoids are all important. different physical makeups have played at the top level,
Strong leg muscles—the calf, thigh and distances from towering strikers to tiny midfield terriers.
muscles, and hamstrings—are the
most important. Good upper-body
strength is also vital. Neck muscles THE LONG… …AND THE SHORT
The key to powerful
heading, players need to 6ft 10in (2.08m) 5ft 3in (1.60m)
Deltoids work specifically on Kristof van Hout (Belgium) Brian Flynn (Wales)
These muscles power these muscles to
the arms and are useful strengthen them
for cushioning high balls 6ft 9in (2.05m) 5ft 2in (1.58m)
Yang Changpeng (China) Élton Jose Xavier Gomes (Brazil)
Chest muscles
6ft 8in (2.04m) 5ft 1in (1.55m)
This muscle group helps
players to run and pass Tor Hogne Aarøy (Norway) Jafal Rashed (Qatar)
Abdominals
Core inner-body strength
is a prerequisite of
the balance and posture
Spine
Liable to take a lot of
stress in a match, as
a player braces and
stretches for every turn
required for top-level soccer
Quadriceps
The four muscles at
the front of the thigh
are the soccer player’s
engine room, essential
for running and kicking Hamstrings
Give flexibility to the knee and hip
and allow the leg to stretch. These
are easily torn, so players need
them to be long, supple, and tough
Calves
Raise the heel when
running, walking, and
Groin jumping. The calf muscles
Takes much of are very prone to cramps
Ankles the muscle
Must be stress caused
by shooting, 6ft 7in 5ft 5in
strong to cope 2.01m 1.65m
with the stress so pre-match Achilles heel
of constant stretching is vital Has to take all the strain
changes of of soccer’s bursts of
speed, stop and start PETER CROUCH DIEGO MARADONA
direction
motion, and sharp turns Tall, gangly, but His low center of
surprisingly mobile and gravity gave him
a regular for England. amazing balance.
The perfect player?
Despite 150 years of top-flight soccer, the perfect player
has yet to grace the field. Hypothetically, however, it would
be rewarding to create the perfect identikit player by fusing
together the best physical attributes of some of the game’s greats.
PART
BRAIN
Johan Cruyff—dubbed “Pythagoras in Boots”; no player
ever saw the angles and spaces of a game more quickly.
Pat Jennings—huge, long-fingered, and reliable,
HANDS
the Northern Ireland keeper even scored a goal in 1967.
Christian Vieri—the powerful chest of the Italian striker
UPPER BODY
gives him the strength to out-jump and out-muscle defenders.
THIGHS
Ronald Koeman—very muscular upper legs, so the Dutch
player delivered shots and free-kicks with great force.
RIGHT FOOT
David Beckham—a foot that can caress and coax the ball
as well as slam it is the perfect tool.
Maradona—the Argentinian scored the “Goal of the Century”
LEFT FOOT
with his left foot, and produced many other magical moments.
6ft 4in
1.93m
FATTY FOULKES
At his peak in the
1920s, Foulkes weighed
280lbs (127kg).
Stage 4: footwork and agility
Now that the muscles have warmed up and the joints have relaxed, you can
move onto faster, sharper movements more closely related to actual game
play. Work concentrates on the feet and ankles and higher-tempo movements.
Ouick feet
Lift your legs quickly
over the low hurdles
with minimum bend
Cone work
Move between the cone
with sharp side steps; this
works your ankle joints
The cool-down
After training, you need to lower your
heart rate and body temperature
steadily, and allow your body to disperse
the buildup of lactic acid that forms in
COOL-DOWN ROUTINE
STAGE ONE
GENTLE MOVEMENTS
OVER THE GATE
OPEN THE GATE
HAND TAP
KICK-OUT
SIDE STEP
Sprint training
During matches, players sprint in quick bursts and spend the rest of
the time jogging or walking. Sprint training is designed to reflect this.
Players run flat-out for five to ten seconds, then walk back to the start
and repeat the procedure. One of the advantages of this kind of training
is that it accustoms the body to working anaerobically. This means that
it is temporarily producing energy without oxygen, which is what
happens when a player suddenly has to run flat-out at the end of
90 exhausting minutes. Anaerobic exercise is hard on the body so it
should only be practiced occasionally, perhaps once every two weeks.
,,
SPRINT TRAINING
ACCUSTOMS THE BODY
TO TEMPORARILY PRODUCE
ENERGY WITHOUT OXYGEN.
FOODS TO EAT, DRINK, AND AVOID
If the wrong kind of fuel is put into
a car it will underperform. The same
is true of soccer players with regard
to their diets. Players should eat and
drink certain types of food to
perform at their best on match days.
EAT
Players should consume plenty of
carbohydrates (such as potatoes and
pasta), as these provide the body with
energy; easily digestible proteins such
as fish and chicken; and vegetables
rich in iron, such as broccoli.
• After training: The body stores
energy in the form of a substance
called glycogen. Players need to
replenish their glycogen levels within
two to five hours of exercising. The
best way to do this is to eat plenty
of carbohydrates.
• Three days before a match:
Players should start “carbohydrate-
loading.” This means they should eat
meals that comprise 75 percent
complex carbohydrates.
Relaxing the
leg too much
at the moment
of impact could
result in a
jarred knee
OUTSIDE OF FOOT
If the close proximity of
opponents precludes using the
inside of the favored foot, use
the outside of the other foot.
Pay more attention
than usual to the
flight of the ball
Relax your
foot as the ball
lands on it
TOP-OF-FOOT CUSHION
A way to control a dropping ball,
this is a difficult tactic to perform
correctly, since you have to use the
narrowest part of your foot.
63 64 65 66
Warming up Over the gate
Lift the knee and turn it
inward. Swivel forward,
Stage 3: dynamic RUNNING LATE
In 2006, Spartak Moscow was
stretches
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | ANATOMY OF A PLAYER
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | WARMING UP
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | WARMING UP
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | WARMING UP
switching sides with each lift stuck in traffic on the way to a
Every game of soccer should start with a warm-up. Soccer’s match against Internazionale.
Kick out Pick up the pace now and combine aerobic
twists and turns and its demand for fast accelerating movements Lift the knee high, then
With time running short, the
extend the lower leg work (which raises the activity rate of the team had to warm up by jogging
will quickly pull or damage cold muscles, and stiff joints and as if kicking to stretch heart and lungs) with full muscle stretches. through the streets to the
WHO AND WHY? tendons. Similarly, the body’s metabolism works best if it is the hamstrings Work in pairs, moving through a series of nearest subway station and
gradually coaxed into life, by systematically raising the heart routines that push your heart rates upward. received the team talk in a
rate and body temperature of the player. There are four stages Use your partner for balance during the packed commuter car.
moves. The intention is also to raise the body’s
to the typical warm-up routine used by professional teams—
jogging and gentle stretches, static stretches, dynamic temperature by approximately 2°F (1°C).
stretches, and footwork and agility. The session is 30ft (10m) Kick and twist
Make a short kicking motion at
always followed by a cool-down. an angle of about 45 degrees
Mock strikes
to alternate sides
Teamwork Swing each leg as if
Working in pairs, jog around striking an imaginary
Stage 1: jogging a 30ft (10m) circle, slowing
at intervals to stretch
soccer ball, moving the
leg muscles all the way
back and through
and gentle stretches Side step
Take two steps
to one side, then
back again; begin to
To get the body ready for the demanding Open the gate
work the leg muscle, Lift each knee to
tasks ahead, start by raising your body back, and torso
hip height and turn
temperature, pushing up your heart rate, Hand/heel tap it outward to
and beginning the process of stretching Tap the hand on the stretch the groin
tendons and mobilizing joints. heel, working the ankle muscles. Swivel on
joints and calf muscles the move forward
Stage 2: static stretches SPIRITUAL FOOTBALL
Yoga, the ancient Indian art of stretching, breathing, and
The body is warm, but big muscle groups are not meditation has been used by several famous players to
yet ready for a full workout. The quadriceps in help them recover from injury and to prolong their careers.
the front of the thigh and the hamstrings in the Practitioners have included Manchester United winger
back of the leg need stretching. Groins, calves, Ryan Giggs and England goalkeeper David James.
and ankles may be damaged if used when cold.
Keep your
back straight
Lunge walk
Stride forward, Hip swivels
then bend the knee Jog sideways,
of your front leg and drop swinging your
the knee of your back leg so arms and hips in
Do not bend
that it touches the ground opposite directions
your knee
beyond the
5ft 8in
Repeat the stretch
to work both legs
Feel the
muscles of
ankle
,,AFTER THE MUSCLES HAVE
WARMED UP AND THE JOINTS
HAVE RELAXED, YOU CAN
your front
,,
1.73m leg tighten
PELÉ CALF STRETCH QUAD STRETCH HAMSTRING STRETCH GROIN STRETCH MOVE ONTO FASTER, SHARPER
The perfect player, Stand with your back foot flat on the Hold your heel against your buttock Extend one leg in front with the foot Good for inner thigh and groin MOVEMENTS MORE CLOSELY
RELATED TO SOCCER.
a balance of height, floor and transfer weight to the front for at least 30 seconds. Use a wall flexed. Bend your other knee and lean muscles—hold the position for
speed, and power. foot. Hold for about 10 seconds. to aid balance. forward slightly. 10–20 seconds.
67 68 69 70
Training Post warm-up Training without the ball
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | WARMING UP
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TRAINING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TRAINING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TRAINING
Ballwork drills should be practiced after you PLYOMETRICS There are two aspects to training without the ball. The
Top teams spend a great deal of time practicing with the ball. have warmed up. There should be one ball first consists of running and building stamina; players
Plyometric training is designed
for every two or three players and these recovering from injuries also do strength work in the
Some of this is devoted to rehearsing set pieces (see pp.160–63), to develop the explosive
should remain in play throughout the session. gym. The second concerns how players look after
but a major part of the average training session is given to muscle power needed for
themselves away from the training field: diet,
sudden bursts of acceleration,
Side-to-side skip honing basic ball skills, so that they become instinctive. rest, and self-discipline are all important
Twist and turn KEY such as a forward chasing a
at a high pace (see panel, opposite).
Ballwork Player Ball motion ball. A good example is players
to keep your High knee
Player motion Cone jumping over a series of
heart rate up touches A good training session
Keep stretching encompasses a variety Ball hurdles set narrowly apart.
and working
your hamstrings
of skills, exercises all the
key muscle groups, and
encourages teamwork. The
drills shown here represent
some of the infinite choices
available to coaches.
Building stamina
If a player runs out of energy toward
the end of a match, the team is likely
to suffer. Players need considerable
Fluid motion Role reversal stamina and their training should help
The sequence continues so you Players swap positions them to develop it. A typical stamina-
can take turns to dribble and pass halfway through the drill building session might consist of three
Slalom
Jog backward through 1,000yd (900m) runs followed by
the pole slalom; this DRILL ONE: GIVE AND GO DRILL TWO: IN THE MIDDLE
practices your balance All players line up on the edge of a Half the players stand on the outside three of 660yd (600m) and three
and spatial awareness circle. Those with the ball dribble into of the circle, the other half toward its of 330yd (300m) with a two- to
Back steps the center, pass to players without the center. The two sets exchange passes three-minute break between each run.
Jog slowly backward,
moving from side to
side; this works your
hips and upper body
,, BALLWORK
DRILLS SHOULD
ball, and run back. with several balls.
,, PLAYERS
BE PRACTICED REQUIRE
AFTER YOU CONSIDERABLE
,, ,,
well worked muscles. Repeat the gentle HAVE WARMED STAMINA THAT
stretches at a steadily lower pace. UP AND THEIR TRAINING
Then repeat long static and dynamic
stretching of all the key muscle groups.
STRETCHED HELPS THEM
YOUR MUSCLES. DEVELOP.
STAGE TWO STAGE THREE
KAKÁ
STATIC STRETCHES DYNAMIC STRETCHES Brazilian legend Kaká is renowned for Swap Which player?
his close control and ball skills, a talent Both sets of players swap The coach dictates which
QUADS MOCK STRIKES positions during the dribble free player is passed to
honed on the training field through
his career from a junior level. His ability CARLOS QUIEROZ
HAMSTRINGS KICK AND TWIST DRILL THREE: AROUND THE CONE DRILL FOUR: MORE CONE WORK
is such that in 2009 British club Players inside the circle dribble around Players in the center dribble around Top coaches such as
CALVES HIP SWIVELS
Manchester City was reportedly a cone on the edge, and pass to players cones. When instructed, they pass Carlos Quieroz help to
GROIN LUNGE WALK willing to pay $157 million to who have run to the first player’s to a free player on the outside of the motivate players during
secure his services. original starting point. circle and swap positions. training sessions.
71 72 73 74
Controlling SHANKLY’S SWEAT BOX
Liverpool’s legendary manager Bill Shankly
Using the feet
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TRAINING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | CONTROLLING THE BALL
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | CONTROLLING THE BALL
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | CONTROLLING THE BALL
The easiest way to control the ball with your
the ball used an innovative but exhausting device to
improve his players’ ball control and stamina.
Known as the “sweat box,” it consisted of an
feet is to get into a position to receive the
ball early. To practice this, kick a ball against a
wall at varying heights, strengths, and angles,
area bounded by four numbered boards, which
Possession is the key to and control the rebound. As you improve, ask
players shot against, in between controlling
a friend to rebound the ball for you so you
controlling a game and a the rebounds, corresponding to the number
have to make quick adjustments. Basic
team can only be said to shouted out by the trainer.
foot-trapping techniques involve the inside
be in possession when one of
and sole of the foot (see below). Gradually,
its players has the ball under
his control. Achieving this is
one of the fundamental skills
of soccer. No matter how
,, THE QUALITY
OF A PLAYER’S
you will be able to move on to the outside,
top, and side volley trap (see opposite).
,,
perfectly a pass is delivered,
FIRST TOUCH IS
SYLVAIN WILTORD
it will be wasted if you fail to The French international
control the ball effectively. demonstrates the athleticism
involved in certain ball
CRUCIAL. THE Pull your foot
back slightly to
Flexibility and first touch control maneuvers. Wiltord BEST PLAYERS ARE cushion impact
ABLE TO PUT THE
,,
Controlling the ball is easiest when it is has effectively caught the
passed gently to the feet but you must ball at shoulder height with FOOT TENNIS INSIDE OF FOOT
be prepared to reach it at any height,
from any angle, and at any speed. The
the toe of his cleat. Players
must have both excellent
BALL EXACTLY A good way to learn ball
This is the easiest way to control
the ball. Ideally, the ball will land
quality of a player’s first touch is crucial. coordination and suppleness WHERE THEY control is to use a tennis
ball. Many great players
about a stride ahead of you rather
The best players are able to put the ball
exactly where they want it with the same
to accomplish this.
WANT IT. honed their techniques in
this way. If you can master
than directly at your feet.
• Match day: To help optimize energy touch they use to bring it under control, a small, bouncy object such
available to the player during the giving them time and space to consider
game, he or she should eat a meal as a tennis ball, a regular
their next move. soccer ball will seem as
high in carbohydrates and low in
protein and fat three to four hours big as a pumpkin.
Relax
before kick-off. your neck
muscles
DRINK to cushion
the ball
Soccer players should drink lots of
water, particularly before and after
training sessions. Players can lose
four quarts (four liters) or more of
water during a match and will need
Using the body Lean back to As the ball
to rehydrate themselves as quickly as If you receive the ball at a level too take away lands, bring
the ball’s your foot down
possible. In addition to water, isotonic high to control with your feet, you momentum on it gently
drinks containing vital nutrients and have three main options: to use your but firmly
sugars are particularly easy for the
body to absorb. There are several
commercial varieties, but a simple
version can be made with fruit juice
and water mixed in equal measures.
thigh, chest, or head. An excellent
way to practice these skills is via a
game of “head tennis.” Played over
a volleyball net, you must keep the ball
from touching the ground, and return it
Your thigh
should be about
45 degrees to the
Jump up to
anticipate
the ball
,, IF YOU ARE
ABLE TO MASTER
over the net by using your head, chest, ground when
the ball arrives
A SMALL, BOUNCY
AVOID thigh, and feet. The more frequently TENNIS BALL,
,,
Players should avoid all caffeine (tea you play this enjoyable game, the
and coffee), alcohol, and junk foods better your skills will become. CONTROL WITH THIGH CONTROL WITH CHEST CONTROL WITH HEAD A REGULAR SOLE OF FOOT
(such as potato chips and deep-fried If you can “catch” the ball Using the chest to control the ball This technique is difficult because SOCCER BALL WILL A ball dropping near your
foodstuffs). Consumption of dairy with the upper part of your is easier than it sounds. You must the skull is hard, making a degree feet is best controlled by
products, and fatty and high-sugar thigh, you can bring it under take care to keep the ball from hitting of bounce inevitable, but sometimes
SEEM AS BIG pinning it to the ground with
foods should also be limited. control very effectively. you too low and winding you. you will have no alternative. AS A PUMPKIN. the underside of the foot.
,,YOU CAN
PRACTICE
75 76
Passing Short pass WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL 77 78 Making a long pass
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | CONTROLLING THE BALL
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PASSING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PASSING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PASSING
This pass is the most accurate kind Long passes or crosses can be very effective, largely because defenders tend
CONTROLLING Passing is the lifeblood of any team and a vital skill for all for two reasons: the ball is struck to guard their opponents less thoroughly the farther away they are from the
action. Accuracy in executing this pass is crucial as any error will be magnified.
THE BALL players to learn, including goalkeepers. There are several good with the side of the foot; and any
slight miscue can be masked by the
reasons why you might choose to pass—to clear the ball from
small distance the ball has to travel.
WITH YOUR a danger area, to help your team keep possession, or to try to
set up a scoring opportunity, for example. There is only one
FEET BY good time for you to make the pass, however, whenever there
KICKING A is a teammate in a better position than you.
BALL AGAINST Types of pass
A WALL AT Players pass in order to develop attacks, or to work the ball away
from opponents. These passes can be along the ground or in the
,,
VARYING air, over short distances or long range. Short passes are the easiest Strike the ball
Strike the
ball with the
HEIGHTS, to execute; long-range airborne passes the most difficult. Each
type of pass has its advantages and disadvantages.
