Football is a great way to get exercise and have fun, but there are some things you should know before hitting the field. Here are the dos and don’ts of playing football as a beginner-from how to hold the ball to which techniques work best, we’ve got you covered.
So put on your cleats and get ready for some action!
The basics of playing football
Football is a relatively simple game. Two teams of eleven players each try to get the ball into the other team’s goal using only their feet. The team that scores the most goals in the allotted time wins the game.
Some football games may go into extra time or penalties if the score is tied at the end of regulation time, but typically, each game is only 90 minutes long.
Now that you know the basics of the game, let’s get into the dos and don’ts of playing football as a beginner.
The Dos of Playing Football
- Do wear the right football gear. In order to play football, you need to have the proper equipment. This includes cleats, shin guards, and a mouthguard. Wearing the right gear will protect you from injuries. When choosing cleats, make sure they fit well and are comfortable. You don’t want them to be too tight or too loose.
- Do a warm-up before playing. It’s important to warm up your muscles before playing football. A good warm-up will help prevent injuries and improve your performance. Try doing some simple stretches and jogging in place to get your muscles warmed up. Your coach may also have a specific warm-up routine for you to follow.
- Do learn the basic rules. Before you start playing, it’s important to know the basic rules of the game. This includes understanding how the game is played, what you can and can’t do on the field, and what each position does. Once you have a good understanding of the rules, you’ll be better prepared to play and won’t make as many mistakes.
- Do stay hydrated. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after playing football. This will help keep your body temperature regulated and prevent you from getting dehydrated. Dehydration can cause cramps, dizziness, and fatigue. So make sure to drink water or a sports drink throughout the game to stay hydrated.
- Do have fun. Playing football can be a lot of fun! So make sure to enjoy yourself and don’t take things too seriously. At the end of the day, it’s just a game.
The Don’ts of Playing Football
- Don’t forget to stretch. Stretching is just as important as warming up before playing football. It helps improve your flexibility and range of motion. Without stretching, you’re more likely to pull a muscle or suffer an injury. So make sure to take the time to stretch before hitting the field.
- Don’t play through pain. If you’re injured, it’s important to rest and recover before playing again. Playing through pain can make your injuries worse and prevent you from healing properly. So if you’re hurt, make sure to see a doctor and follow their recommendations for recovery.
- Don’t be a ball hog. Football is a team sport, which means you need to work together with your teammates to be successful. Trying to do everything yourself will only make things harder for everyone. So pass the ball and work together if you want to win.
- Don’t get too aggressive. Playing football can be physical, but that doesn’t mean you should go around tackling people indiscriminately. Be aware of your surroundings and only tackle when it’s necessary. Getting too aggressive can result in injuries, both for you and the other players.
- Don’t forget to have fun! Like we said before, playing football should be fun. So don’t take things too seriously and enjoy yourself. After all, it’s just a game.
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of playing football, you’re ready to hit the field! Just remember to have fun and stay safe, and you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself.
Do you have any tips for beginners who want to play football? Share them in the comments below!
