Football

Football, also called soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players. The aim is to score by sending the ball completely over the opponents’ goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar. A match normally lasts 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves, with a halftime interval.

Players mainly use their feet, but they may also control the ball with other parts of the body, except for the hands and arms. The goalkeeper is the only player who may deliberately handle the ball within their own penalty area, subject to the Laws of the Game. The field has markings that define areas such as the penalty area, halfway line and corner areas.

Football requires repeated changes of speed and direction rather than one constant effort. During a match, players alternate between walking, jogging, running and short, intense sprints. These actions rely on several energy systems: muscles can produce energy rapidly without oxygen during very intense efforts, while aerobic metabolism supplies much of the energy needed for longer periods of activity and recovery.

Training can improve endurance, sprinting ability, coordination, strength and technical skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting. Good performance also depends on perception and decision-making, because players must constantly judge the position of teammates, opponents and the ball. Regular football can contribute to cardiovascular fitness, muscular function and overall physical activity when practiced safely and appropriately.