with the side
of your foot
instep at its
central point
STRENGTHS,
for maximum to keep it low
control
AND ANGLES.
Place your
standing leg Your standing
alongside the leg should be
solidly grounded
ball with your
toes pointing before the strike
in the direction
of travel Fix your eyes on the ball To keep the pass low, make
and approach it at an sure the knee of your striking
Approach the ball at a 30-degree Strike the ball with the side angle of about 30 degrees. leg is over the ball at impact.
angle, giving yourself room to of your foot and keep the ball
swing your passing leg. down. Keep your ankle firm.
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL
Bend your
knee and
PASSING OPTIONS
Short passes are sometimes made in tight
KEY
Watch the
ball closely
as it heads
,, PASSES
CAN BE
ALONG THE
to its target
cushion Inswinging pass
the ball situations when the player in possession is
Outswinging pass
on the foot near the opponent’s goal, or laterally between
defenders prior to searching a forward pass.
Driven pass
Short pass GROUND OR
IN THE AIR,
Inswinging, outswinging, and driven passes
are made over long distances. They are usually
Channel pass
Player
,,
,,
executed from the player’s own half of the field. OVER SHORT ACCURACY
USING THE CHANNELS
DISTANCES WHILE EXECUTING
OR LONG THE LONG PASS
,,
Sometimes, when you have ball possession, there may be no Push your foot
SIDE VOLLEY TRAP obvious teammate to pass the ball to. In such cases, you should RANGE. in the direction of IS CRUCIAL
the ball after impact
This is used when the ball arrives either run with the ball or pass it into a “safe” channel (usually AS ANY ERROR
too high to trap but too low to chest directly ahead of you, see above) which gives a teammate a The length of follow-through Your follow-through should
down. The technique requires flexibility realistic chance of winning the race with the defender to receive it. reflects the weight you want be more pronounced than
WILL BE
for good execution. to give the pass. for a short pass. MAGNIFIED.
The science of spin
Spinning a ball is a skill every good player should know. Once struck, the ball
naturally seeks the path of least resistance, swerving in the direction of the spin—
to the right if the ball is spinning clockwise and left if it is spinning counterclockwise.
SIDEWAYS SPIN
If a ball is spinning through the air
sideways, one side of it will move in
the direction of its flight while the other
will move counter to it. The forward-
spinning side develops a greater force
than the backward-spinning one. This
is called the Magnus force.
TOP- AND BACKSPIN
If a ball is rotating forward or backward,
the same principle applies but it has
different effects. A ball given topspin
will move downward faster than it
otherwise would, while the reverse
is true of a ball given backspin.
Adding curve to a long pass
Putting curve onto the ball can be useful during attacking moves
because the path of a curving ball is much harder to anticipate,
and therefore defend, than one that flies straight.
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL
Keep the striking
foot strong
through impact
OUTSWINGING PASS OR CROSS
To swing the ball left to right, strike the
left side of the ball with the outside of
your foot, if you are right-footed.
Place one foot slightly
ahead of the ball and
use the instep to push the
ball in the direction you
wish to turn.
Twist your
foot around
the outside
of the ball
Use your
arms to
keep steady
Use the
outside of
your foot
foot, hook the ball
back in the direction
you wish to go.
ball forward, move
your foot slightly
over the ball and
bring the cleats
into contact with
its top.
Abbreviate the
kick and rest the
cleats on the ball
Lift and
rotate your
right foot
through
360 degrees
Then move your right foot
around and over the ball
in a clockwise direction.
Spring off from
the left side to
travel quickly
to the right
Knock the ball forward
with your right foot and
continue the dribble.
Plant your standing
foot solidly, since
this forms a strong
base for the move
Plant one foot by the ball and
make as if to shoot or hit a long
pass with your other leg.
Turn your body
90 degrees
Using the inside of the same
foot, drag the ball back behind
you and turn your body.
,,
PLANT ONE FOOT BY THE
BALL, AS IF TO HIT A LONG
PASS WITH THE OTHER LEG.
79 80 81 82
Running with the ball How to dribble THE NUTMEG
The nutmeg is a maneuver in
Inside hook Start the inside
hook by dribbling
forward with the ball
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PASSING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | RUNNING WITH THE BALL
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | RUNNING WITH THE BALL
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | RUNNING WITH THE BALL
The best dribblers give the impression which an attacking player passes This hook technique is easier than under close control,
Running with the ball under control is known as dribbling. In its that the ball is tied to their shoes. the ball through an opponent’s legs, the outside hook (see below). It is while paying attention
These players also have the ability weighting it so he can continue his used to move inside (to the left for to the presence of
basic form, the skill involves you kicking the ball ahead of yourself,
to easily alternate between both feet dribble on the other side. Defenders a right-footer) when an opponent defenders.
Ball direction running to catch up with it, kicking it forward again and so on. In (using the inside and outside of the is on your outside.
dislike being nutmegged, but if they
practice, however, you will rarely have clear spaces ahead of you feet). A dribble is executed as follows. keep their legs too close together to
Lift force for long as opposing defenders will arrive to try to check your runs. prevent it, they invite the attacker
You, therefore, need to keep the ball close to your feet and develop to kick the ball past them and get
Airflow
a repertoire of skills to avoid would-be tacklers. around them to the side.
Direction Keep light on your
of spin
Drag force
Ball direction
Beating opponents
As a dribbler, you may employ a variety of techniques to get past opponents
without checking your runs. One of the most important is the shoulder drop,
in which you lower the level of one shoulder to fool the defender into thinking
you are heading in that direction. Another is having the ability to anticipate
,, KEEP THE
BALL CLOSE
feet at this stage
of the dribble
Airflow
tackles (see pp.126-29) and the dexterity to jump over them.
TO YOUR FEET
Direction Stop-turns while running SIR STANLEY MATTHEWS AND DEVELOP Outside hook As with the inside
hook turn, start
A REPERTOIRE
of spin While dribbling, you will often want
,,
Sir Stanley Matthews the maneuver by
to change direction, either to develop (1915–2000), one of This skill is more demanding than
OF SKILLS TO
dribbling forward,
a different angle of attack, run into the greatest wingers the inside hook (see above), since you feeding the ball
Drag force space, or evade a defender. To do this, in history, was famous must use the outside of your right between each
some of the most popular techniques
are the inside and outside hooks,
for his body swerve. AVOID WOULD-BE foot to move 180 degrees to
the right (for a right-footer).
foot alternately.
and the Puskás turn or drag TACKLERS.
back (see pp.82–83).
Don’t kick the
ball too hard
with either foot
Using your left foot, gently kick
the ball between 12 and 19in
(30–50cm) ahead of you and to Keep your
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL the right. eyes alternately
on the ball and
the space ahead
Puskás turn Start with the ball
in line with the
center of your body,
Named after the great Hungarian then swing one
striker Ferenc Puskás, this trick foot forward
Strike the involves a quarter turn that allows
right-hand as if to kick
side of you have to rapidly move at right the ball.
the ball angles to the direction in which you
Push were originally dribbling.
the ball
Keep forward
the ball with your
close by right foot
INSWINGING PASS OR CROSS
Keep your eyes on the ball while When you reach the ball, continue Make as if to
To get the ball to swing right to left, running forward, occasionally with the dribble, using your right kick the ball
strike the ball on its right side with looking up to assess the situation foot. Repeat this sequence, using your forward
your instep, if you are right-footed. ahead of you. left foot then right.
83 84 85 86
Spin to the left, push
off your back foot, using
your front foot to continue
Stepovers The Rivelino Double stepover
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | RUNNING WITH THE BALL
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | STEPOVERS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | STEPOVERS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | STEPOVERS
the dribble away from In this variation of the stepover, named In the double stepover, you have to perform
your opponent. The stepover, also known as the scissors after the Brazilian winger, the legs the trick twice in quick succession, once with
move around the ball in the opposite each foot. Technically, this is a more difficult Keep your
maneuver, is one of the most visually eyes on
direction, that is from outside to inside. tactic to master.
striking moves in soccer. It is used to the ball
fool an opponent into thinking that you
are about to pass sideways when
you are in possession, whereas, in
fact, you just continue your
The Rivelino requires precise balance.
Keep your eyes
focused on the
ball to avoid
contact with
,, IN SOUTH
AMERICA, THE
Ensure your run. Stepovers were either foot CONTINENT
standing foot
is planted considered an exotic WHICH GAVE
solidly for
the spin
skill, but in recent BIRTH TO THE
years they have STEPOVER, IT
become almost Move your
commonplace. left hip IS CALLED
forward
THE PEDALADA,
Dribble
Turn 180 degrees to the right then AND WAS A forward
push off with your back foot and at a slow
COMMON
,,
accelerate away, using the front foot to pace
continue the dribble. Put your
left foot SKILL USED BY
Use your Dribble
down
BRAZILIAN
arms to
power
slowly
LEGEND
the run
PELÉ. Dribble the ball forward
Dribble the ball slowly toward the Instead of making contact with the and prepare to set your
Kick the defender. Plant your front foot and ball, bring the trailing leg up and standing leg.
ball to bring the trailing leg toward the ball. over the ball, placing it on the other side.
Using the the front
Types of stepover
outside of your
In the classic stepover, you move
Raise your right
while in possession as if to push shoulder and Keep your
the ball one way with the outside move to the left eyes on
of one foot, but actually pass the
foot over and around the ball
(from inside to outside) without
touching it before picking it up
with the other foot and moving
,, STEPOVERS
ARE USED TO
the ball
However, rather
than kicking the
in the opposite direction. There
are two more developed styles of the
FOOL AN
stepover—the Rivelino (see opposite)
and the double stepover (see pp.86–87).
OPPONENT
INTO THINKING
THAT YOU
WILL PASS
Lift your
Putting your left foot
weight on the CRISTIANO RONALDO in a circle
other foot, drag the
ball back and then
Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, SIDEWAYS over
the ball
,,
criticized for excessive showmanship early
knock it sideways with
the outside of your shoe. in his career, is currently the undisputed WHEN YOU Ball keeps
moving
master of the stepover. In 2008, he
netted 42 goals in all competitions,
Place your weight on your
right side before springing off ACTUALLY forward
Pull the ball back
with the studs, then winning the UEFA Golden Shoe Award Swivel 180 degrees, place CONTINUE Perform a second stepover, this You will again be back to the
move into space for the top scorer in a European league. your weight on the right foot,
then play the ball with your left. YOUR RUN. time with the left foot and in a
counterclockwise direction.
starting position, but farther
forward than before.
87 88 89 90
Spins and turns After completing
the full spin, collect
the ball again with your
The Cruyff turn
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | STEPOVERS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | SPINS AND TURNS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | SPINS AND TURNS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | SPINS AND TURNS
stronger foot. This maneuver, a complex drag back that always leaves defenders
Some of the most spectacular moves in soccer involve players behind, is named after Netherlands forward Johan Cruyff. When
Drop executing this tactic, your goal is to feign execution of a long pass
your left spinning or turning in unexpected ways. These require great Protect the or cross but instead spin 180 degrees and continue the dribble.
shoulder technical accuracy and often only the world’s best known
and most skillful players use them successfully in a match situation.
Finding space
ball from
defenders Finally, continue
with your run,
leaving the opposition
defenders perplexed.
,, JOHAN CRUYFF, KNOWN
AS PYTHAGORAS IN BOOTS,
,,
Complex turns are more challenging than the
turns covered under the dribbling section (see Continue dribbling in
pp.80–83) and need lots of practice. Making the same direction FIRST PERFORMED
THE CRUYFF TURN
in which you
a successful turn is a great way to lose a started the spin
IN 1974.
marker or wrong-foot an opponent, both
of which will buy you time to run into space
or make a considered pass to a teammate.
Two of the best maneuvers for achieving
this are the Zidane spin and the Cruyff turn.
The Zidane spin
Start the JOHAN CRUYFF
The Zidane spin is a form of pirouette spin with your
in which you have to spin through favored foot Cruyff was the most complete player
360 degrees while keeping the ball in the Dutch and Ajax teams famous
under close control. It is as difficult for “total soccer.” Nominally a striker,
This will bring you back to to describe as it is to do, but can be he bamboozled markers by dropping
the starting point, but farther broken down into five stages. Zidane into midfield. His vision and passing
forward than before. has performed this technique at the Dribble forward with the ball skills led to the accolade
MASTER OF THE STEPOVER
Cristiano Ronaldo performed 11
highest level on many occasions. If
executed well, it can buy you good
time in crowded midfield situations.
as normal, then stop and put
your stronger foot on top of it.
,, THE ZIDANE
SPIN IS A FORM Use outstretched
arms for balance
“Pythagoras in boots.” This
Dutch maestro perfected a move
known as the “Cruyff turn,” which
he first performed in 1974.
stepovers per game on average Spin Complete OF PIROUETTE during the spin
and to repel the
during the 2007–08 season. counter- the spin
clockwise IN WHICH YOU advances of
opponents
SPACE CREATED HAVE TO SPIN
The typical amount of space THROUGH 360
,,
created by an effective stepover
move is 25in (63cm). DEGREES WHILE
KEEPING THE BALL THE HALF-PREKI
GREAT EVASION
UNDER CLOSE Predrag Radosavljevi began his career
Brazil winger Denílson made six with Red Star Belgrade and ended it
stepovers before evading France CONTROL. in Major League Soccer in the US,
midfielder Emmanuel Petit during where he shortened his name to Preki.
the 1998 World Cup. In this maneuver, named after him, you
Place your ZINÉDINE ZIDANE
weaker can create space, while dribbling,
INVENTOR OF THE MOVE foot on the Zinédine Zidane gained worldwide between you and an approaching
ball after Swap feet defender by rolling the ball across the
Pelé, the inventor of the stepover, again after prominence at Juventus in Italy
spinning front of your body with the sole of your
has won the World Cup three times. spinning and then Real Madrid in Spain. dominant foot. When you lift your foot
His achievements include being to begin the move, the defender might
STEP IT UP a World Cup winner in 1998, think you will pass. Another version of
In 2007 Roma’s Mancini performed six Roll the ball backward, spin Roll the ball back gently with and a three-time FIFA World the trick starts with a half-Preki and
stepovers in rapid succession to score 180 degrees around it, then your weaker foot and turn Player of the Year. ends with a stepover (see pp.84–87).
a goal against Olympique Lyonnais. collect it with your weaker foot. 180 degrees in the same direction.
91 92 93 94
Fakes The fake kick The elastico Make the
defender think
or flip-flap
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | SPINS AND TURNS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FAKES
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FAKES
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FAKES
In this fake, you have to mime a shot or a pass, causing the defenders you’re heading
to the right
Deception is a vital ingredient in top-class soccer. Many to flinch, but instead you simply pass your foot over or just to the
side of the ball. This gives you time and space to turn or deliver a pass. Brazil striker Ronaldinho is associated particularly
of the most effective moves rely on players fooling their
with the “elastico” or “flip-flap.” It involves you moving
opponents into thinking they are going to do one thing and your foot very quickly from right to left while dribbling,
actually doing another. When this works, it cons members keeping the ball in such close proximity that it appears
of the other team into moving out of position and buys Keep your eyes
Pass your foot on the ball connected to your foot by elastic.
over the ball crucial time for the team in possession.
rather than
striking it
Types of fake WHY BRAZIL?
“Selling” someone a dummy—acting as if Brazilian players are famous for
to kick the ball but in fact leaving it to run their eye-catching tricks on the field.
on, usually to a teammate—is one of the Why they are so famous is down to Ball should
most common forms of fakes in soccer. their unique soccer philosophy. be rolling
forwards
But there are also several others, including In addition to being tactically astute,
Push the ball shuffles, fake kicks, and “flip-flaps.” Brazilian players like to produce the
gently behind All have the effect of confusing and
you with your unexpected, doing simple things with Prepare for the elastico by looking
right foot wrong-footing the opponent. flair, and playing for the sheer fun in the direction you want the
Wind up your
foot for a and joy of the game. approaching defender to think you
Bring the leg toward the ball, strong kick are about to play the ball.
Practice slowing
but instead of kicking it, pass down your foot
your foot over the ball. before the ball
Give every indication of taking a Swing your foot down hard, but The Beardsley shuffle
long-range shot at goal or making as it approaches the ball, slow
a long pass. Draw back your leg in it down rapidly and pass the foot The most famous shuffle in sport, a high-speed shimmy that mesmerized
preparation for a strike. over the ball. opponents, belonged to Muhammad Ali. The soccer equivalent, essentially
an abbreviated stepover (see pp.84–87), was perfected by Peter Beardsley.
Plant the weight
RONALDINHO
,, FOR A
FAKE KICK,
Move your
weight
to the
left side
MIME A
Few players have had as many
on your right side
and use this as a tricks at their disposal as
springboard Brazilian striker Ronaldinho. He
is a master of deception, using SHOT OR Use your
arm for
his eyes and a range of tricks,
flicks, and dummies. He is
A PASS, BUT balance
one of the few players who ACTUALLY Twist your torso in
uses freestyle techniques
PASS YOUR
conjunction with
in top-flight matches. Drag the ball your right leg
FOOT OVER
away from Plant your
,,
the opponent left leg on
OR JUST TO
Complete the turn through the ground
180 degrees and run off as a brace
to start the
THE SIDE OF
with the ball.
,,
manuever
THE BALL.
While your opponent turns away Jogging slowly with the ball under Bring your right foot very close
in anticipation of a shot, place your close control, bring your right leg to the ball so the defender is
foot lightly on top of the ball and drag
it back quickly.
toward the ball as if feigning to pass
it or change direction.
convinced that you are about to
change your direction.
 Don’t offer
any clue with
95 96
Shooting The chip,
scoop, and lob
,, YOU HAVE
TO STRIKE THE
97 98
Volleying

