History

• There are two different games that preceded the game of soccer that are thought to help develop the game.  The Greek game, Harpastan, and the Italian game, Calcio are thought to influence the game of Soccer.
• The game of soccer was played in England during the Middle Ages by peasants and eventually grew popular enough in 1863 to become an official school game with rules and regulations.
• On November 6th, 1869 the game of soccer was first played as a collegiate sport in the United States and is now played at most communities, schools and colleges.

Terms

Center- A pass from the outside of the field near the sideline into the center.
 
Corner kick- A direct free kick awarded to the attacking player on the corner arc when the defending team last played the ball over their own end line.
 
Direct kick- A free kick from which the kicker may immediately score from that initial contact. 

Dribbling- The technique of the player self-propelling the ball with the foot so that he/she maintains control while moving the ball from one spot to another.
 
Goal area- The rectangular area in front of the goal where the ball is placed for a goal kick.

Head- the technique of playing the ball with the head.  

Indirect free kick- A free kick from which a player other than the kicker must contact the ball before a score can result.  

Kickoff- The free kick that starts the play at the beginning of the game, after each period, or after a score.  

Penalty area- The large rectangular area in front of the goal where the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands to play the ball.  

Penalty kick- A free kick awarded for a direct free kick foul in the penalty area against the defending team.  

Throw-in- The technique used for restarting the game when the ball goes out of play over the sideline.  

Trap- The technique used for receiving the ball, bringing it under control.