Basic Rules of Football
As the name suggests, football is played with the feet, but the ball can also be touched with the body and head, the only area where touching is prohibited is the hands. Both teams have a limited amount of time to play, kick the ball and score points, and the team with the highest score wins. Besides that, you must know these basic rules:

The number of players on the pitch and the number of player changes in a football game
A football match is played with 11 players from each team, including a goalkeeper. Substitutions can be made during the game, but only 3 players can be replaced, and the player who is replaced cannot play again.

How long is a football match? Is there no stoppage time?
The normal duration of a football match is 45 minutes for the first half and 45 minutes for the second half, with a 15-minute half-time break. There is no stoppage in time, but if there are substitutions or player injuries that need to be dealt with, the time taken will be counted and injury time will be taken at the end of the half.

Yellow and Red Cards
The referee will blow the whistle and give a verbal warning to the offending player when an offence has been committed. However, if a player commits a foul, delays the game, or makes a charge, the referee will issue a yellow or red card. A red card is more effective. When a player receives two yellow cards or one red card, he must retire from the match and is not allowed to play in the next match.

Offside
Offside is the most confusing rule for football fans who are not familiar with the game. Simply put:

When an attacking team passes the ball, the player who receives the ball must not be more than one player behind the defending team, except for the goalkeeper. In the case of offside, the touch judge raises the yellow and orange offside flag, the attack is disallowed, and the defending team serves the ball. If the attacking team has carried the ball beyond all the defending players, the offside line is determined by the position of the ball. Offside traps are often set by the defenders of strong defending teams to prevent the attacking team from getting a chance to attack.

The key to deciding the game: penalty kicks
The penalty kick is a common form of football and is a key factor in deciding the winner of a football match. By recognising the following 3 types of penalty kicks, you will know when the moment of truth has come when watching the game!

12-Yard Ball
The rectangular line outside the goal box is the defensive penalty area of a football pitch. If a defending player commits a foul inside the penalty area, the attacking team can take a 12-yard penalty kick from the penalty spot, which is 12 yards from the goal. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to defend, while all other players must stand outside the penalty area and keep at least 10 yards (9.15 metres) away from the ball.

Free Kicks
Free kicks are played after a foul has been committed by one of the teams, and are divided into two types: direct and indirect free kicks. The defending team can stand 10 yards away from the ball and form a wall to prevent the attacking team from scoring.

Direct Free Kick

The player who takes the kick is allowed to kick the ball directly into the goal box. There are many great free kicks scored in the history of football.

Indirect Free Kick

A player who takes a free kick cannot kick the ball directly into the goal box, but needs to be touched again by a team-mate in order to take a shot at goal.

Corner Kicks
A corner kick is a penalty kick taken by the attacking team in the corner of the pitch when the defending team touches the ball off their own line. The ball is placed in a small sector in the corner of the pitch and kicked into the field by the player taking the kick. Common types of kick-offs include a high ball into the penalty area for a team-mate to take a header, a penalty kick into the pitch for a team-mate to pass or attack, or, more rarely, a goal kick from a corner position, which is called a banana ball.

As a goalkeeper, your performance on match day is a culmination of your preparation beforehand. Pre-match preparation is not just about physical readiness but also mental sharpness, tactical understanding, and attention to detail. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential elements of pre-match preparation that every goalkeeper should prioritize.

Goalkeepers are the backbone of any football team, and their skills are honed through consistent practice and training. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced goalkeeper, specific drills can help enhance your agility, reflexes, positioning, and overall performance. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of goalkeeper drills suitable for all skill levels.

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Weather conditions play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of a football match, and goalkeepers must be prepared to adapt their game accordingly. From scorching heat to icy cold, each weather condition presents unique challenges that require goalkeepers to showcase versatility and resilience. In this blog post, we'll explore the nuances of goalkeeping in different weather conditions and strategies to excel regardless of the elements.

In modern football matches, goalkeepers play a crucial role. They require exceptional skills, reactions, and courage to protect the goal from incoming shots. In this highly competitive field, having high-quality goalkeeper equipment is essential. PUMA, as a trusted brand, is committed to providing top-notch goalkeeper gear. We are excited to announce a promotional campaign that will make you the ultimate choice as a goalkeeper.

This article investigates what essential qualities that a top-level goalkeeper should have.

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Goalkeeper training is an essential part of developing the skills and abilities required to excel in the position. There are several key elements that form the foundation of effective goalkeeper training, including agility, reaction speed, and technical ability.

In soccer matches, goalkeepers play a crucial role as the last line of defense for their teams, responsible for protecting the goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring. They require special skills and qualities, and they face significant pressure and responsibility during games.