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FAKES

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | SHOOTING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | SHOOTING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | VOLLEYING

Align
your eyes
body as if
moving to
the right
Soccer would be nothing without goals. Besides heading the ball,
When a goalkeeper is off his line,
BALL AS HARD There are few sights in soccer as satisfying as seeing a cleanly
benefiting from an own goal, or a lucky deflection, the only way to hit volley fly into the net. This technique, defined as striking a ball

,,
score is to shoot. This can be done from almost any position on
there is a chance of beating him by AS YOU CAN that is in full flight, is also used to make rapid crosses, clearances,
lofting the ball over his head and
the field, but the closer you are to the opponents’ goal when you weighting the shot so that the ball WITHOUT and passes. A high level of foot-eye coordination is essential for
take a shot the higher the chances of success. There are many volleying. When it is executed well, the results can be spectacular.
Twist your
ways of scoring a goal; however, always strike the ball as hard
drops under the crossbar. The three
methods by which you can achieve
SACRIFICING
foot at the
last moment
to change
as you can without sacrificing accuracy. this—the chip, scoop, and lob—are
all about touch, timing, and judgment.
ACCURACY. Volleying styles
The first type of volley is the full volley, where the ball is
Initially push the ball’s
struck “on the fly.” The second is the half-volley, where
the ball to
the right
direction
The basic shot the ball is struck shortly after it has bounced. A third
technique, the bicycle (or overhead) kick is normally
Certain principles apply performed by experienced, very athletic players.
whether a shot is long-
or short-range, placed, or
Push the ball with the At the last moment, gather the
blasted. You should aim
the ball either side of the
The full volley
outside of your right foot as ball in with the instep of the same
though you are about to dribble foot and pull it back in the other goalkeeper and keep it You use the full volley
Sweep your With backspin,
down, so it doesn’t fly Strike the ball when the ball arrives at
to the right. direction, confusing the defender. striking leg the ball gains
with finesse on
over the crossbar. through height quickly
top of your foot you without touching the
on a plane ground. A well-executed
consistent

,,
,,
full volley requires good
with the
timing, composure, Plant your
ball’s Open your standing leg
and concentration.
KEEP THE BALL IN SUCH CLOSE WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL direction leg and
strike the
firmly on the
ground to act
PROXIMITY THAT IT SEEMS CONNECTED ball on
the instep
Bend your knee as a pivot
in preparation
TO YOUR FOOT BY ELASTIC. THE CHIP AND SCOOP THE LOB
Keep your eyes on the ball. for the strike
Place your standing Make contact with Position yourself in its line
foot firmly next to the center of the You use the chip and the scoop when Use the lob when the ball arrives at of flight to stand the best chance
the ball and pointing ball or a spot slightly the ball is on the ground as the shot is you full toss or after bouncing. You of making good contact.
Use your arms toward the goal. below it. taken. The chip requires back-lift and need to strike the ball with enough
for balance
during the
the scoop doesn’t. height to clear the goalkeeper.
change of
direction
The half-volley Prepare your
The curving shot You perform the half-volley
body for the
dropping ball
as timing is
Focus on the Keep your when the ball bounces everything
A difficult shot to execute well, it requires a
part of the striking leg firm just before you strike it.
highly precise strike, both in terms of the part ball you want and straight It is, therefore, sometimes
of the foot used and the impact position on to strike through impact
on the rise at the moment
the ball. For the inswinging strike (see right),
of impact. If you can hit the
connect with the instep on the base of the
Shift your ball at the exact moment it
ball; for the outswinger, use the same spot
weight back Push your left Use your touches the ground the shot
quickly on to foot through the
on the outside of your foot (see also p.79). standing foot gains more momentum as
the right side ball and move off as a solid
base from the ball has lost less energy
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL which to through not bouncing.
swing your
striking leg Get your toes Lean back
under the ball slightly at
for more impact
lofted shots
In one rapid, fluid movement, shift Move away quickly with the ball Watch the ball closely as it drops
your balance back to the right side, in the direction you were traveling Approach the ball and ensure Sweep your leg on an in-to-out Follow the path of the ball toward you. Position yourself
leaving the defender confused as to in in step 1. You will gain precious space that your standing leg is about arc and connect with the bottom with your foot to stand a and pull back your striking leg before
your chosen path. as a result. 18in (45cm) to the side. right portion of the ball. better chance of curving it. connecting with the ball.

,, REPEATEDLY STRIKE
A BALL SUSPENDED AT
99 100 Bicycle kick DIDIER DROGBA
The Ivorian striker was five years
101 102
Heading
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | VOLLEYING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | VOLLEYING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | VOLLEYING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | HEADING

Also known as the overhead kick, the bicycle kick is one of soccer’s most old when he left Abidjan to live in
CHEST HEIGHT FROM A

,
spectacular techniques. It was invented in the Peruvian port of Callao France. He played in lower divisions, Heading the ball is counterintuitive for any young players
during a game between the locals and some European sailors in the initially as defender, then as forward. learning the game, because they think it will hurt. However,
CROSSBAR VIA A PIECE early 1900s. Residents of the city are known as Chalacos and “Chalaca,” Drogba’s muscular frame makes
it is an essential skill to master because, on an average, the
OF ROPE TO PRACTICE the Latin American term for the trick, literally means “from Callao.” him adept at finding space to
ball is in the air for 30 percent of the match time.
THE FULL VOLLEY. ,, FOR AN
OVERHEAD
perform overhead kicks.

Types of header
There are many different types of header—basic, flick, tactical,
defensive, and diving. You need to practice all of them so you
know which one to use in a match situation.
KICK, ‘TEE’
Starting with your knee, bring Follow through with your
your leg toward the ball and turn
your hips. Strike the ball above center
to keep it down.
kicking leg parallel to the
ground and rotate your hips
through the impact area. YOURSELF
UP WITH
Basic header
The basic header is used for passing and
,, LEARNING
HOW TO HEAD
YOUR BACK attempts on goal. It is made with the forehead THE BALL IS
as this provides the most power and accuracy,
ESSENTIAL, SINCE

,,
TO THE GOAL, and doesn’t hurt, unlike heading with the top
THE BALL IS IN THE
FLICKING
of your head. To get power on a header, bend
your knees and arch your back as you jump AIR FOR ABOUT 30
THE BALL UP for the ball, turning yourself into the shape of
a bow. Tilt your head back initially, then bring it PERCENT OF THE
TO STRIKE.
Strike the
MATCH TIME.

,,
ball with forward rapidly using your neck muscles.
the top of Turn your Keep your leg Use your
your foot hips quickly
toward
parallel to the
ground during
arms for
balance THROW YOUR Your head needs to
the ball the follow-
through HEAD BACK TO Keep your eyes
swing downward at
the moment of impact

AID THE LIFT. on the ball

Use your arms to

pull yourself into the
air if you’re jumping

Making an Throw your head

back to aid lift and
for the ball

Keep everything
smooth
through impact
overhead kick your body will follow

You can use the bicycle

kick when an apparently Use the forehead—
misplaced cross arrives this provides
behind you. Alternatively, accuracy
you can “tee” yourself and power
Connect with
the middle up for an overhead kick
of the ball to RAW POWER
control the
with your back to the
strike One of the most memorable goal by flicking the ball
half-volleys was Steven up to strike.
Gerrard’s goal for Liverpool
against Olympiakos in the Sweep your leg Use your hand to Get into position Without taking To head the ball
2005 Champions League. Use your striking leg toward the ball soften the impact early and watch your eyes off the downward at the
as a springboard with controlled pace of the landing the ball come onto ball, tense your neck moment of impact, you
your head, keeping your muscles to provide need to rise above the
Strike the ball with the top Launch yourself into the Once you are airborne, Make contact with the ball with eyes open throughout. maximum power. ball when you jump.
of your foot, either on the rise air by raising your non-kicking swing your kicking leg your back parallel to the ground.
or as it drops toward the ground leg and pushing off the ground beyond the other leg and You should practice this in training
heading for a second bounce. with the other foot. toward the ball. before attempting it in a match.

Flick header 103 104 Defensive header Diving header 105 106
Throw-ins and corners
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | HEADING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | HEADING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | HEADING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | THROW-INS AND CORNERS

The flick header is used to head the ball sideways or backward. It is The most important thing Use your whole body as a battering ram to strike the ball. This skill
useful when a defender facing upfield wants to head the ball back to his when making a defensive is usually used only to attempt to score, since you face the risk of Statistically, corners and throw-ins are the most commonly
goalkeeper; when a midfielder wants to flick the ball back to a defender; header is to get good height getting a kick in the face from a defender. It is an option when the ball
awarded set pieces (see pp.160–63). A team is likely to make
or when a forward wants to get the ball into the penalty area from a near and distance on the ball. It is arrives in front of you at a height between your neck and your knee.
post cross or corner without revealing his intentions. usually safer to direct it away several of each during the course of a game. These can often
from the center of the field. lead to scoring opportunities—about a third of all goals are
The ball skims off
scored from set pieces—so coaches ensure players practice
Contract your neck your forehead them extensively on the training ground.
and bend it back

Throw-ins
Throw-ins are used to restart
play from the sideline. They
Twist your can be taken either short or
neck muscles
Keep to get power long. You need to be alert to the
your
WAYNE ROONEY
and direction movements of your teammates
knees England’s Wayne Rooney
braced Pay close
and have a good aim when
is one of the most skillful attention to you throw. Throwing onto
LONGEST GOAL
and powerful soccer the flight the field can be risky—if the
players. He has extremely of the ball The longest-range goal scored with opponents win possession they
powerful neck muscles the head was by Peter Aldis of Aston may quickly counterattack—so
and knows how to put Keeping your eyes on Villa. In September 1952, he headed most throws are aimed upfield
them to good use. the ball, launch yourself the ball into the Sunderland net from along the sideline, out of harm’s
Arch your body Use your forehead if The ball bounces into the air with the foot an astonishing distance of 32m (35yd). way. The exception is the long
forward when your neck is supple, off your head nearest to the goal.
throw aimed directly into the penalty
you make contact otherwise, use the side of and continues on
with the ball. your head. its new path. area. This can be more potent than a
corner as the thrown ball is delivered
more accurately.
TACTICAL HEADERS
The flick header, a staple tactic in
professional games, is used on crosses,
free kicks, and corners to change the
direction of the ball and confuse
Attacker
Defender
Goalkeeper
KEY
Ball motion
Player
movement
Time the jump so
you connect with
the ball before the
attacker does
Head the ball as high
and as far forwards
as possible
Pass the ball
to a teammate
if possible
,, A MAJORITY
OF THROWS
the opposition defenders. ARE AIMED
UPFIELD ALONG
Break your
THE SIDELINE,

,,
Ensure the ball fall with
doesn’t strike
your face
your hands OUT OF HARM’S
Connect at WAY. THE ONLY
the top of
your forehead When you make contact with After heading the ball toward
EXCEPTION IS THE
to get height
NEAR POST HEADER FAR POST HEADER on the ball
the ball, you should be parallel goal, put your arms in front LONG THROW.
to the ground. Head the ball with to protect yourself as you fall to
Time your run so that you are in You may need to step backward to the top of your forehead. the ground.
front of your marker when the ball lose your marker. You should direct
RORY DELAP
,,
,,
arrives, then flick it behind you into your header back across goal toward Take care
the area for a teammate. the far post. when landing Known as the
A DIVING HEADER IS USUALLY ONLY USED “Delapidator,” the

,,
,,
You should get in
THE FLICK HEADER IS USED ON position early, since
CROSSES, FREE KICKS, AND CORNERS you will probably be
competing with an
TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THE BALL. attacker to get to
the ball.
Make contact with
the bottom half of
the ball using the very
top part of your forehead.
Make sure you keep your
neck braced.
Republic of Ireland
If you approach
WHEN TRYING TO SCORE, AS YOU COULD GET player terrorizes
the ball from a KICKED IN THE FACE BY A DEFENDER. defenses with his
sideways position,
you stand less chance
long throws. Delap
throws the ball, on
of clashing with average, 125ft (38m).
the attacker.

Taking a throw-in 107 108 Corner-kicks Taking a corner 109 110

KEY
Goalkeeper
Free-kicks
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | THROW-INS AND CORNERS

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | THROW-INS AND CORNERS

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREE-KICKS

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | THROW-INS AND CORNERS

Throw-ins awarded in a team’s own half are usually taken as a means As with free-kicks (see pp.110–13), there are several options Attackers
of getting the ball back in play. But those taken near the opposition’s open to a player taking a corner. Aside from the inswinging Ball motion
penalty area can be as effective as a free-kick. There are three basic and outswinging corners, there are five key variations.
rules for taking throw-ins: you are permitted a run-up; you have to
throw the ball from behind your head with both hands; and you must
Five corner styles
keep both your feet on the ground at the moment of release. A corner represents a good
opportunity to score a goal,
The rules of taking a corner are simple: you are allowed to place the ball
anywhere within the segment (the quarter circle between the goal line All free-kicks are awarded against the team that has committed
and the sideline) and you are not permitted to remove the corner flag. For some infringement. There are various options open to you when you
more detailed techniques on taking a corner, see “Passing” (pp.76–79)
and “Free-kicks” (pp.110–13). take the free-kick. You can strike the ball directly at the goal with
force, or you can chip, curve, or pass to a teammate. Anything,
in fact, that catches the opposing team unawares.

,, ABOUT A THIRD
OF ALL GOALS
RULES ON SCORING
Goals cannot be scored directly from
a throw-in. The rules concerning
so teams always work on
these set piece routines. The
following corner techniques
are all practiced during
Keep your head
still and your eyes
focused on the ball
Types of free-kick
There are two types of free-kick—direct and indirect. Many
direct free-kicks that are taken from the edge of the opposition

,,
training sessions: penalty penalty area represent good goalscoring opportunities, while
corners are ambiguous, however.
ARE SCORED FIFA regulations state that “a
spot, near post, far post, PENALTY SPOT CORNER
A corner aimed at the penalty spot
most indirect free-kicks (except those taken from inside the
long, and short. penalty area) are little more than a means of restarting play.
FROM SET PIECES corner-kick falls under the same may lure the keeper from his goal.
guidelines as a direct free-kick,”
SUCH AS THROW-INS implying that such goals are legitimate.
The ball must travel fast to reach a
DIRECT FREE-KICK INDIRECT FREE-KICK
teammate before it is intercepted.
AND CORNERS. A direct free-kick is awarded against An indirect free-kick is awarded against
BALL POSITIONING a team for committing a penalty foul, a team for committing a foul other than a
Take a corner from such as kicking a player instead of penalty foul (for example, dangerous
the left-hand side if the ball, pushing, tripping, and similar play) or for infringing certain technical
Plant your non- you are right-footed.
striking foot firmly infringements. If the referee deems requirements of the laws (for example,
next to the ball Take a corner from the foul to be too malicious or offside). An indirect free-kick requires
Keep your the right-hand side if
hands evenly dangerous, he will issue a yellow the ball to be touched by more than one
spaced on you are left-footed. or red card. Direct free-kicks can be player on the same team before it can
the ball Your arms struck directly into the goal without enter the goal.
should follow the need for another teammate to
the path NEAR POST CORNER FAR POST CORNER Place the ball anywhere in the
of the ball
touch the ball. The most punitive direct
The corner is aimed at the near Usually delivered as an outswinger, segment, and take a step back. free-kick a team can face is a kick from
Pick a target (a teammate in the THE OLIMPICO
goalpost so that it can be flicked the ball will be curving toward the the penalty spot (see pp.114–17).
on by a teammate to alter the ball’s teammate attacking it, helping him penalty area) and take a short run-up. A goal scored directly from a
Launch angle path and confuse the defenders. to get power into his header. corner with a curving shot is
is usually about known as an “Olimpico” in
30 degrees
South America. It is named in
honor of Cesáreo Onzari of
Uruguay, who scored against
Argentina in this manner in HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE
1924 when his team were the If in doubt about whether a free-kick
reigning Olympic champions. is direct or indirect, watch the referee.
He indicates a direct kick with an
A short Both your outstretched arm (horizontal) and an Approach the
run-up feet must ball from an
provides
indirect with a vertical arm position.
stay on angle of about
momentum LONG CORNER SHORT CORNER
the ground 45 degrees
Used when the corner-taker notices A short-range pass to a teammate
a teammate hovering unmarked creates a different crossing or
outside the six-yard box. A quick shooting angle. Defenders have
pass can set up a strike on goal. no time to readjust themselves.

