Soccer

Soccer

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. Fast rallies, dribbles, physical exertion and spectacular goals are what make this team sport so attractive for many. Football moves more people than almost any other sport. With almost 600,000 active soccer players - the proportion of women in Austria is around two percent - and more than 2,200 clubs across Austria, soccer is clearly at the top in club sport. But playing with the round leather is also very popular as a leisure sport with children and adults outside of organized sports.

navigation

• Continue reading
• more on the subject

• How is the game organized?
• Which training is useful?
• What are the health benefits?
• What equipment is necessary?

How is the game organized?

Two teams of eleven players each compete against each other on a rectangular playing field with two goals. The game is mostly played outdoors on grass. The winner is the team that scores more goals than the opponent in two 45-minute periods. In addition to the classic outdoor soccer game, indoor soccer (futsal) and beach soccer are recognized as disciplines by the world soccer association FIFA. Each type of game has its own rules, which are issued by FIFA.

Which training is useful?

In addition to training the basic conditioning skills of endurance and strength, speed is important for sprints and assaults with the ball. In order to be able to play 90 minutes, a very good training condition is necessary. In specific football training, for example, receiving the ball, passing and shooting or teamwork is practiced.

What are the health benefits?

Playing soccer is excellent cardiovascular workout (see Staying Healthy with Exercise). Endurance, strength and coordination skills are promoted. Especially in childhood and adolescence, important physical foundations are laid for later when playing with the ball.

The many positive effects are offset by the high risk of injury, especially for recreational athletes who play from time to time. Targeted training, good fitness and warming up before the game can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Hobby athletes should take care not to overexert themselves. As a preventive measure, the state of health can be clarified in a sports medicine check-up.

What equipment is necessary?

To play football, you need well-fitting shoes with a sole that matches the surface. In the hall and on the hard court in the open air, the sole is almost treadless, while shoes with knobs, studs or studs offer more grip on the lawn. Shin guards are mandatory in club football.

Note "Fit Sport Austria" offers football for all age groups throughout Austria.