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The Soccer Field And Its Components

Contrary to other sports, soccer fields, also known as the pitch, can have differing dimensions within the confines of the rules. However, there are always the same components in each field. Read on to learn about the different parts of a soccer field and what each part contributes to a game of soccer.

Field of Play

The field of play is the area on the pitch within the boundary lines. The field of play is made up of the sidelines and bylines. This is the area where gameplay occurs. Any ball that exits the field of play is considered out of bounds. The length of the field of play measures between 90 and 120 meters (100-130 yds) while the width measures between 45 and 90 meters (50-100 yds).

Midfield

The area of the field surrounding the halfway line is known as midfield. Midfield is a highly contested area on the pitch. The team that controls the ball in midfield has a lot of options. They can pass back into the defensive third to a defender or pass into the attacking third to a striker or winger.

The Goal

On both ends of the pitch is a goal, placed directly at the center of the goal lines. Players try to shoot the ball into the opposing team’s goal to score goals. The goals are made up of three main parts called the crossbar, two posts, and a net. Professional goals are 8 yards (24 feet) wide and 8 feet tall, while younger levels can have smaller goals. All goals are attached to the ground with metal pegs.

The Crossbar

There is a vertical bar called the crossbar that spans the width of the goal connecting both posts. The crossbar must be made of a solid material so that a soccer ball can bounce off of it. The crossbar is 2.44 m (8 ft) up in the air from the ground. Any ball that is played off the crossbar is still in play as long as it stays within the boundary lines.

The Goal Posts

Two vertical support posts keep the crossbar suspended in the air called goal posts. Together, the crossbar and goalposts form the frame of the goal. According to FIFA, the posts are white and have the same width as the crossbar of 12 cm (5 inches). The distance between both posts is 7.32 m (8 yds). A ball that is kicked or played off the goal posts but remains in bounds is in play, just like the crossbar.

The Net

The net of the goal is secured to the crossbar and posts to create the full goal. The net catches any balls that pass the crossbar and posts and makes it easy to determine whether or not the ball has entered the goal. In many professional stadiums, this net will be strung up to form a box. The net mustn’t fall and impede the keeper from doing their job.

The Center Mark or Center Spot

The center mark, also known as the center spot, is a marking made at the exact center point of the pitch. It is used for kickoffs to designate where the ball will be placed at the start of each half and after a goal is scored.

The Center Circle

The center circle is the circle placed in the middle of the pitch, divided by the halfway line with the center mark in the center. The circle has a diameter of ten yards. On a kickoff, all players from the opposite team of the team kicking off must remain outside of the circle until the ball is touched

The Goal Area

The goal area is a smaller box located on both ends of the pitch, inside of the penalty area. It designates where a goalie may kick a soccer ball from back into play when it goes out-of-bounds beyond the endline by the team on offense. The goal box line is 6 yards from the goal and 20 yards wide across it.

The Penalty Area

The penalty area is a large rectangle on both halves of the pitch. The rules of the penalty area allow the goalie to use his hands in this entire part of the field. All penalty kicks also happen in this area. A penalty kick is given to an offensive player who has been fouled by a defensive player in the penalty area. All players except for the defending goalie and the player taking the penalty kick must remain outside of the penalty area until the ball is touched. The penalty area is known as the 18-yard box, while the goal area is sometimes referred to as the 6-yard box or the box for short.

The Penalty Spot

The penalty spot is a small marking inside of the penalty area placed 11 m (12 yards) away from the center of the goal line. If a player is awarded a penalty kick, the ball is placed on that mark for the kick.

Corners

The corners of the soccer field are an important location to know. All corner kicks happen at the corner arcs. The corners are surrounded by both boundary lines, so if you’re playing defense this is a great spot to keep the offensive player with the ball. If you have the ball in a corner in the attacking third, you should try and cross the ball to a teammate in the middle for an open shot.

The Corner Arc

There are four quarter-circle corner arcs placed at each corner of the pitch. While the exact size will vary based on professional level and pitch size, they are most often 1 yard in diameter. The corner arc is used as a guide for corner kicks. When a corner kick is awarded, the ball must be placed somewhere along the arc for the kick to be legal.

The Corner Flag

At each of the four corners is a flag placed where the end lines and touchlines meet. The corner flags serve as indicators to referees and players about the boundaries of the pitch and when the ball is inbounds and goes out of bounds. Their bright coloring and size make it easy for referees to spot them from afar in scenarios where the ball goes out of bounds.

The Technical Area

Most pitches will have some sideline space known as the technical area for players to warm up before being substituted into the game. The sideline space is also for coaches (managers) to walk around and communicate with their players during matches. The coach must stay in their respective technical area throughout the game and can be punished for leaving it to communicate with referees and players.

Wings

The wings are the sides of the pitch. As a soccer player, you may be assigned a wing to play on. The wings are close to the touchlines, so you must be careful not to bring the ball out of bounds. The wings are prime territory for counterattacks, however, players attacking the wings must be careful not to go out of bounds.