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Football (Soccer): Rules & Strategy

Learn the structure, key rules, roles, pressing triggers, common formations, build-up patterns, set-piece ideas, and practical decision frameworks. Finish with a knowledge check to reinforce understanding.

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Rules & basics

Structure • Flow of play • Core decisions

Objective & match format

Objective: Score more goals than the opponent.
Duration: Two halves (commonly 45 minutes each) plus added time; halftime interval in between.
Start & restart: Kick-off to begin and after each goal; throw-ins for balls leaving the sidelines.

Field & ball handling

Use feet, legs, torso, or head to control the ball.
Only the goalkeeper may handle the ball in the penalty area (with limits).
Over a sideline → throw-in. Over the goal line by defenders → corner for attackers; by attackers → goal kick for defenders.

Offside (simple view)

A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, and they become actively involved in play.

Being in an offside position is not an offense by itself; involvement matters.
No offside offense occurs directly from goal kicks, corner kicks, or throw-ins.

Fouls & sanctions

Careless/reckless/excessive force → direct or indirect free kick depending on offense.
Defensive fouls inside the penalty area → penalty kick when applicable.
Misconduct may draw cautions (yellow) or send-offs (red) under the Laws of the Game.

Roles & positions

Goalkeeper • Defenders • Midfielders • Forwards

Goalkeeper (GK)

Shot-stopping, box command, organize the back line, start build-ups with throws/passes. Distribution choices: short to invite press, long to bypass.

Defenders

CBs protect central lanes, win aerials, step to intercept. FBs cover wide areas, join attacks, and help switches; may invert into midfield for overloads.

Midfielders

DM screens, recycles, and sets tempo; CMs link lines and break pressure; AMs create advantages between opposition lines.

Forwards

Stretch lines with depth runs, combine in the box, press from the front. Wingers: width and 1v1s; 9: hold-up & finishing.

4-3-3

Width from wingers; strong central triangle. Variants: inverted full backs; single pivot or double pivot in possession.

4-4-2

Compact mid-block; two forwards to press center backs or attack second balls. Wide mids track full backs.

3-5-2

Wing-backs stretch width, three CBs secure rest defense; central overload helps control transitions.

Strategy & patterns

Build-up • Pressing • Transitions • Rest defense

Build-up patterns

Create triangles/diamonds (GK–CB–FB–DM) to generate a free player.
Switch play when a wing is overloaded; target the weak side early.
Stagger heights (1–2–3 lines) to open vertical lanes; avoid flat lines.

Pressing schemes

High press: force play to touchline; use cover shadows to block pivots.
Mid block: protect half-spaces; trigger when pass travels sideways.
Low block: compress box zone; spring fast counters into channels.

Rest defense (transition security)

Hold 2–3 players behind the ball to secure counters.
Full-backs balance: one goes, one stays; DM protects central lane.
Counter-press immediately after loss to delay opponent’s first pass.

Pressing triggers

When to go and how to trap

Triggers

Poor touch or backwards body shape by opponent.
Lofted or slow lateral pass (travel time allows jump).
Receiver facing own goal or isolated near touchline.

Traps

Touchline trap: steer ball wide, lock passing lanes inside.
Central bait: allow CB–DM pass then jump from both sides.
Goal-kick pressing: mark short options; force the long clearance.

Release & reset

If first press is broken, drop to compact shape quickly.
Re-organize markers; protect half-spaces first, then wings.
Communication: one presses, two cover, rest shift—call it early.

Set pieces

Corners • Free kicks • Throw-ins

Corners (attacking)

Near-post flick to runner at far post; block markers legally.
Crowd the GK or clear the lane depending on aerial strength.
Second-ball plan: edge-of-box shooter positioned centrally.

Corners (defending)

Mix zonal near-post with man-mark on top aerial threats.
Keep a counter outlet high to push opponents back.
First clearance to wide channel; line steps as unit.

Throw-ins

Secure first pass back inside; avoid isolation on the line.
Use rotation (thrower–receiver–third man) to break pressure.
Have a long-throw routine if personnel suits.

Scenarios (Do / Why / How)

Play out from the back

Do: Split CBs; DM offers between lines; GK as third man.
Why: Draw press to create central lanes and weak-side space.
How: Two or three short passes → diagonal to far full back/wing.

Quick transition

Do: First pass forward/into space if safe; runner prepared.
Why: Exploit unorganized shape before reset.
How: Pre-identify lanes; two support options (wide & central).

Defending corners

Do: Mark aerial threats; guard near-post zone.
Why: Protect key lanes and second-ball hotspots.
How: First contact out wide; push line together, release trap.

Common mistakes & fixes

Positioning • Timing • Decision quality

Poor spacing in build-up

Fix: Keep width with FBs, depth with a 9 or winger, and a DM showing centrally to form passing triangles.

Late support runs

Fix: Trigger on carrier’s body-open cue or switch; attack far post on wide entries.

Fouls from poor body shape

Fix: Side-on stance, delay rather than dive, show opponent to help side and trap.

Mini checklists

Use before the quiz for quick recall

Rules

Restart types: throw-in, corner, goal kick, free kick (direct/indirect), penalty.
Offside = position + involvement at the pass moment.
Fouls vs misconduct; inside box can mean a penalty.