Soccer players rely on consistent equipment and conditions in order to perform at their best. Because the soccer ball is the main piece of equipment in the game, there are several strict regulations and requirements regarding its size and weight. A soccer ball that is too heavy or too light impedes the game.

You already know that it doesn't matter what you wear to play a pickup game of soccer and that some form of the game can be played just about anywhere. Playing on an official team is a different matter. Rules governing clothing vary depending on the type of soccer league and where it's located.

High school soccer teams typically use 11 players, but must have substitutes available when players are injured, receive warnings or need a rest. But this isn't hockey, where a coach can sub players on the fly. Coaches have to follow substitution rules set by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The goalkeeper is a vitally important position on the soccer team. Having a confident and commanding goalkeeper can bring uniformity and self-assurance to the back four, defenders, and the rest of the team.

Walking in soccer cleats on concrete is a bad idea because it can be hazardous to you and your cleats. Even though your cleats are rough and durable out on the soccer field, they could be rendered useless if you romp on concrete -- even for that short walk across the parking lot after the game.

Soccer shoes come in specific forms; molded cleats, interchangeable cleats, turf shoes and indoor shoes. Each form is designed to help your game specific to the surface upon which you play.

All great soccer players spent much of their lives training alone, in addition to practicing with a team, even before they ever joined one. To improve at the game of soccer, not only do you need to practice with a team, you also need to focus on developing skills on your own in your backyard or on an empty pitch.

Soccer is an anaerobic sport that consists of rapid bursts of activity followed by short periods of rest. To be successful, a soccer player must have pure sprinting speed but also the ability to dodge other players and make tackles, which requires agility.

One inch can mean the difference between a winning goal or a tied game. A soccer ball must be all the way across the line to score. Various rules apply to soccer scoring. For instance, the ball can cross the goal on the ground on in the air.

Even amateur adult players can boom a soccer ball 50 yards or more down the field, from the goal area past the halfway line, and professional goalkeepers such as Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar can make the ball sail three-quarters of the length of the pitch.

When teaching soccer to beginners, keep your expectations in line with the skill set of your players and expose them to basic defensive and offensive drills. Focus on basic techniques, such as proper kicking form and dribbling, rather than advanced concepts, such as slide tackling or goalkeeping.

Shin guards and socks are required for legal play in nearly all soccer leagues. There are two basic types of shin guards: those with ankle guards and those without. For each type of guard, you should know the best way to wear your socks for the benefit of legal play and your safety on the field.