,, CORNERS REPRESENT
,,
Connect with the ball
before the ground

A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO
Hold the ball fully behind your Bring your arms over your head
Make sure
head with both your hands. and whip your body forward as Connect with the bottom of the ball on the last stride

SCORE A GOAL.
You are permitted to make a you release the ball. This generates the right- or left-hand side, depending before impact
short run-up. the power for the throw. on the intended curve, if any, and follow through. DIRECT FREE-KICK INDIRECT FREE-KICK is a long one
The curving free-kick 111 112 Free-kick options Bend it like Beckham 113 114
KEY
Goalkeeper
Penalties

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREE-KICKS

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREE-KICKS

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREE-KICKS

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PENALTIES

If the free-kick is awarded close to the goal,
the defending team will build a defensive wall
(see p.162). When taking the free-kick, if you
give the ball enough curve, it will bend around
the wall and also make it difficult for the keeper
to judge its flight. The principles of getting
the ball to curve are the same whether the
kick is taken from a dead ball situation or
on the move (see p.97).
Sometimes the success of a free-kick is down to the
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL skill and ingenuity of one player; on other occasions
it is a team effort. Free-kicks are good opportunities
to score the goals that win matches, so coaches work
on them extensively with players during training.
Attacker In 2001, David Beckham stepped up to take a free-kick
in the 93rd minute of a match against Greece knowing
Defender Penalties are awarded for fouls committed in the penalty
Ball motion that he had to score to secure England’s qualification for
Player motion
area, such as tripping and pushing. They are taken from
the following year’s World Cup finals. Sure enough,
he hit an unstoppable curving shot from 30 yd the penalty spot, which is located directly between the
(28m), leaving the Greek keeper helpless. The goalposts, 12yd (11m) from the goal line. Scoring from
ball hit the top corner of the penalties requires composure and skillful ball placement,
net traveling at 42mph saving penalties requires agility and anticipation.
(68kph). It swerved Goalkeepers are rarely expected to save penalties.

THE QUICK FREE-KICK

Usually, when you stand
,, MANY DIRECT
FREE-KICKS THAT
DAVID BECKHAM
approximately 9ft (3m)
during its flight.

The most famous soccer player of his

over a free-kick, you must
wait for the referee’s
whistle before starting play.
But you are permitted to
Penalty shootouts
Draws are acceptable in some matches
(almost all league games), but not in matches
where a winner has to be found in order for a
WOBBLY KNEES
In the 1984 European Cup final
penalty shootout, Liverpool
ARE TAKEN FROM generation, London-born David Beckham has tournament to progress or reach a conclusion
CURVING SHOT DIPPING SHOT goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar
played for his country more than 100 times. (cup ties, cup finals, and play-offs). Penalty
THE EDGE OF THE The art of bending a shot around the A challenging skill that requires you to wobbled his legs in mock terror,
Blessed with one of the most prized right feet shootouts are a way of forcing a result when
defensive wall and away from the dive strike the ball over the wall rather causing two AS Roma players to
OPPOSITION in the game, Beckham has mastered the art of

ask the referee if you can
take a “quick” kick without
the whistle signal, to try to
gain an advantage.
,,
of the keeper. Curved shots are created than around it; if struck correctly, the scores are level at the end of such a miss. Liverpool won the trophy.
the whipped-in cross and free-kick techniques
PENALTY AREA by striking the ball on its side and the dipping ball drops at the end during his spells at Manchester United, Real
game, usually after a period of extra-time.
REPRESENT GOOD generating spin (see p.79). of its flight. Madrid, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan.
GOALSCORING
OPPORTUNITIES. Penalty rules
KEY
The penalty is not just a battle
Greek keeper of wits between the taker and
England the keeper, there are various
Greece
rules and restrictions to be
Ball motion
adhered to for other players, too.
EXCLUSION ZONE
All players barring Defender
the taker and the Attacker
THROUGH THE WALL CHIP INTO SPACE
goalkeeper must stay Goalkeeper
You have to strike the ball low You should dink the ball into an outside the penalty area Referee
so it goes under the players area 8–10yd (7–9m) from the goal,
in the wall as they jump; or where the goalkeeper cannot easily
strike directly at a teammate claim it; the intention is that one The kick was taken BECKHAM
in the wall who jumps out of of your teammates is then able to almost directly in
the way to create a space. shoot or head at goal. line with the center The keeper will usually calculate
of the goal that his best chance of saving the
kick is to dive early to one side

BECKHAM’S CURVED FREE-KICK

The ball leaves
Beckham’s foot at
80mph (130kph)
At this stage, the ball
is flying slightly to the
right from Beckham’s
perspective, fooling the
goalkeeper into making
a small move to the left
The ball has now started to The ball is now at It dips into the
change direction. It swerves its maximum height, top left hand
above and to the side of the curving viciously corner with the
Greek player on the left keeper stranded
of the defensive wall

Wrap your instep

Plant your around the
standing bottom right
leg firmly on section of the ball 6yd (5.5m)
the ground to generate spin 30yd (28m m)

115 116 Where to shoot Types of penalty 117 118

FINDING A WINNER
Shootouts were introduced by UEFA in 1970 and FIFA in 1976. Goalkeeping
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PENALTIES

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PENALTIES

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | PENALTIES

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

Each team takes five penalties against the other, with the kicks Success or failure with the penalty-kick is partly determined by the strength You have three options when taking a spot kick: attempt to
alternating. The team that’s ahead at the end wins the match. of the shot, but if a penalty is poorly placed the goalkeeper may reach it. So pass the ball into the net, try a cheeky chip, or strike the ball
If the scores are still level, the match goes into “sudden death.”
Goalkeeping is so different from other soccer roles that it almost
where should you aim for to guarantee the greatest chance of success? firmly. A penalty struck firmly into the bottom or top corner
The first team to fall behind when an equal number of penalties seems to belong to another sport. All players need agility, bravery,
will register a goal but there is little margin for error; you
has been taken by each side loses. Penalty shootouts are often cannot kick the ball wide. a strong physical presence, and good distribution and decisionmaking
considered an unsatisfactory way of deciding matches, but no abilities, but goalkeepers have to have these characteristics in
better alternative has yet been found. abundance. The three fundamentals that an aspiring goalkeeper
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL needs to master are: stance (being “athletically primed”); body
PENALTY DO’S AND DON’TS
positioning (being aware of angles of attack and your position
in relation to the goal); and shot-stopping.
DO DON’T
Stance Body positioning
Keep your weight over the ball Take too long a run-up You have to be continually alert to You should always know where you and
the possibility of a shot, leaning slightly the ball are relative to the goal. To avoid
Make a plan and stick to it Let the keeper psyche you out
forward so that your weight is on your turning around to check, construct a
Fool the keeper with your eyes Hit the ball at chest height ... toes rather than your heels. This places mental image of the goal area. Imagine
PENALTY PASS PENALTY CHIP
KEY ALLESSANDRO DEL PIERO you in the optimum position to dive a capital “T” with the shaft running
When you place a penalty, you This is the most audacious quickly or run toward an attacker through the penalty spot and the cross
Strike the ball firmly ... or too close to the keeper The Juventus and Italy striker has
Goalkeeper will save effectively pass the ball into the kind of penalty, but extremely if the situation demands it. stroke stretching between the posts.
unless he overcommits a good penalty-taking record. He net. This provides accuracy and risky. You have to rely on the
often uses delicate chips to outwit is a good option if the keeper goalkeeper diving before

,, A SOCCER MATCH
GOES INTO ‘SUDDEN
Goalkeeper may save
if shot is struck weakly

Goalkeeper is highly
unlikely to save
the keeper. He was brought on near
the end of the 2006 World Cup
final against France to take
a penalty, and he scored.
has dived early. you make the strike.
Shot-stopping
The key task for any goalkeeper is knowing how to catch or stop the
ball. There are two differing techniques for this depending on whether
the ball is traveling along the ground or in the air—the “W” and the

,,
WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALL PIRES’ POOR PENALTY “M.” Whenever possible, you should attempt to use both your hands

DEATH’ IF THE SCORES In October 2005, Arsenal was

awarded a penalty in a match against
when gathering the ball or making a save. Two hands together are
stronger and cover more area than one.
ARE STILL LEVEL AFTER Manchester City. Instead of shooting,
Robert Pires opted for the unorthodox Bend the
A PENALTY SHOOTOUT. but perfectly legal option of knocking
When the ball
is caught the
knees to “close
the gate” and
the ball for Thierry Henry to strike. thumbs should prevent the
However, Pires’ touch was so feeble be almost ball going

Attackers need to be Defenders must be ready to

,, A PENALTY
THAT IS STRUCK
POWER SHOT
You sacrifice accuracy
for speed with this option
and stand a good chance
that the ball failed to move and a
defender cleared it.
touching through
the legs

ready to pounce on run in to make a clearance FIRMLY INTO of success if you don’t blast
any rebounds if there’s a rebound
THE BOTTOM the ball wide or high.

OR TOP CORNER
WILL REGISTER A
,,
,,
GOAL, BUT THERE
IS VERY LITTLE THE PENALTY CHIP IS
MARGIN FOR THE MOST AUDACIOUS KIND THE “W” THE “M”
ERROR.

,,
OF PENALTY. YOU HAVE TO The basic hand position when dealing When dealing with a ball that reaches
RELY ON THE GOALKEEPER with a shot close to the body and
above the waist forms the letter
you below waist height and close to
the body, you should form a downward
DIVING BEFORE YOU MAKE “W” with the thumbs touching and pointing “M” with your hands, with

THE STRIKE.
12yd (11m) 18yd (16.5m) the fingers pointing upward—a the four fingers in the middle squeezed
good position to catch the ball. together and the thumbs pointing out.

Narrowing the angle 119 120 Grounding Diving save 121 122 Goalkeeper’s roles
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

As a goalkeeper, the nearer you are to an attacker running toward you with the When you catch a ball but have no chance of staying on your feet, The diving save is the most spectacular in a goalkeeper’s Being a good goalkeeper isn’t all about eye-catching saves and a strong physical
ball, the less chance he has of seeing the goal clearly. This method is known as you need to ground the ball as soon as possible to bring it under repertoire. The keys to achieving this successfully are quick presence. As a keeper, you have a duty to start attacks by distributing the ball
“narrowing the angle.” When an attacker is running toward the goal with the control and keep from spilling it into the path of incoming attackers. reactions, good footwork, and getting into position early. well and being the unofficial captain of the team’s defense.
ball or charging onto a through pass, you need to decide instantly whether to
stay back or run forward. You don’t want to be caught in no man’s land, where DISTRIBUTION DISTANCES
you have run away from the goal but are still not close enough to the ball to You need to tailor your distribution method
Launch your
prevent or block a shot. body toward to the player you are trying to reach. Often
the ball your target will be on the other side of the
Prepare your hands
STAY BACK for the catch halfway line, which will usually necessitate
The attacking player a long punt or a half-volley (see opposite).
has a large area of
the goal in which
to aim when you
stay back.

Dive with your hands Bend the leg closest to the ball
in the “W” position, and watch its flight. Spring to the
watching the ball closely side with one arm outstretched and
as it approaches. the wrist held firm.

KEY KEY
Little chance Watch the ball closely
Area not of saving a shot Get your to ensure you judge Punt Roll out
covered by There is to the side fingertips the distance Half-volley Goalkeeper
you as a keeper room for the to the ball
attacker to Long throw Danger area
Area covered run into Keep your torso fairly
by you rigid during the dive

MOVE FORWARD
As you hit the ground, Push the ball away from
By maintaining height
land on one knee with the goal to prevent attackers
and keeping your the other leg outstretched. from capitalizing on a rebound, then
arms outstretched Catch the ball slightly above brace yourself for landing.
you present a its center. LEV YASHIN
large obstacle.
The only keeper to
be voted European
Focus all your
Player of the Year,
upper body
weight down
onto the ball

Bring the ball firmly down

to the ground, holding it
tightly, with the hands still in
,, THE KEYS TO
A SUCCESSFUL
A WORD IN YOUR EAR
In the Belgian league
Yashin played for
Dynamo Moscow. He
represented the USSR
at three World Cups
and was known as “The
DIVING SAVE ARE
in January 2004,
the “W” position. Black Spider” because
Racing Genk’s Jan
he played as though he
QUICK REACTIONS,

,,
Moons became the
had eight arms.
first goalkeeper to
The attacker’s only
real option here is to GOOD FOOTWORK, receive instructions
from the bench via an
dribble around you
You have AND GETTING INTO earpiece. His side beat
narrowed the
angle well POSITION EARLY. FC Bruges 1–0.

Distribution 123 124 Catch or punch? Marshaling the defense 125 126
Tackling
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TACKLING

If you catch or pick up the ball while keeping, you have exactly six seconds While goalkeeping, you have to decide whether to deal with high Being a goalkeeper, you are the only player able to see the
to put the ball down again and restart play, otherwise you can be penalized. balls played into the penalty area by catching them, punching whole game in front of you. You are best placed to organize Tackling is hugely important—it’s the principal means of
Your goal should be to launch a speedy counterattack, so look up quickly them, or staying on your goal line. You should only do the latter defenses for the general benefit of the team. wresting possession from the opposition. It is a skill that every
to find a free teammate. There are four methods you can use to start a
new attack, each with its own merits.
if you believe you stand a poor chance of getting to the ball first.

Keep a grip
on the ball as
Under orders
A quiet keeper is not doing his job
properly. You should be extremely
vocal in warning your teammates
,,A KEEPER
SHOULD BE
member of a team, including forwards, needs to be prepared
to use, coining the phrase “defending from the front.”

Types of tackle
There are several kinds of tackle, each requiring different
Connect cleanly
with the middle
you land on
the ground A strong
when an opponent is unmarked, and
in announcing your intention to clear
EXTREMELY techniques, but two principles apply to them all. The first

VOCAL IN
part of your foot
punch gets
is timing: as a good tackler, you should know exactly when
the ball
or catch a ball. You should bark orders to attempt to win the ball. You are likely to miss the ball

Good
out of the
danger area
at your defense when setting up
defensive walls, as you alone know WARNING altogether if you lunge in prematurely. The second is safety,
not only in terms of avoiding injury but also in making sure
timing is
paramount
where they should stand to give you
the best chance of saving a shot. HIS that a clumsy tackle doesn’t lead to a free-kick.
Wait for the
TEAMMATES
with this

,,
technique ball to drop
before making
PETER SCHMEICHEL WHEN AN Poke tackle your move

The Denmark and Manchester

United keeper was a huge
OPPONENT IS Stay on your feet and poke
or prod the ball away from
physical presence on the
field. He is 6ft 4in (1.93m)
UNMARKED. your opponent into the path
of a teammate. It is best used
You have and wears size
Opposition a height
when the ball has bounced up
players will XXXL shoes.
advantage between knee and waist height.
THE PUNT THE HALF-VOLLEY jump in by virtue of
front of you being able
Drop the ball from your hands and This is similar to the punt, but here
to use
volley it. It is possible to cover long you let the ball hit the ground a fraction your arms
distances with this technique. of a second before making contact.
GOALKEEPING MOMENTS Get yourself as close
as possible to your
CATCHING THE BALL PUNCHING THE BALL THE SCORPION KICK opponent before making
Your best option is to catch the ball, The next best option is to punch the ball. Former Colombian keeper the tackle and wait for the
Technique since this will end the attack. However, Try to use both your arms although you
is similar
René Higuita performed the ball to come into view.
to 10-pin you have to reach the ball unimpeded. may be able to get only one to the ball. “Scorpion kick,” bouncing
Technique bowling forward onto his hands,
is similar to Player in possession is often
arching his back, and kicking unaware that you are about
a bowler’s
action in
cricket
Dealing with crosses the ball away with his heels. to make the challenge

TRAUTMANN’S NECK Time yourself carefully

The task of catching a cross or corner is ostensibly a simple one—follow the and flick your foot out
flight of the ball clearly and time the jump. Complications arise, however, with Germany’s Bert Trautmann
and through your opponent’s
the number of players in the penalty came to England as a legs to poke the ball away.
area. You must shout loudly to indicate prisoner of war. He signed for
your intentions to the defenders. Also, Manchester City in 1949. He
you must be strong enough to compete played most of the 1956 FA
with the opposition’s attackers. Cup Final with a broken neck.

