Football basics

Football, a.k.a. fútbol, or as those in the US call it, “soccer,” is one of the most popular games in the world, especially in Europe.  Football’s fast-paced action and simplicity make it easy and fun to follow.  Still, everyone has to start somewhere, and if you’re new to football, you need to know the basics before you can bet.

The Field

In football, the field is also known as the “pitch,” and is generally around 100 yards long by 50 yards wide.  At either end is a goal.  The markings on the pitch denote the penalty area, the centre spot, and the corners.  There is also a circle with a 10-yard radius marked out around the centre spot.  The field is usually grass, but may be AstroTurf or another manmade material as well.  No matter what type of turf is used, it will always be green with white lines.

The Goal of Football

The goal of a football game is simple—to score as many goals as possible!  This is done by getting the ball across the field and putting it into the enemy goal area net.

The Positions

The positions in football are simple as well!

• Goalkeeper:  Each team has a goalkeeper, whose job is to protect the goal area.  The goalkeeper’s movements are confined to the 18-yard penalty area around the net.  The goalkeeper, unlike the rest of his teammates, can use his hands.

• Defenders:  These are the players who are posted in front of the goalkeeper, and their job is to protect the net.  Central defenders are posted in the middle of the field.  Outside fullbacks are posted on the left and right and usually don’t move around too much. 

• Midfielders:  These players may alternate between defensive and offensive roles.  They move around the field more than any other players, and therefore need to be fast, agile, and in excellent shape.  Their endurance needs to be top-shelf.

• Forwards:  These are offensive players whose primary objective at all times is to score goals.  One important forward player is known as the centre forward or striker.  This player is usually going to be the leading goal scorer for the team. 

That is most of what you need to know to follow along with a football game—aside from learning all the rules, penalties, and pacing.  But you now know which players fulfill which roles, and where you can expect to see them on the pitch and what they will be doing. 

There are a lot of complicated games you can wager on which are quite difficult to learn.  American NFL football is a great example.  While complex games like NFL football are beginning to pick up traction around the globe, there is a reason that fútbol is already one of the most popular sports worldwide.  You can learn the basics inside of a day, and the more you follow along, the more you will learn.  It is one of the easiest sports to start betting on in any online betting site!