Photo: BCD Jeux, partner shopSport
Football
- players
- 2–22
- minutes
- 90
- years
- 5+
In the box
A ball, two goals
Official rules (PDF, federation's site)
Box details
- Origin
- Traditional game, with no specific designer or publisher
- Mechanics
- DexterityTeam-BasedReal-Time
Where to buy it
Near you and online
In a shop
Within 50 km.
Online
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The basics
Two teams, eleven a side in an official match, try to score more goals than the opponents, only the goalkeeper being allowed to handle the ball, inside their area. The match is played in two 45-minute halves, with the offside rule and yellow and red cards, and a goal counts when the whole ball has crossed the line. At the final whistle, the most goals wins; in a knockout match, a draw leads to extra time, then a penalty shootout.
The rules, step by step
Setup
2 teams of 11, 1 ball, 2 goals, Any size in the park
- Two teams, a ball, two goals. Eleven players a side in an official match, far fewer in the park.
- A pitch 100 to 110 metres long and 64 to 75 metres wide in competition; in practice the size is up to you.
How to play
2 halves of 45 min, Hands: goalkeeper only, Offside and cards
- Two halves of 45 minutes, separated by a 15-minute break.
- Only the goalkeeper may handle the ball, inside their penalty area.
- A player is offside if they are in the opponents' half, closer to the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played.
- Yellow card for a caution, red for a sending-off. Two yellows make a red.
Scoring
1 goal = 1 point, Whole ball over line
- A goal is worth one point, however it is scored.
- The ball must wholly cross the goal line to count.
End of the game
Final whistle, Extra time 2 × 15 min, Then penalties
- The match ends at the final whistle, added time included.
- If a knockout match is level: extra time of two 15-minute periods, then a penalty shoot-out.
House rules and pitfalls
In the park, you play against the clock or to a number of goals.
- In the park, you play against the clock or to a number of goals. The scorer handles both: choose the format when you start.
Going further
Variants · Frequently asked questions · In the same family
Variants
Format
Timed match
The official rule: two halves of 45 minutes, plus added time. End the game at the final whistle.
First to 5 goals
House rule: in the park, the first team to 5 goals wins.
First to 10 goals
House rule: in the park, the first team to 10 goals wins.
choose them when you start a game: the scorer adapts
Frequently asked questions
How do you score a goal?
The ball must wholly cross the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar. One goal, one point: the final score separates the teams.
What is offside?
An attacker is offside if they are closer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball AND the second-last defender when the ball is played. The most debated rule in the game.
What is the difference between a yellow and a red card?
A yellow is a caution; two yellows or a straight red send the player off, and they are not replaced — their team finishes with ten.
When is a penalty given?
For a foul committed by the defending side in its own penalty area. A shot from eleven metres, with only the goalkeeper to beat.
How long does a match last?
Two halves of forty-five minutes, plus added time. In a cup, extra time then penalties if needed.