A GUST OF WIND
Tottenham Hotspur’s Pat Aim for the gap
DEFENDING A CROSS Jennings scored a famous between the
COMING OUT Goalkeeper player’s legs
The secret of defending a cross is all goalkeeping goal in the 1967
Catch crosses in Attacker
THE OVERARM THROW THE ROLL OUT about organization. Defenders need to Charity Shield. His clearance
different parts of Ball motion
Grip the ball tightly, then move your Rolling the ball out is a good option pick up the players they are supposed Player
was caught by wind and
throwing arm around in an arc over over short to medium distances and to be marking and you need to be the penalty area. sailed past Manchester
your shoulder to launch the ball upfield. is extremely accurate. authoritative as a keeper. United’s Alex Stepney.
Block tackle
The block tackle is made when a defending player meets an attacker
head on. Both players use the inside of their tackling foot, forceably
making contact with the ball. Both players stay on their feet. The
block tackle is used more often than any other kind of tackle.
Before you make your
challenge, “jockey”
your opponent. This
involves standing in
front of the opponent
and denying him room.
When the opponent draws
his leg back to kick the
ball, bring your tackling foot
toward the ball.
,,
LUNGING IN PREMATURELY
IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN YOU MISSING
THE BALL ALTOGETHER.
The rainbow
In this trick, you have to flick the ball behind you and then
back-heel it over your head before bringing it under control
at the front of your body. The flight of the ball forms an arc
over your head, hence the trick’s name.
Trap
the ball
between
your heel
and toes
Place your weaker foot in front
of the ball, touching the heel. Roll
the ball a short distance up the back
of your ankle with your other foot.
Follow the
flight of the
ball carefully
Concentration and skill is
required to anticipate the path
of the ball over your head and onto
your feet. Then start juggling.
COMMON SOCCER INJURIES
AREA OF BODY
HEAD
BACK
ARMS
LEGS (UPPER)
KNEES
LEGS (LOWER)
ANKLES AND FEET
,,THE MOST
COMMON MONTHS
FOR INJURIES ARE
DURING PRE-SEASON
TRAINING AND
THE SEASON’S
EARLY MONTHS.
Use of space
When children play soccer, they all tend to follow the ball. Then they
realize they will be more useful to their team if they get away from
the pack and find some space. The history of soccer can be seen as a
process of gradual enlightenment when it comes to space; today, it
is given the importance it deserves.
Pass and move
The pass-and-move philosophy is
based on the idea that if a player
is static it is easy for opponents
to pick him up. The great Liverpool
teams of the 1970s and early ’80s
were masters of pass-and-move
soccer, exhausting opponents
and keeping possession with
constantly shifting triangles.
PERPETUAL MOTION
The pass-and-move philosophy is
based on the idea that if players
are constantly on the move, they
are more difficult to mark.
A player passes
the ball to his
unmarked
teammate
,,POSSESSION IS NINE-
TENTHS OF THE LAW.
BARRING OWN-GOALS, NO ONE
CAN SCORE AGAINST YOU IF
THEY DON’T HAVE THE BALL.
127 128 Slide tackle The “hook” tackle 129 130
Freestyle skills
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TACKLING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TACKLING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | TACKLING
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREESTYLE SKILLS
Both dramatic and emphatic, you should use this This is a variation of the
technique only when there are no alternatives. slide tackle in which you The attacking
player stumbles Freestyle soccer is essentially juggling with a ball in as creative
This is because you will always end up on the “hook” your foot around over the challenge a fashion as possible. As in the real game, any part of the body
ground and invariably out of the game. the ball. You begin behind
the player in possession can be used except the hands and the arms. Although most of the
at an angle of about 45 skills associated with freestyle soccer are not directly relevant to
degrees. Challenge him, and match play, they are worth mastering as they develop ball control
hook your foot around the
and encourage creativity and improvisation.
ball and steal possession.
Then pass to a teammate. The moves
There are many different moves that an aspiring freestyler
can learn and, as with other freestyle sports (such as
skateboarding), new tricks are constantly being invented.
Tricks usually fall into three main categories: juggling
Use your (keeping the ball airborne), flick-ups, and catches.
Approaching from the
arm to
Use your back
side, make your tackle support your
leg as a pivot to
move sideways
with the leg farthest forward.
Bend your other leg to allow
body on the
ground
Keepy-uppie Head stall
during jockeying yourself to slide in.
In the simplest form, you have to keep In this trick, you have to balance the
the ball from touching the ground for ball on your forehead. Keep your eyes
Stay on your
feet until the last Recovery tackle as long as possible, usually with the
feet and head. A fundamental skill,
on the ball while performing and make
small neck and body adjustments to
possible moment keepy-uppie is also known as juggling. keep it in place.
Similar in many ways Get your
Move your weight to the sliding tackle, body in
forward into front of the Readjust
The player in
the recovery tackle is your neck
the tackle player in Watch the
possession not intended to gain possession ball closely to make
Knock the ball will fall over possession or set up at all times your head
away, ideally to your legs as flat as
a pass to a teammate. possible
a teammate. Get back It’s usually made when
on your feet as soon as an attacker has the
possible after making
ball near the sideline
the tackle.
and needs to be stopped
from advancing. Your
best option is to kick
Keep your the ball into touch.
ankle firm
throughout Slide in and
the tackle kick the ball
into touch
Remain
agile and
Once the tackle is engaged,
you still have to work
Slide on the
knee of your
non-striking leg ,, EXECUTE THE
Small and
subtle foot
movements
work best
light on
your feet
hard to control the ball and
win possession.
MOORE STOPS BRAZIL RECOVERY
TACKLE WHEN ,,
,,
One of the most famous and elegant into the box, Bobby Moore slid in with an OUT OF PLAY
TRICKS USUALLY FALL
,, ,,
tackles in history was made during the immaculate tackle. Technically, he used The recovery Defender
THE ATTACKER
“Clash of the Champions”—England’s
encounter with Brazil in the group
his “wrong” foot (the one farther upfield)
but he rose majestically and carried the
tackle is used
to dispossess an
Attacker
Ball motion NEEDS TO BE INTO THREE MAIN
stages of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. ball out of defense as if the challenge opponent and put Player
STOPPED FROM CATEGORIES: JUGGLING,
FLICK-UPS, AND CATCHES.
As Brazil’s Jairzinho dribbled menacingly had been merely routine. the ball out of play. motion
ADVANCING.
131 132 Around the world Unofficial world championships 133 134
Injuries
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREESTYLE SKILLS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREESTYLE SKILLS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | FREESTYLE SKILLS
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | INJURIES
In this trick, you have to kick the ball up in the air during a Although the sport is not yet organized by a universally recognized
keepy-uppie session and circle your kicking foot around it before international body, several self-proclaimed freestyle world championships Soccer does not have the frequency of contact injuries
it begins to drop. This must be done smoothly enough to get your have taken place. They have spawned numerous freestyle stars, such as
sustained in rugby and football. However, players’ twists
,,
,,
foot back in position to continue the juggling at the end of the Mr. Woo, John Farnworth, Nam the Man, and Arnaud Garnier.
maneuver. The kicking foot can go around the ball either on and turns put huge stresses on their joints, and tackles and
the outside (away from the center of your body) or on the inside. collisions at high speed can be serious. At the top level,
FREESTYLE PERFORMERS ARE injuries are inevitable but can still affect a side’s season
Keep your head MARKED ON THE VARIETY AND or even shape a soccer player’s entire career.
still throughout
the trick
Stretch out
your arms
to maintain
balance
DIFFICULTY OF TRICKS PERFORMED.
MILENE DOMINGUES
Injury facts
The most common months for injuries
are during pre-season training and the
season’s early months, when muscles
,, EIGHTY
PERCENT
Known as Ronaldinha, the ex-wife are comparatively untrained. The OF INJURIES
of Brazilian star Ronaldo is one of most common moments in games ARE SEVERE
,,
the best female players in Europe. to get injured are the two 15-minute
With 55,198 touches, she holds the periods at the end of both halves. ENOUGH TO
women’s record for ball-juggling. Eighty percent of injuries are severe RULE PLAYERS
enough to rule players out of at least
one match—the average number of
OUT OF AT LEAST
Drive your heel matches missed is as high as four. ONE MATCH.
up and through Keep your
to propel the ball foot away THE JUDGES’ BRIEF
from the ball
Strike with a
bit more force According to the World
than usual Freestyle Football Association
When the ball is just above your (WFFA), established in 2005,
heel, hop forward, leading with
your stronger foot, and flick up the ball Start by juggling as normal, As the ball rises, circle
performers should be given
scores out of 10 in the
Rehabilitation
over your head with the weaker one. keeping the ball under close your foot over the ball, following categories:
control, then begin the trick by then control it and continue When top players get injured, they
kicking the ball higher than usual. juggling as it drops. have a team of medical experts to
• Control: demonstrating guide them through the painful
SOCCER AND CAPOEIRA and maintaining ball process of rehabilitation. In
control using various the case of a broken leg, after
Young, urban South parts of the body. approximately four weeks in
Americans have developed
a soccer version of Capoeira,
MAJOR FREESTYLE TOURNAMENTS KOMBALL KONTEST • Transitions: moving a cast, the player will begin a
The rules may not have been The Komball Kontest held in fluidly from one trick grueling session of gym work,
the Afro-Brazilian dance- standardized, and the sport may France in 2008 introduced a new to the next. focused on rebuilding the muscle
based martial art. lack an official governing body, format for freestyle competitions. • Use of both feet. tissue. Usually the injured body
but there have been several Sixteen participants performed • Use of the entire body, part ends up stronger than
,, TO PERFORM
THE RAINBOW,
self-proclaimed freestyle world
championships over the years.
MASTERS OF THE GAME I
An organization called “Masters
individually in front of three judges,
with the best eight progressing
to a knockout phase. Ireland’s
Nam “the Man” Ngueyen was
crowned European soccer
•
•
except hands.
Combinations: including
consistently completing the
same move twice or more.
Sticks: stalling the ball on
it was before the injury.
FLICK THE BALL of the Game” held a tournament freestyle champion. different parts of the body.
BEHIND YOU, THEN
at the Amsterdam Arena, • Variety of tricks.
Netherlands, in 2003. It was RED BULL STREET STYLE
• Level of difficulty.
BACK-HEEL IT OVER won by South Korea’s Mr. Woo. In 2008, the Red Bull Street • Creativity: originality and
,,
Style world finals were held in imagination shown in
YOUR HEAD BEFORE MASTERS OF THE GAME II São Paulo, Brazil. A panel judged performance, using crowd
BRINGING IT UNDER The second Masters of the Game the participants on ball control, reaction as a guide.
CONTROL IN FRONT world championship was held in
2006 and was won by the UK’s
technique, style, and their ability
to synchronize their movements
• Blotto: pushing the envelope
of the sport to new levels.
OF YOUR BODY. John Farnworth. with background music.
135 138
Teamwork: key concepts
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS | INJURIES
TEAMWORK | TEAMWORK: KEY CONCEPTS
INJURY/DESCRIPTION
CUTS—general abrasions suffered in the course of play There are many commonly used strategies in soccer, but
CONCUSSION—result of an impact to the head certain principles can be applied to them all. Every player
needs to have a grasp of these fundamentals if they are to
MUSCLE STRAIN—caused by excessive spinal stretching
SLIPPED DISK—the pain of a vertebrae pushing on a nerve succeed on the field. For a lucky few, it is a process that
comes instinctively; for everyone else, a little theory, coupled
FRACTURE—usually as a result of an awkward fall with plenty of hard work on the training ground, is invaluable.
DISLOCATION—whereby a bone is dislodged from its socket
The team is everything
GROIN STRAIN—overstretching of the groin muscles
DEAD LEG—loss of feeling of movement from hard blow There is no “I” in “team.” Individual brilliance is
useless unless it is harnessed for the good of the
HAMSTRING STRAIN OR TEAR—usually incurred while
running at high speed team. A player needs to bear five things in mind on
the field: find space so that teammates can pass to him;
CRUCIATE LIGAMENT DAMAGE—overbending or offer his teammates support whenever they
rotation of the knee are on the ball; guard possession
TORN CARTILAGE—damage to the knee’s shock absorbers
of the ball; move to a new
position after he has made
CALF STRAIN—overstretching of the lower leg
SHIN SPLINTS—hard impact to the shin a pass; and keep teammates
informed of his intentions.
TWISTED OR BROKEN ANKLE—caused by rapid
turning or a bad tackle
Teamwork
ACHILLES STRAIN—strained tendon in the heel SUPPORT
METATARSAL FRACTURE—fractured foot bones Players must support their
colleagues by joining them in
attack, running back to help
out in defense, or filling in
for a teammate who has
left his playing position after
joining an attack. Forwards
must follow up shots looking
for rebounds off the goalkeeper.
,,
COMMUNICATION
Communication on the field is vital.
A player in possession of the ball
isn’t always aware of his teammates’
intentions. Therefore, it is essential they
let him know where they are, where
they are heading, and where they want
the ball to be played. This can be done
by using one of a number of calls.
ROY KEANE
DJIBRIL CISSÉ A midfielder, Roy Keane
Djibril Cissé had only played 19 games for was an ultimate team
Liverpool when in October 2004 a tackle player during his
from Blackburn Rovers’ Jay McEveley distinguished career
broke two bones in his leg. Then, playing with Nottingham Forest,
for France against China on June 7, Manchester United, Celtic,
2006, he suffered another broken leg. and the Republic of Ireland.
139 140 Global styles 141 142
Continental
Holland (1974): Thrilled the
Formations
TEAMWORK | TEAMWORK: KEY CONCEPTS
TEAMWORK | TEAMWORK: KEY CONCEPTS
TEAMWORK | TEAMWORK: KEY CONCEPTS
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
The way soccer should be played is a much-discussed topic, and the world with its brand of
answer given varies from country to country. The descriptions Total Soccer (see p.149)
The formation of a team is determined by the positions
below are generalizations, but they certainly have some validity.
British
allocated to players and their relationship to each other.
England (1966): Won the Managers select formations with two main goals: to
World Cup with a mix of
skill, grit, and determination neutralize the opposition, and to exploit its weaknesses.
Possession Formations are listed in numbers, with the defenders listed
In soccer, possession is nine-tenths Northern European first and the strikers listed last (goalkeepers are never listed).
of the law. Barring own-goals, no West Germany (1974):
Stopped Total Soccer in its
one can score against you if they
don’t have the ball. Chasing the play
tracks in the World Cup final
Early formations 1-2-7
also tires and frustrates opponents. In the early days, forward passes
Possession soccer has developed into The earliest formations were
Italian mostly attack-based but became were not permitted. Players
a full-fledged tactic, and one that is Italy (2006): A World could pass the ball sideways or
related to the “pass-and-move” Cup-winning mix of more balanced as they evolved.
Central America Latin
defensive stability and The following are some of the backward, although this was seen
philosophy (see left). Mexico (1986): Crashed Brazil (1970): Considered
as contrary to the spirit of the
the greatest team in attacking flair most influential formations
out of the World Cup
on penalties without World Cup history in soccer’s formative years. game. Instead, players moved
losing a game CONTINENTAL up the field together using a
kind of charge-dribble.
Players (type): A combination of the
African Latin and Northern European games
Characteristics: All players The emphasis of
Cameroon (1990):
a 1-2-7 was on
The first African are comfortable on the ball; the
After passing, side to progress relentless attack
the player moves to the World Cup emphasis is on creativity combined
into space ready
to receive a
return pass from
his teammate
quarter-finals with composure and coordination
among the players
Success: Holland and France are
the style’s leading representatives
,, FORMATIONS
ARE MEANT TO
,,
,, ATTACKS
BY THE BRITISH
CENTRAL AMERICAN
Players (type): Clever, but sometimes
excessive, dribblers
BRITISH
Players (type): Physical, athletic, fast
tempo, and direct
NORTHERN EUROPEAN
Players (type): Hardworking,
aggressive, organized, and swift
NEUTRALIZE
THE OPPOSITION
AND EXPLOIT ITS
WEAKNESSES.
ARE SET UP Characteristics: Ball tends to be
moved around the field in a series
Characteristics: Attacks are set
up quickly with few touches on
Characteristics: Direct game
with forceful, although sometimes
QUICKLY of short passes; all players have good the ball; the game plan for the British highly predictable, attacks; their
WITH FEW
one-on-one skills; tempo of matches style of play is based on substance defenses are typically hard to
With just three defensive
is often slow over style break down players, cover at the
TOUCHES ON Success: Mexico is the primary
representative of this style
Success: Success at club level; not on
the world stage for the national team
Success: Germany remains the
standard-bearer for this style
back was minimal
THE BALL. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FORMATIONS
GAME PLAN LATIN ITALIAN AFRICAN The way teams have lined up 1889
1934
FOR THEIR Players (type): Confident with the
ball, good dribblers, and creative
Players (type): Skillful, inventive,
and cautious
Players (type): Athletic and physical
Characteristics: Touch-and-move
on a field has changed radically
throughout the game’s history.
Preston North
End win the
English league
1925
Changes
Vittorio
Pozzo’s
,,
STYLE OF PLAY Characteristics: The Latin game Characteristics: Reluctance to commit soccer similar to the Latin style; and FA Cup
playing a 2-3-5
in the
offside
Italy wins
the World
IS BASED ON
Cup with
,,
style has a possession-oriented too many players forwards in attack there is emphasis on stylish 1867 1872 rule give
Offside Royal Engineers win birth to a 2-3-2-3
character suited to the hot, draining due to great emphasis on defense attacking soccer and displays
SUBSTANCE climates in which matches are Success: Italian clubs feature in the of individual skill
rule first
introduced
the FA Cup with a
1-2-7 formation
the W-M
OVER STYLE.
typically played latter stages of major European Success: African teams continue to
Success: Portugal, Argentina, Spain,
and Brazil are among the world’s best
titles; the national side is a regular
contender at major championships
threaten to reach the latter stages
of the World Cup 1860 1870 1880 1900 1920 1930 1940
 THE DIAGONAL
During the 1940s, Brazil manager
Flávio Costa developed a curiously
lopsided system known as the diagonal.
It was similar to the W-M, except that
the two left-sided midfielders were
stationed farther forward than their
equivalents on the right. Costa enjoyed
considerable success with the system,
2-3-5
In 1866, the rules were changed
to allow forward passing (provided
there were at least three opponents
between the player receiving the
ball and the goal). Due to this extra
pressure on defenses, by the 1880s
the more defensive 2-3-5 (the
pyramid) had evolved.
Five forwards
gave teams ample
scope in attack
Center halves were
responsible for breaking down
play and instigating attacks
1953 1966
Hungary exposes England’s “wingless
the weaknesses wonders” win the
in the W-M by World Cup with a
playing the M-U midfield diamond
1958 1970
Brazil wins the Ajax wins
World Cup with the first
4-2-4 European Cup
1950 1960 1970
4-5-1
This is essentially a defensive
formation, with a packed midfield
and a lone striker left to fend for
himself, or hold the ball up, until
support arrives, usually from the
wide players. English team
Chelsea used this system to great
effect during its back-to-back
Premier League title successes
in 2005 and 2006.
A bank of four defenders
provides the necessary
cover in defense
4-2-3-1 Two of the three
This was arguably the dominant midfielders play
a defensive role
formation on either side of the
millennium. It revolves around
the midfield, with two of the
central players in holding roles
and the other one concentrating
on attack. France beat Brazil
3–0 in the 1998 World Cup
final using this formation. It is
popular in continental Europe.
,, THE 4-2-3-1
FORMATION
REVOLVES AROUND
THE MIDFIELD,
,,
WITH TWO OF
THE CENTRAL
PLAYERS IN
HOLDING ROLES.
Marking
Marking is about preventing the ball being passed
easily among the opposing team. Picking up an
opponent, whether from set pieces or in open play,
is one of the defender’s most important tasks. If
several defenders decide to mark one opponent
at the same time, they will leave other opponents
dangerously unmarked. There are two options to
avoid this: zonal marking and man-to-man marking.
Zonal marking
Zonal marking was developed in the 1950s to deal with
the problem of playing against a team using withdrawn
strikers. Here defenders are responsible for specific
areas of the field rather than particular opponents.
ZONAL MARKING
Players occupy an area of
