Chapter 1 KKKKKIIIIICCCCCKKKKK SSSSSTTTTTAAAAARRRRRTTTTT YYYYYOOOOOUUUUURRRRR GGGGGAAAAAMMMMMEEEEE Every soccer game starts the same way Two teams of 11 players wait on opposite sides of the halfway line for the referee to blow the whistle One team kicks the ball to the other team's side Each team fights to keep the ball Players use their heads legs and chests to pass and shoot the ball Only goalkeepers or keepers are allowed to use their arms and hands to touch the ball
After two halves of play the team with the most goals wins If the game is still tied and the league’s rules require a winner teams play two short overtime periods to break tied scores If the game is still tied each team sends five players to take turns shooting one-on-one at the goal from the penalty mark If the score remains even it’s time for a heart-pounding shootout where the first team to outscore the opponent in a single round wins
Dress for Success Soccer rules require every player to wear soccer shoes shin guards and knee-high socks along with her team uniform Goalkeepers also need special padded gloves to protect their hands and help them grip the ball Soccer shoes Soccer players need to make quick changes in direction Rubber cleats help players grip grassy fields and stay on their feet especially if the grass is wet Shin guards These act as leg armor to protect players from injuries Shin guards have a hard outer layer Soft padding rests against the skin Knee-high socks Soccer socks must cover the shin guards The socks hold the shin guards in place and help protect other players from the guards sharp edges Tip If you play on a muddy field make sure to scrape off mud from your cleats after the game If your
