by D. Victor

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: July 11, 2010

Most soccer fans have an idea about the primary areas of the field. The details of the soccer pitch are addressed in the 1st law of soccer- The Field of Play. Even for the avid soccer fan, it is pretty useful to know what the different markings on the field are for and what areas they define. Most fans would be away of the importance of symmetry and measurement for the soccer pitch.

The soccer pitch

The soccer pitch must be rectangular and within specified measurements. The measurements are different for normal association matches and international matches. The minimum length of a soccer pitch is 90m, with the maximum being 120m. Its width must fall between 45m and 90m. Measurements for international matches fall within the aforementioned ranges. The soccer pitch is defined by two touch lines and goal lines. These boundary lines must be clearly visible and not wider than five inches.

The goals

These must be placed at the precise centre of either goal line. The distance of each upright from the corner flag must be the same distance on either side. The goal is not required to have a net, but it usually has one (thankfully). The uprights must be exactly eight feet high with the crossbar eight yards across. The uprights and crossbar must be white and the same width as the goal line. This fact can be very important when determining if a goal is scored or not.

The two halves

The soccer pitch is split symmetrically with two halves that mirror each other in every way. The halfway line splits the field into two equal halves. Flags can be placed a yard away from each touchline in line with the halfway line, but this is optional.

The goal area

The goal area is 20 yards long (six yards from either upright) and extends six yards from either goal line. The goal area is critical for ball placement in goal kicks, indirect free kicks in the penalty area or dropped balls in the penalty area.

The penalty area

Also known as the 18-yard box, the penalty area surrounds the goal area and goal symmetrically. It extends 18 yards from the goal line and 18 yards from either upright (44 x 18 yards in area). The penalty area is often mentioned in commentary. It is the critical area for determining whether an infringement punishable by a direct free kick results in a penalty if it's in the area or free kick if just outside. The penalty area is also the goalkeeper's domain. He can generally handle the ball anywhere in the penalty area, save in exceptional circumstances.

The penalty

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>