the field and do not directly
mark an opponent.
Man-to-man marking
Man-to-man marking is simple: a defender
is allocated an opponent and has to stick to
him no matter where he runs. The system’s
advantage is its clarity. The disadvantage is
that it allows crafty attacking players to pull
defenders out of position.
MAN-TO-MAN
Each player has to
mark a single opponent.
TOP 5: HARDMEN
Defensive hardmen are there
to terrify opponents. A type of
anti-strategy, it can be very effective.
The players mentioned below can
be viewed as being among the
toughest players the game of
soccer has ever seen.
CLAUDIO GENTILE
Gentile—“gentle” in Italian—was
an inappropriate last name for one
of the toughest defenders of all time.
“Football (soccer) is not for
ballerinas,” the Juventus hardman
said, after famously kicking a young
Diego Maradona into submission at
the 1982 World Cup. Remarkably,
he never received a red card.
but abandoned it halfway through
the 1950 World Cup campaign in
favor of a conventional W-M.
Many blamed his decision for Brazil’s
sensational loss to Uruguay in the
final match that cost Brazil the trophy.
The defeat is considered the darkest
day in Brazilian sports history.
3-2-2-3 (W-M)
The offside rule (see pp.18–19)
was amended in 1925 to encourage
more attacking soccer. A player
receiving the ball was now onside
provided there were two opponents
ahead of him. To deal with the
increased attacking threat, the
3-2-2-3 (or W-M) was developed.
Wing halves marked
the opposition
inside-forward
Fullbacks mark The center back
the opposition marks the opposing
wingers center-forward
1990
AC Milan deploys
the definitive
modern 4-4-2
2009
The dominant
contemporary formations
are fluid variants of 4-5-1
and 4-2-3-1, even 4-6-0
1980 1990 2000
A single striker Wide men join
receives and holds the striker
up the ball in attack
The striker relies
on wide men and
advanced midfielder
Four-man
defense
adds solidity
KEY
Attacking team
Defensive team
BOBBY MOORE
Possessing an ability to read the
game as it unfolds before him, few
defenders played with as much
effortless grace as England’s 1966
World Cup-winning captain.
TOMMY SMITH
According to Bill Shankly, Smith
wasn’t born, he was “quarried.”
Smith, who enjoyed a 16-year career
with Liverpool, once handed opposing
striker Jimmy Greaves a piece of
paper before a match. It was the lunch
menu from the Liverpool Infirmary.
RONALD KOEMAN
After the Netherlands beat host
West Germany in the semi-final of
Euro ’88, Koeman swapped his shirt
with German midfielder Olaf Thon,
then rudely pretended to wipe his
backside with it. The great Dutch
defender had a shot like a cannonball
as well as a bone-crunching tackle.
DUNGA
Brazilians are not known for their
hard tackling, but the captain of the
1994 World Cup-winning team played
like a naval destroyer and even looked
scary. Capped 91 times, he added
much-needed strength to Brazil’s
traditionally attacking style of play.
STUART PEARCE
Known as “Psycho,” the giant-thighed
England fullback used to listen to the
Sex Pistols to get into the right mood
for matches. Pearce (left) once tried
to run off a broken leg, and when
Basile Boli head-butted
him at Euro ’92, it was
the Frenchman who
came off worse.
,, THE DEFENSE
CAN DISPOSSESS
AN ISOLATED
OPPONENT BY
,,
PUTTING TWO
DEFENDERS
ON ONE
ATTACKER.
143 144
,,THE 4-2-4 FORMATION
WAS DEVELOPED TO
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
REINFORCE THE DEFENSE
WITHOUT SACRIFICING
ATTACKING PLAY.
3-2-3-2 (M-U)
In November 1953, Hungary (the
Olympic soccer champion) lined up
against England at Wembley in a
revolutionary M-U formation. The
team gave its host, who was playing
a rigid W-M, a soccer lesson, and
went on to win the match 6–3.
A deep-lying center
forward pulled the
man-marking center
back out of position
The withdrawal of the center
forward left space for the
inside- forward to run into
Other formations
Several theories on how to play the game abounded
throughout Europe in the 1920s and ’30s—the following
are among the most famous of those systems.
Danubian school
A modification of the 2-3-5 formation,
utilized by the Austrians, Czechs, and
Hungarians in the 1920s, it relied on
2010 short passing and individual skills. It
reached its peak in the early 1930s.
147 148 Other modern formations
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
While the majority of formations have been adopted
as standard throughout the soccer world, others—
such as catenaccio and “Total Soccer”—have become
synonymous with a particular team or nation.
Catenaccio (1-4-3-2)
Catenaccio, which means “door
bolt” in Italian, relied on a libero,
or sweeper (see p.45) stationed in
front of the goalkeeper to counter
the risk of an opposing forward
breaking through the main line
of defense. It was fundamentally
a defensive system, but by forcing
opponents to commit extra players
forward, it left them vulnerable to
rapid counterattacks.
THE BIRTH OF CATENACCIO
Catenaccio first became popular
in Italy in the late 1940s. Gipo Viani,
the Salernitana manager, claimed
to have invented the formation
after seeing fishermen using two
nets—the reserve net was used to
pick up any fish that had managed
to evade the first one.
,,CATENACCIO FORCES
OPPONENTS TO COMMIT EXTRA
PLAYERS FORWARD, LEAVING
THEM VULNERABLE TO RAPID
COUNTERATTACKS.
151 152 Great defensive partnerships
TEAMWORK | DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
TEAMWORK | DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
Most formations pair two central defenders together at the back and
their partnership is one of the most important on the field. It helps if
they are not too similar in playing style (so they can offer more than
one skill) and there are various theories about the ideal combination.
The perfect mix
One tried-and-tested formula is
a ball-winner plus a ball-player,
with the former doing most of the
tackling and the latter picking up
the ball and passing (such as Italy’s
Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro
Nesta). The most important
ingredient is mutual understanding.
NESTA AND CANNAVARO
Cannavaro’s positional sense and
superb reading of the game broke
up opposition attacks. Nesta, supremely
quick and elegant on the ball, picked up
the pieces and instigated new attacks.
155 156
Attacking strategies
TEAMWORK | DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
TEAMWORK | ATTACKING STRATEGIES
There are three main choices when it comes to attacking
play. How many strikers do you employ? Do you try to get
into a scoring position via the sides of the field (“the flanks”)
or through the middle? And do you seek to get there through
intricate or direct passing? The answers depend on the
strength of your team, the weaknesses of the opposition,
and the way the game is unfolding.
Through the middle:
the long-ball game
The long-ball game involves getting the ball from the defenders
to the forwards as quickly as possible. This entails passing the
ball two-thirds of the length of the field or more in the air, and
for this reason the approach is also known as “route-one soccer.”
Ideal requirements
The long-ball game works best with a tall forward
(the “target man”), who is likely to win the long
aerial balls, or with wingers stationed near the
sidelines. Teams use this strategy to get the ball
rapidly out of defense to minimize the risk of
losing possession in a dangerous area, and to get
the ball up to the forwards before the defending
team has had a chance to organize its defense.
Ayala
De Boer
ROUTE-ONE PERFECTION
There is nothing attractive or particularly skillful about the long-ball
game, but there are exceptions, such as Dennis Bergkamp’s exquisite
89th-minute, match-winning goal for the Netherlands against Argentina
in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals.
Modern formations
,,
During the first 100 years of soccer’s existence, only a handful
of formations were regularly used. There also tended to be just
one used in a given era. Since the 1960s, the tactical side of
the game has been blown wide open. Flexibility has become the
watchword, with the team increasingly tailored to the opposition
and to the way a match is panning out.
4-2-4 4-4-2
Developed to reinforce the defense The basic modern formation, the
without sacrificing attacking play, 4-4-2, places a burden on midfielders:
the 4-2-4 exploded onto the one of the central pair must go up
international scene with Brazil’s and support attacks, while the other
victory at the 1958 World Cup. drops back. Wide players help out in
It operates as a 3-3-4 when in defense and attack, creating a
possession and a 4-3-3 in defense. temporary 4-2-4. The two strikers
work in tandem and need to have a
good understanding of each other.
One of the forwards
drops back into
midfield to help out
when necessary
,, THE BASIC
MODERN
,,
FORMATION,
THE 4-4-2, PLACES
A BURDEN ON THE
MIDFIELDERS.
One of the fullbacks
advances to join the midfield in
attack; the other helps in defense
Il metodo (“The method”)
Devised by Vittorio Pozzo, coach of
the Italian national side in the 1930s,
il metodo involved pulling back two of
the forwards to just in front of midfield
to create a 2-3-2-3 formation.
,, THE CHRISTMAS TREE
IS A MORE ATTACKING
ADAPTATION OF 4-3-3.
Hardworking Total Soccer
midfielders help out in
Rinus Michels, manager of the
defense and have to join
rapid counterattacks great Ajax and Netherlands teams
of the early 1970s, gave his players
unprecedented freedom to tackle
the game as it unfolded. Outfield
players had no fixed positions,
although the team had adopted a
variant of 4-3-3; each player had to
be prepared to occupy any position
as the need arose. Although thrilling
to watch, the team lost the World
Cup final in 1974.
TOTAL SOCCER REBORN
The Netherlands scored the perfect
Total Soccer goal, against Italy at
Euro 2008, turning defense into
instant attack in the blink of an eye.
KEY
Holland
Italy
Pass
The libero, or
sweeper, adds an Player movement
extra line of defense
VARIATIONS
THE DIAMOND
Alf Ramsey’s “wingless wonders,”
,,
England, won the 1966 World Cup with
this formation. It gives a side great
solidity in midfield, with the full-backs
providing the width in attack. AC Milan
won the Champions League in 2007
playing with the same system.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Named after its pointed shape, the
4-3-2-1 formation is a more attacking
adaptation of 4-3-3. In this setup, two
players play behind a lone striker
TOP 5: PARTNERSHIPS
Successful teams are invariably built on the foundations
of a great defensive partnership. Here are five of the finest:
BARESI AND COSTACURTA
(AC MILAN)
They played together for so long in
AC Milan’s defense they instinctively
THE BEREZUTSKY TWINS knew where the other would be. When
Baresi retired, Paolo Maldini stepped
Understanding is the most important
effortlessly into his shoes.
component of a defensive partnership
and no two people understand each other
HANSEN AND LAWRENSON
better than identical twins. Aleksei and (LIVERPOOL)
Vasili Berezutsky of CSKA Moscow and The cornerstone of the great Liverpool
Russia are living proof that such a formula team of the early 1980s, Lawrenson
can work at the highest level of the sport. was the quicker, Hansen the more
Born on June 20, 1982, Aleksei is the stylish, but both had the priceless
younger one, and is also half an inch (1cm) ability to bring the ball out of defense.
shorter. They have played together at the
heart of the CSKA defense since 2002, ADAMS AND KEOWN (ARSENAL)
The center backs were formidable
and for the national side since 2003.
to begin with, but got even better as
time passed on. Born in the same
Defending from the front
It’s not just defenders who need to defend. Forwards
today are expected to help out when their side does
not have the ball. This puts pressure on the opposing
defenders, and on the goalkeeper when he receives a
back pass. The purpose of this is to force a defensive
error and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Condensing play
When the attacking team has
possession of the ball, the defending
team can make life difficult for them
by quickly filling the gaps between
players. Condensing the play in
this way makes the field appear
smaller, denies the attacking team
room in which to operate efficiently,
and increases the chances of forcing
them to make a mistake. It is a
major weapon to use when trying
to regain possession of the ball.
,,
CONDENSING THE PLAY MAKES THE
FIELD APPEAR SMALLER, PRESSURING
THE OPPONENTS INTO MAKING MISTAKES.
Intricate passing
Well-marshaled defenders can render the long-ball game
ineffective by packing the defense with extra players to leave
attacking forwards hopelessly outnumbered. When teams face
such a defense, they have to rely on intricate passing to break
through. It helps if they have players who are skillful enough
to pass the ball accurately and quickly in confined spaces.
Player movement
Static players are easy for defenders
to mark. Successful intricate passing
depends on attackers moving around
and the player in possession of the
ball anticipating his teammates’
movements. The passer should also
move into space as soon as he has
played to provide teammates with
another passing option.
Slide-rule passes
This pass is weighted so precisely that it
reaches a forward-running attacker the
KEY
Holland
very moment he arrives in the desired
position. It is a vital tool for breaking
even the most stubborn of defenses.
Argentina
Pass
Player
movement
Bergkamp
PAUL SCHOLES
The attacking midfielder
for Manchester United,
Paul Scholes is one of
the neatest passers in
modern soccer.
145 146
3-5-2/5-3-2 Hardworking
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
The difference between 3-5-2 wingbacks give this
and 5-3-2 is one of emphasis,
with the former being more
formation width
attack-oriented than the latter
since it has more midfielders.
In either variant, the key men
are the wide players, usually
described as wingers, who are
expected to help out with both
attack and defense.
One striker can
drop deep to
create a 4-4-1-1 Three
midfielders
on defense
Three central
defenders, one of
whom drops back
4-3-3
Essentially a more defensive
Wingers can join the
attack or drop into
version of the 4-2-4, the 4-3-3
midfield to defend
was first pioneered by Brazil at
the 1962 World Cup. The three
Wide players provide midfielders could be staggered
cover in defense and in various ways and tended to
extra options in attack
move across the field as a unit.
Few teams now start with this
system, but many adopt it late
on in a match if they’re chasing
a game.
In attack, two midfielders push
forward with one dropping
back to help the defense
ARRIGO SACCHI
Although he never played
professionally, Arrigo Sacchi
managed the great AC Milan in the
early 1990s. He perfected the 4-4-2,
where he made his players move
across the field as a packed unit.
,,
149 150
Defensive strategies
TEAMWORK | FORMATIONS
TEAMWORK | DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
Defenders, like all other players, need to master the basic
skills of the game, such as passing and ball control, but in some
departments—notably tackling—they have to be considerably
better than average. Individual technical ability, though, is only
Dirk Kuyt (18) heads a part of the story. Defenders also need to address how they are
pass from van Bronkhurst going to work together as a unit.
into the path of Sneijder,
who scores
Defending as a unit
A good defense provides the foundation for every great team, and
if a defense wants to become impenetrable, it needs to become a
10 coherent unit. That means working together to regain possession
18
of the ball, holding a tight defensive line, claiming responsibility
5 for marking attacking players, and disrupting the opposing side’s
organization as much as possible.
Holding the line
23
Defenders form a line across the field exactly
parallel to the goal line, particularly when the
10 23
18 opposition has possession of the ball. The line helps KEY
increase the chances of catching opposing forwards
offside, unless one of them manages to cut through Attacking team
Defensive team
5 with a well-timed run. It also dictates how far upfield
1 Pass
the team as a whole plays. Midfielders should base Player
themselves slightly ahead of the defensive line. The movement
same is true of forwards in relation to the midfielders.
Giovanni van Bronkhurst (5)
clears a corner to teammate
Wesley Sneijder (10), and
runs down the left flank
(“in the hole”). Terry Venables’s
England side used the Christmas Tree
formation to great effect at Euro ’96.
HIGH DEFENSIVE LINE
There is a danger of opponents
breaking the offside trap (see box,
below) with a well-timed through-ball.
LOW DEFENSIVE LINE
There is a danger of allowing
opposition players to get
too close to goal.
THE FUTURE: 4-6-0
At a 2003 coaching conference in
Rio de Janeiro, former Brazil manager
Carlos Alberto Parreira declared the
4-6-0 to be the formation of the THE OFFSIDE TRAP
future. His prediction seems to be
coming true: Manchester United
Holding a good defensive line is a
deterrent in itself, but the offside
him offside at the moment the ball is
struck (see pp.18–19). It is a high-risk
won the 2008 Champions League trap adds another level. It involves all strategy, but can be very effective if
playing with no dedicated striker. the defenders stepping forward just performed properly. The Arsenal back
Instead, the team relied on attacking before an opponent passes the ball to four of the late 1980s and early ’90s
midfielders bursting forward as and a forward-running striker, thus playing were masters of the offside trap.
when opportunities arose.
153 154 Shielding Facing away
from the
Shielding the ball involves attacker, the
TEAMWORK | DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
TEAMWORK | DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
a player positioning his body defender
between an opponent and protects the ball
year, they won a league and FA the ball without actually
Cup double at age 31, and another obstructing the opponent.
in 2002 at age 35. It is a useful skill and one
that can be used all
LEBOEUF AND DESAILLY
over the field, from a
(CHELSEA) Close
lone striker holding the
A World Cup-winning center back control is
ball up, to a defender essential
partnership with France in 2002,
shielding the ball from when
Leboeuf and Desailly were also shielding
an attacker to ensure that
a formidable force at Chelsea.
it goes out of play for a
goal-kick or a throw-in.
SCHWARZENBECK AND
BECKENBAUER
(BAYERN MUNICH)
Beckenbauer’s elegance and
attacking libero style was perfectly
complemented by Schwarzenbeck’s
no-nonsense traditional approach
Shepherding KEY
to the game.
Just as a shepherd uses a dog to control his flock without
touching them, a defender “shepherds” an attacker, trying Attacking team
Defensive team
to maneuver him away from danger zones, without ever
Player
trying to take the ball away. This tactic has two main movement
purposes—to move attacking players away from the goal
and to force them to play the ball with their weaker foot.
Danger zone
KEY
Attacking team A
Defensive team B
Action area
SHEPHERDING I SHEPHERDING II
The defender shepherds The defender prevents
a left-footed striker onto the winger from getting
his weaker right foot. in a cross.
CONDENSING PLAY
Team B condenses the play,
Doubling up
putting pressure on attacking If an opponent becomes isolated,
Team A. the defenders can dispossess him by
B
“doubling up”—putting two defenders A
on one attacker. Defenders need to be
careful: two defenders on one attacker C
,,
means other
attackers are
likely to be left KEY
unguarded. Attacking team
DOUBLING UP
Player C runs back to
Defensive team
Player assist player B against
movement opponent player A.
157 158
The one-two
TEAMWORK | ATTACKING STRATEGIES
TEAMWORK | ATTACKING STRATEGIES
The one-two is an excellent way to get
past a defender who is standing between
B
the attacker (who has the ball) and the
A
goal. It needs two attackers, one of
them stationary and one running with
the ball. The running attacker passes to
his stationary teammate, continues
to run forward past the defender, then THE Attacking
Element of surprise ONE-TWO team
Tricks, such as back-heels, are receives the ball back from the stationary
Player A passes Defensive team
invaluable in and around the penalty teammate. Also known as the “wall pass,”
to player B, runs, Pass/shot
area. They are impossible for defenders the one-two is particularly effective
to anticipate and can buy the attackers
time and space. Ideally, all attackers
around the edge of the penalty area.
and receives a
return pass.
Player
movement
will be alert to their teammates’ tricks,
but even if they aren’t, they may still Pressing
find themselves in a position to
The pressing game involves never giving an opponent a moment’s rest when
capitalize on them.
their team has the ball, thereby pressurizing them into making an error. In
the modern game, all players are expected to press, including the forwards,
who are expected to harry an opponent’s goalkeeper and central defenders.
Probing ,, COUNTER-
ATTACK CAN
,,
If a team is comfortable in possession,
there is no need to rush into an all-out PLACE HUGE
attack. Instead, they can “probe” their
SLIDE-RULE Attacking team opponents’ defense and frustrate them.
PRESSURE ON
PASS Defensive team The attacking team can keep passing the THE OPPONENTS’
The forward
takes the ball
Pass
Player movement
ball between themselves until a clear DEFENSE.
shooting opportunity presents itself.
in his stride and
shoots on goal.
,,STATIC
PLAYERS
,,
ARE EASY FOR
DEFENDERS USING
A
Attacking team
A
SWITCHING
B
Attacking team
TO MARK. WINGERS
Player A beats
Defensive team
Pass/shot
THE PLAY
Player A plays a
Defensive team
Pass
the defender Player cross-field pass to
and delivers a player B on the
dangerous cross.
movement
opposite flank.
USING THE FLANKS SWITCHING THE ATTACK
Instead of playing through the middle, If one side of the field presents a better
teams use wide players who have pace, attacking proposition, the team in
dribbling skills, the ability to run past possession can “switch the play,” and
defenders, and put in accurate crosses. focus on the less well-defended side.
 159 160 161 162
ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO
The Argentine midfielder celebrates
Set pieces Corners: the attacking team Free-kicks: the defending team

