The Soccer Field Size

Standard soccer field size and its measurements

Click here for higher resolution.

As you can see on the illustration above, all line markings on the soccer field form part of the area which they define. A ball must wholly be over the touchline to be out of play; also it must be over the goal line to be counted as goal. If the whole ball is not over the goal line, it would be counted as still in play So, make sure that the ball has passed the goal line before celebrating your triumph.

Following descriptions of soccer field size apply to the adult matches but all of these rules can be applied to all ages. On a regular soccer field goals are usually placed at the center of goal line. You may have noticed that a referee usually walks around the goal before match starts and inspects if everything is O.K.

By doing this he/she controls if the goals are placed properly. A goalpost and its crossbars must be marked with white color, and they have to be made of either wood or aluminum/metal. Nets are in most case placed behind the goal, through these are not required.

The goal area even known as the 6 yard box, consists of:

• The goal line

• Two lines, starting on the goal line 6 yards from the goalposts extending about 6 yards into the field from the goal line

• A line that join these

Penalty area even known as the 18 yard box is formed by the goal line and the lines which extends from it. These lines are 18 yards or 16,5 meters from the goal post and extend 18 yards or 16,5 meters into the soccer field. Penalty kick is used to denote where the goalkeeper have permission to grip the ball with hands but also where the penalty kick is taken.

The penalty mark or the penalty spot as some people prefer to call it can be found in the middle of the penalty area (approximately about 12 yards (11m) in front of the goal). The penalty arcis marked from the outside edge of the penalty area (approximately 10 yards) from the penalty spot. During a penalty kick, only the penalty kick taker and the goalkeeper have permission to stay.

You don’t really need to know how long it is from the goal post or how high a soccer goal is, instead, see these fact as something that is cool to know but not necessary to become a skillful soccer player.