TEAMWORK | ATTACKING STRATEGIES

TEAMWORK | SET PIECES

TEAMWORK | SET PIECES

TEAMWORK | SET PIECES

scoring one of the greatest goals in A corner provides an attacking team with a fantastic opportunity Because free-kicks provide an opponent with an ideal opportunity to shoot on
World Cup history. Scored against Set pieces are free-kicks, corners, and throw-ins. About to create a goal-scoring chance. Numerous moves have been devised goal, it is vital that defenses are organized to deal with the impending threat.
Serbia in 2006, the goal was a over the years—some more innovative than others—all of which fall Every defender needs to be on his guard. Marking (zonal or man-to-man) needs to
30 percent of goals are scored directly or indirectly from
masterclass on build-up play into one of the three categories: a short corner, a near-post corner, or be tight, and then a wall needs to be created that directly blocks the route to goal.
set-piece situations, so they are extremely important for a far-post corner.
and included all the key
attacking strategies. both the attacking and defending side. Modern teams spend Defensive walls Anticipating free-kicks
hours practicing, creating, and honing set-piece routines, Short corners To defend a free-kick, the goalkeeper Defenders need to be alert to quickly
from both an attacking and defensive point of view. KEY
Unlike a standard corner, no attempt is sets up the defensive wall. He may have taken free-kicks or ones delivered to an
made to cross the ball directly into the Attacking team only one member or as many as five. unmarked opponent. If the free-kick is
penalty area; instead the corner-taker Defensive team The goalkeeper needs to ensure that indirect, a player should be nominated
Corners: the defending team makes a short pass to a teammate, moves Pass/cross
Player
one side of the goal is covered, allowing to close the ball down as soon as it has
into an onside position, receives the ball him to concentrate on the other side. been touched by an opponent.
Although a defending team has no idea what kind of corner an attacking movement
back, and only then delivers his cross. The
side will deliver, it should always follow certain principles such as goal is to confuse the defenders’ plans.
adopting a marking strategy (be it zonal or man-to-man marking,
see p.154) and putting a man on the inside of each of the goal posts.
A
Marking
Tactics vary depending on whether
a team uses zonal or man-to-man
marking, but the basic principle
is to stick to your man and stay
WHAT SHOULD THE GOALKEEPER DO?
A goalkeeper has two main choices:
to come and meet the ball (either by
catching or punching it) or to stay on
B ,, THE NEAR-
POST CORNER
his goal line and hope to make a save. ELIMINATES THE

,,
goal-side of him. If a defender
It requires excellent judgment to
lets the attacker get in front of
decide what to do in the heat of SHORT CORNERS
GOALKEEPER
him, the latter will have a chance
to direct a header on goal.
the moment. Player B comes for the SINCE THE
ball, then returns it to
player A who crosses it.
BALL NEVER
Guarding the posts REACHES HIM.
The defending team should place one man on each post. As the ball
comes in, they need to position themselves on the goal line, just
inside the post they are guarding. If they do this, they will be ready
to clear any goal attempts heading for the inside of their posts. Near-post corners Far-post corners
A near-post corner is played to the A far-post corner is played to the
goal post nearest the taker. It goal post that is farthest away from
eliminates the goalkeeper, since the the taker. The goal is to bypass the
ball does not reach him. An attacking goalkeeper. The ball is struck with

,,WHEN DEFENDING DURING

player is stationed on the near post
who heads the ball, hoping an incoming
pace and the plan is for a teammate
to escape his marker, meet the ball,

,,
teammate will pick it up and score. and score.

CORNERS, ALWAYS STICK

STRETCHING
PLAY
Attacking
team
COUNTER-
ATTACKS
Attacking team
Defensive team
TO YOUR MAN AND STAY ON B A

The attacking team

increases the
Defensive
team
An intercepted
pass in defense
Pass
Player
THE GOAL-SIDE OF HIM.
distance between Action area can lead to an movement
its players. instant attack.

STRETCHING PLAY COUNTERATTACKING NEAR-POST CORNER FAR-POST CORNER

Just as teams condense play during An instant switch from defense to attack, Player A crosses the ball to Attackers try to avoid their
defense (see p.151), they stretch the play this strategy can place huge pressure on player B, who flicks the ball markers in order to score
in attack by increasing the distance an opponent’s defense. A few players must on for teammates. from the deeper corner.
between their players to create space. stay upfield during an opposition attack.

Free-kicks: the attacking team 163 164 165 166

Managers and coaches THE GREAT MANAGERS
A number of managers have
been hoisted into and across the
Spion Kop stand in scenes of
The anatomy of a club
TEAMWORK | SET PIECES

TEAMWORK | MANAGERS AND COACHES

TEAMWORK | MANAGERS AND COACHES

TEAMWORK | THE ANATOMY OF A CLUB

Some free-kicks awarded in advanced positions invite crosses, in which jubilation the way he has been.
achieved unparalleled success
case—because the ball is crossed into the box—the tactics for both sides Soccer vocabulary is packed with military terminology. A season Since Sheffield FC was established in northern England in 1857,
in the game, but here are perhaps
are similar to those in the corners section (see pp.108–09). Others provide
is often described as a “campaign,” a match a “battle.” In this spirit, the ten best managers ever to VITTORIO POZZO the club has been at the center of soccer cultures all over the
opportunities for a direct shot on goal. Pozzo brought modern soccer
a team can be called an army. If the players are the troops led by a have taken charge of a team. world. But clubs come in many shapes and sizes, and methods of
management to Italy and defined
Rehearsed free-kicks captain, the coach is the drill sergeant and the manager is the general. ownership have changed, too. In England, clubs moved from being
HERBERT CHAPMAN its role there. He enjoyed success
Rehearsed free-kicks range from simple taps to the side to complex passing The man who invented and personified with Torino, but two World Cup private organizations to private limited companies. Social clubs
routines. All have the same intention: to catch an opponent unawares. The modern manager the idea of the modern, autocratic, wins and an Olympic gold for emerged in southern Europe and Latin America. In communist
Argentina showcased a perfectly executed free-kick against England at the The role of the modern manager was defined first Italy are hard to beat. societies, state organizations and trade unions ran teams.
media-savvy manager, he won titles
1998 World Cup (see below). In a move honed on the training ground, Gabriel in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Prior to this,
with Huddersfield and Arsenal.
Batistuta made a dummy run, Javier Zanetti peeled into space from behind boardroom directors handled squads and BRIAN CLOUGH
players determined tactics.
Types of club ownership
the defensive wall, was found by Juan Sebastian Veron, shot, and scored. SIR ALEX FERGUSON Erratic and volcanic, Clough was A soccer club is no longer solely represented by 11 players
Ferguson took his grit and cunning to also magnificent and inspirational. taking to a field up to twice a week wearing a familiar
ARSÈNE WENGER Aberdeen and led the team to the top To take a small club like Nottingham uniform; the modern club extends far beyond the confines of
Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger of Scottish soccer. He then headed Forest to two consecutive European the sidelines. It is a business, a potential vehicle for political
has been managing the North south and transformed Manchester Cup wins was a feat unparalleled in advancement, and in some cases even a rich man’s toy. Clubs
London club for over a decade, United into England’s dominant club. soccer management anywhere. have evolved in various ways in different parts of the world.
ZANETTI
a rarity in the modern game.
BELA GUTTMANN
GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANIES THE SOCIO MODEL
The Hungarian is the only coach
BATISTUTA THE MANAGER’S In the excruciating hothouse of The standard form of professional In Latin America and southern
to have won the European Cup
VERON RESPONSIBILITIES Italian soccer, one man stays cool: soccer club in Britain, with one or Europe, the original sports/social
and the Copa Libertadores—
The 21st-century soccer Trapattoni won it all with Juventus many private shareholders. For many clubs out of which so many
FREE-KICK TRICKS with Benfica and Peñarol
Javier Zanetti positioned manager has to juggle a in the 1980s and again with Bayern years directors were not allowed to take teams grew left a legacy in which
respectively—and was a key
himself behind England’s bewildering number of Munich in the 1990s. anything but a tiny profit out of the club. all members have an annual vote
figure in bringing tactical
defensive wall. tasks. The following are In recent years, these restrictions have for the elected officers of the
innovations to Latin America.
just a handful of them. been lifted and most clubs are run as club’s board. The club itself can
HELENIO HERRERA medium-sized private businesses. neither be bought nor sold.
TEAM AND PLAYERS
The man they called “The Magician”
KEY • Team selection conjured up titles and trophies at
Attacking team • Motivating the players Barcelona and Inter Milan with his OTHER TYPES OF CLUB FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER
Defensive team • Deciding on formations mix of lock-tight defense and surreal
Pass/cross • Making substitutions motivational techniques.
In France and Germany, soccer clubs When American tycoon Malcolm Glazer
Player movement • Giving team talks are owned and controlled by the
original amateur associations out of
acquired a controlling interest in
Manchester United in May 2005,
RINUS MICHELS which they grew. In the US, Australia, supporters who opposed the takeover
BEHIND THE SCENES
“Iron” Rinus brought discipline and and Mexico, franchises run clubs. A new decided to form their own club. FC

,, FREE-KICKS
• Signing new players
• Maintaining player discipline
• Overseeing player development
coherence to Dutch soccer, turned
Ajax into a global force with his
development has been the e-club, where
anyone can buy a stake in the club.
United entered the tenth tier of English
soccer in the fall of 2005.

,,
Total Soccer (see p.149), and
PROVIDE THE ATTACKING • Setting coaching policy coached the Dutch national side
• Scouting for new players
to Euro ’88 success.
TEAM WITH AN IDEAL
GOAL-SCORING
RUNNING THE CLUB
BOB PAISLEY ,, THE MODERN CLUB

,,
• Appointing ancillary staff
OPPORTUNITY. • Delegating responsibilities
Twenty years in the famous Liverpool

• Attending board meetings

“boot room” before he became the
club’s manager, Bob Paisley may have EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THE
• Setting coaching policy
• Scouting for new players
appeared avuncular, but he ruled CONFINES OF THE SIDELINES;
IT IS A BUSINESS.
THE DEFENSIVE WALL Anfield with a rod of iron and won six
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
league titles and three European Cups.
The number of players in a
wall depends on the area of the • Dealing with the media BILL SHANKLY
field from which a free-kick is • Preparing program notes Shankly’s Liverpool teams delighted,
taken. It will range from • Helping club sponsors his words inspired, and his memory
one player to five. • Attending club functions is treasured. No other coach has
• Appearing on club’s TV channel

Who’s in charge? 167 170

Index
TEAMWORK | THE ANATOMY OF A CLUB

INDEX
The power and managerial structures in soccer clubs are an endless source of
intrigue. The relationships between presidents, coaches, technical directors, and
directors of soccer serve to create as much friction as they do cooperation and have
generated as many newspaper headlines in recent years as the action on the field. A ball control Chapman, Herbert 165
Aarøy, Tor Hogne 62 body, using 72–73 Charlton, Jack 46
BOARD Adams, Tony 155 curving pass 76, 79 chest, controlling ball with
BOARD TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT African style 141 dribbling see dribbling 73
CHIEF EXECUTIVE Aldis, Peter 105 feet, using 74–75 Christmas Tree formation
COACH anatomy 60–61 flexibility and 149
MANAGER
and changing shape of first touch 72 Cissé, Djibril 135
ACADEMY FIRST TEAM SCOUTING FIRST TEAM players 62–63 foot tennis 74 clothing 28–29
perfect player, hypothetical head tennis 72 Clough, Brian 165
63 high ball 72–73 club
TRADITIONAL SET-UP ALL-POWERFUL Ancelotti, Carlo 167 passing see passing ownership and control
The classic set-up that hinges on TECHNICAL DIRECTOR attacking strategies side volley trap 75 166–67
an all-powerful manager who takes The coach can ask the technical director and corner-kick 161 spin when passing 79 takeovers 166
charge of all aspects of the first team, for certain players, but final decisions on counter-attack 159 top-of-foot cushion 75 coaches 164–65, 167
scouting, and youth development. the transfer policy lie with the director. flanks, use of 158 training 68–69 bench, instructions from
and free-kick 163 see also free-kick; passing; 121
and intricate passing 157 penalty-kick; shooting Continental style 141
BOARD BOARD long-ball game 156, 157 Baresi, Franco 47 cooling down 67
ADVISORS
PRESIDENT one-two 158 Batistuta, Gabriel 163 see also training
TECHNICAL and player movement 157 beach soccer, goal size Cooper, Terry 46
COACH
DIRECTOR
pressing game 158 37 corner-kick
TECHNICAL
COACH probing 158 Beardsley, Peter 94–95 and attacking team 161
FIRST TEAM SCOUTING ACADEMY DIRECTOR
skills 156–59 Beckenbauer, Franz 155 ball positioning 109
slide-rule passes 157 Beckham, David 63, corner arc 39
CLASSIC CONTINENTAL PRESIDENTIAL CONTROL stretching play 159 112–13 and defending team 160
In this, the club is run by the board, the The board president, assisted by a and surprise element 157 Bellini, Hilderado 46 far-post 108, 161
technical director (responsible for dealings number of advisers, calls all the shots, switching attack 158 Berezutsky, Aleksei and and goal-scoring 109–10
on the transfer market), and the coach from team selection to transfer policy. wall pass 158 Vasili 155 hand signal 22
(responsible for first-team affairs). The coach answers only to the president. Bergkamp, Dennis 156 long 108
Berlusconi, Silvio 167 near-post 108, 161
Blind, Danny 47 Olimpico 109

PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER, AND PUNDIT B boots 30–31 penalty spot 108
ball British style 141 rules 13, 24
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi
construction 34–35 as set piece 15
bought AC Milan in 1986. He was often seen
corner-kick positioning short 108, 161
bemoaning his manager Carlo Ancelotti’s
tactics. The manager’s insistence on playing 109 skills 108–09, 160–61
4-3-2-1 was a constant source of anguish goalkeeper catching/ C tactical heading 103
for Berlusconi, who believes that soccer punching 124 Cambiasso, Esteban 159 Costa, Flávio 143
is a game requiring two strikers. goalkeeper grounding 120 Cannavaro, Fabio 151 Costacurta, Alessandro 47,
handling 16 card system 21, 27 155
and laws of game 11, 23, and free-kick see free-kick crossing
27, 34 hand signals 22 forwards 52
JESUS GIL Y GIL in and out of play rules 12, record-breaking red 10 goalkeeper dealing with
24 Carlos, Roberto 17 124
Money and power just can’t keep
touching twice in set pieces Catenaccio formation 148 tactical heading 103
away from soccer. Jesus Gil Y Gil,
wanted in courts across Spain on 16 Central American style 140 Cruyff, Johan 63, 90–91
corruption, kept Atlético Madrid
in the headlines for two decades.

171 172 173 174

INDEX

INDEX

INDEX

INDEX

D domestic games, field
Danubian formation 144
de Boer, Frank 47
deception see fakes
defenders
back four 46, 47
center back 45, 47
defensive wall and free-kick
111, 112, 162–63
and formations 146–47
fullback 46, 47
goalkeeper, marshalling 43,
125
intercepting 44
marking 44, 45, 160
and nutmeg 81
partnerships 155
role and skills 44–47
sweeper 45, 47
wingback 46, 51
defensive strategies
condensing play 151
and corner-kick 160
defending as unit 150
doubling up 154
front, defending from
153
hardmen 155
heading 104
holding the line 150
and long-ball attack 157
man-to-man marking
151
and offside trap 150
and one-two attack 158
posts, guarding 160
shepherding 154
shielding 154
skills 150–55
tackling 44
zonal marking 151
Del Piero, Alessandro 116
Delap, Rory 106
Denilson 87
Desailly, Marcel 153
diet 71
formations unclassified strikers 57 global styles 140–41 Gomes, Élton Jose Xavier K withdrawn playmaker driven 76 safety, and stopping play Rivelino, Roberto 85 overhead kick
dimension 39 1-2-7 142 withdrawn striker 54, goal, construction 62 Kaká 68 50 fake kick 93 23 Ronaldinha (Milene 100–01
Domingues, Milene 1-4-3-2 148 151 requirements 36–37, 39 Grobbelaar, Bruce 114 Keane, Roy 138 Zidane spin 88–89 and formations see support and communication Domingues) 133 scoring methods 12
(Ronaldinha) 133 2-3-2-3 142, 144 fouls 12, 20–21 goal scoring Guttmann, Bela 165 Keegan, Kevin 56 see also attacking formations 138 Ronaldinho 94–95 skills 96–101
dribbling 2-3-5 142 and free-kick see free-kick and corner-kick keepy-uppie 130, 132 strategies; defensive forward, and change in possession, and teamwork Ronaldo, Cristiano 84, 87 volleying 98–99
elastico fake 94–95 3-2-2-3 142, 144 and sliding tackle 44 109–10 Keown, Martin 153 strategies rules 143 139 Rooney, Wayne 104 Smith, Tommy 152
flip-flap fake 94–95 3-2-3-2 144 free-kick and free-kick see free-kick Koeman, Ronald 63, 155 misconduct 12, 16 forwards 52 Pozzo, Vittorio 144, 167 rules 10–13, 38 spins and turns
inside hook 82–83 3-5-3/5-3-2 146 anticipating 162 and throw-in 107 H Komball Kontest 132 see also fouls; free-kick; heading see heading Preki 90 fouls see fouls Cruyff turn 90–91
midfielders 48, 49 4-2-3-1 143, 147 and attacking team 163 goal-kick halfway line 39 penalty-kick; referee inswinging 76, 79 professional soccer, goal Preki 90
nutmeg 81 4-2-4 143, 144 “banana shot” (Carlos) 17 and goal area 38 hand signals 22, 25, 110 Moons, Jan 121 long 48, 49, 78 size 37 skills 88–91
outside 82–83 4-3-2-1 149, 167 corner-kick hand signal 22 Hansen, Alan 153 Moore, Bobby 151 options 76 protective gear 31–33 stop-turns 80
Puskás turn hook 4-3-3 146, 149 see corner-kick rules 13, 24 hardmen 155 L outswinging 76, 79, Puskás, Ferenc 82–83 S Zidane spin 88–89
82–83 4-4-2 143, 145 curving 111, 112–13 goalkeeper heading Latin American style 140 96–97 Puyol, Carles 47 Sacchi, Arrigo 145 Stepney, Alex 125
shoulder drop 80 4-5-1 144, 147 and defensive wall 111, angle, narrowing 119 and ball control 73 Lawrenson, Mark 153 pass-and-move soccer Santos, Nilton 46 stepovers
skills 80–83 4-6-0 143, 149 112, 162–63 catching ball 124 basic 102 laws of the game see rules N 139 Schmeichel, Peter 125 Beardsley shuffle 94–95
spins and turns see spins Catenaccio 148 dipping 112 crosses, dealing with defensive 104 Leboeuf, Frank 153 Nesta, Alessandro 152 short 48, 49, 77 Scholes, Paul 157 double 86–87
and turns Christmas Tree 149 direct 16, 17, 20, 22, 124 diving 105 Ngueyen, Nam “the Man” 132 slide-rule 157 Q Schwarzenbeck, Hans-Georg half-Preki 90
stepover see stepovers Danubian 144 110 defenders, marshalling 43, far-post 103 Northern European style 141 and spin 79 Quieroz, Carlos 70 153 Rivelino 85
tackling, anticipating 80 development of 142–49 hand signals 22 125 flick 103 training 76–77 scoring method 12 skills 84–87
see also ball control diagonal 143 indirect 16, 20, 22, 110 and distribution method forwards 52 M Pearce, Stuart 153 see also goal; shooting strikers see forwards
Drogba, Didier 100–01 future of 149 penalty spot 110 122–23 near-post 103 Maldini, Paolo 47 Pelé 87 set pieces 14–15 strips 28–29
drop-ball 16 Il metodo (the method) quick 111 diving save 121 skills 102–05 managers 164–65, 167 O penalty area 38 R corners see corners substitutions
dummy, selling a 92, 163 144 rehearsed 163 grounding ball 120 tactical and corner-kick bench, instructions from obstruction 16, 20, 21, 110, and one-two pass 158 rainbow freestyle skill 131 etiquette 16 flag 25
Dunga 155 midfield diamond 143, 149 rules 13 half-volley distribution 103 121 114 penalty-box and poacher Ramsey, Alf 149 free-kick see and referee 24, 26
M–U 143, 144 as set piece 14 123 Henry, Thierry 55 Mancini, Alessandro 87 offside rule 12, 18–19, 24, 56 Rashed, Jafal 62 free-kick and goal-kick
Total Soccer 149 skills 110–11, 162–63 impeding 16 Herrera, Helenio 165 Maradona, Diego 54, 63, 142 penalty spot 38 Reaney, Paul 46 14
W–M 142, 143, 144 tactical heading 103 “M” hand position 118 Higuita, René 43, 125 155 and 3-2-2-3 (W–M) corner-kick 108 red cards 21 playing from 17
F forwards freestyle skills overarm throw distribution Hunter, Norman 46 match duration 12 formation 143 free-kick 110 and free-kick see free-kick throw-in see throw-in T
fakes attacking strategies see around the world 132 123 Matthews, Stanley 50, and defensive strategies penalty-kick hand signal 22 touching ball twice 16 tackle
Beardsley shuffle attacking strategies and Capoeira martial art and penalty-kick see 80 150 chip 117 record breaking 10 sideline 39 anticipation, and dribbling
94–95 center forward 53 131 penalty-kick Messi, Lionel 51 flag 25 exclusion zone 114 referee Shearer, Alan 53 80
elastico 94–95 crossing 52 head stall 130 protective gear 31–33 I Michels, Rinus 149, 165 and free-kick see free-kick hand signal 22 assistant 11, 24–25, 26 shirt numbers 29 block 127
fake kick 93 defending from front keepy-uppie 130, 132 punching ball 124 injuries and rehabilitation midfielders Onzari, Cesáreo 109 pass 117 behaviour 25 shooting defensive strategies
flip-flap 94–95 153 rainbow 131 punt distribution 43, 123 134–35 advanced playmaker 50 placing 116 duties 11, 23–26, 28 attacking strategies see 44
selling a dummy 92, 163 heading 52 tournaments 132–33 referee monitoring 24 international games attacking central 51 power shot 117 equipment 27 attacking strategies high 20
skills 92–95 and holding the line 150 futsal, goal size 37 role and skills 42–43, global styles 140–41 box-to-box 49 rules 13, 24, 114, 115 flag signals 25, 27 bicycle kick 100–01 hook 129
Farnworth, John 132 off-the-shoulder striker 118–23 field dimension 39 central 49–51 P as set piece 15 fourth official 26 curving shot 96–97 midfielders 48
Ferguson, Alex 165 55 roll out distribution 123 Inzaghi, Pippo 55 Cruyff turn 90–91 Paisley, Bob 165 shootouts 114, 115 hand signals 22, 25, 110 and forwards 52, 53 poke 126
five-a-side soccer, goal size passing 52 “scorpion kick” (Higuita) Italian style 141 dribbling 48, 49 Parreira, Carlos Alberto 149 skills 114–17 information displays 26 full volley 98–99 recovery 129
37 plyometric training 69 G 43, 125 and formation 145, passing Pires, Robert 117 monitoring by goalkeeper and goalkeeper see skills 126–29
flag signals 25, 27 poacher 56 Garnier, Arnaud 133 shirt 29 146–47, 149 attacking strategies see field requirements 24 goalkeeper slide 21, 44, 48,
Flynn, Brian 62 role and skills 52–57 Gentile, Claudio 152 shot-stopping 118 holding 49, 50, 147, 150 attacking strategies 38–39 record keeping 26 half volley 98–99 128–29
footwork and agility shooting see shooting Gerrard, Steven 99 stance and body position J playmaker 50 channel 76 players systems 23 heading see heading touching opponent before
ball control see ball striking partnerships 56 Giggs, Ryan 65 118 James, David 65 role and skills 48–51 corner-kick see corner-kick equipment, compulsory 11, and time calling 25 inswinging strike 96–97 16
control target man 53 Gil Y Gil, Jesus 167 “W” hand position Jennings, Pat tackle 48 Cruyff turn 90–91 23, 26 Reizeger, Michael 47 outswinging strike 76, 79, target man 53
warming up 67 telepathy experiment 56 Glazer, Malcolm 166 118 63, 126 wide (winger) 50, 51 curving 76, 79 number of 12 Rijkaard, Frank 47 96–97 Tassotti, Mauro 47
 175 176
Acknowledgments

INDEX

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dorling Kindersley would like to thank the following people for their help in the preparation of
this book: Mikhail Sipovich at Colours Of Football and Paul Wootton, for input on the artworks;
Adam Brackenbury for creative technical support; and Margaret McCormack for indexing.
teamwork W
key concepts 138–39 warming up 64–67 Picture credits
pass-and-move soccer see also training The publisher would like to thank the following Corbis: Carmen Jaspersen/epa 89br;
139 Wenger, Arsène 164 for their kind permission to use their Christopher Courtois/epa 134–35;
photographs for artists’ reference: Geoff Caddick/epa 100–01; Leo Mason 92;
and perpetual motion Wiltford, Sylvain 73
Sygma 167; Getty Images: 10, 17, 26, 42bl,
139 Woo, Mr 132
43bl, 47, 51, 53, 54, 57, 60–61, 73bl, 74tr, 74br,
technical area 38 (Key: b-below/bottom; c-center; l-left; r-right; 75bl, 75br, 79, 84, 104, 125, 138, 151, 154, 155,
telepathy experiment t-top; tr-top right; tl-top left; cr-center right, 164; AFP 2–3, 42br, 55, 116, 133, 106, 62bl
cl-center left; br-bottom right; bl-bottom left) (Crouch), 68, 72–73t, 165; Andersen Ross 13;
56
throw-in Y Bob Thomas 63br (Pele), 159; Bongarts 24,
43br, 62br (Maradona), 75tl, 78, 162–63;
flag 25 Yang Changpeng 62
Clive Brunskill 14tr; EMPICS Sport 43t; Fox
and goal scoring 107 Yashin, Lev 122
Photos 80t; Garrett Ellwood / MLS 72br; Man
long 106 yellow cards 21 Utd 70; MLS 112–13; Popperfoto 122, 63bl
rules 13, 24, 107 and free-kick see free-kick (Foulkes), 152l, 152r, 157; Scott Pribyl / MLS
as set piece 15, 106–07 hand signal 22 73br; STF / AFP 90
skills 106–07 see also card system
Toshack, John 56 All other images © Dorling Kindersley
Total Soccer formation
149
For further information see:
training Z www.dkimages.com
ballwork drills 68–69 Zanetti, Javier 163
cooling down 67 Zidane, Zinédane 54, 88–89
passing see passing Zola, Gianfranco 54
plyometrics 69
sprint training 71
stamina building 70
warming up 64–67
Trapattoni, Giovanni 165
Trautmann, Bert 125
Trotta, Roberto 10
turns see spins and turns

V
van Hout, Kristof 62
Van Persie, Robin 57
Venables, Terry 149
Veron, Juan Sebastian
163
Viani, Gipo 148
Vieri, Christian 63
volleying 98–99