Football is played between two teams which have 11 players each. It is also known as soccer in some countries. The time duration of a football game between two sides is 90 mins, which is divided into halves of 45 mins. So this was the basic of the game. Now let’s talk about the dimensions and weight of the ball.
A soccer ball of Size 5 is used for professional games. It should weigh between 410–450 g, with a circumference of 68–70 cm (27–28 inches). Its weight must be in the range of 410 to 450 grams and inflated to a pressure of 0.6 and 1.1 bars (8.7 and 16.0 psi) at sea level. While grass of the field is a typical playing surface, football can also be played on artificial turf or informally on dirt surfaces So this was about the ball. So without further ado, let’s check out the dimensions of the football field and the goal post.
In world football, the dimensions of the field is decided by FIFA (The Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the leading governing body of football.
Size of the field:
According to FIFA, a football (soccer) field should have the following dimensions:
- The length also called the touchline, has to be of minimum 90 m (100 yards) and of maximum 120 m (130 yards).
- The width, also called the goal line, has to be of minimum 45 m (50 yards) and maximum 90 m (100 yards).
In the case of international matches, FIFA’s rules are a bit stricter than the upper one:
- The length also called the touchline, has to be minimum 100 m and maximum 110 m.
- The width, also called the goal line, has to be a minimum 64 m and maximum 75 m.
The halfway line is equal to the goal line as it runs parallel to it.
Goal area:
The goal area is a rectangular zone inside the penalty box. It extends 5.5 m inside the field from the goalposts. This 5.5 m line goes parallel to the touchline. It’s breadth is 18.32 m. This area’s primary role nowadays is to provide space for goal kicks.
Penalty area:
This the box inside which the goalkeeper is allowed to pick the ball up with his hands. Inside this, any foul leads to a penalty kick. It surrounds the goal area and is 16.5 m inside the pitch from the goal line. Its breadth is 40.32 m. It is also known as the box or simply a ‘D’. Inside this, there is a spot for taking penalties. This penalty spot is 11 m from the goal line. There is also an arc attached to the penalty area, known as the ‘penalty arc’. It is 9.15 m from the penalty spot.
Centre circle:
The centre circle is in the centre of the pitch divided by the halfway line equally. Its radius is 9.15 m (10 yards). Its role is to define the minimum distance that opposing players must keep away from the players during the kick-off. The ball is placed in between the centre circle at the time of kick-off.
Corner arc:
The corner arcs are used for taking corners after the ball crosses the goal line after touching the defending team’s player. There are four corner arcs on four corners of the ground. The radius of the arc is 0.9 m.
Dimensions of the goal post:
The goalposts in the ground are fixed on the goal line on either side. Both goalposts are of equal size. It is made of two horizontal posts of 2.44 m connected by a vertical post of size 7.32 m. It is mostly made from metals and is coloured white. They are capped with nets, so as to stop the ball from going away.
Grass length & type:
Teams use artificial turfs or natural grass in their grounds. The size of the grass on a pitch should be typically between 25-30 mm. The grass is cut in a straight pattern to help the assistant referees in spotting offsides. The type of grass used in a turf varies from place to place depending upon the climate and weather. In cooler regions, teams use grasses like ryegrass, meadow-grass and tall fescue. In warmer regions, teams use grasses such as bermudagrass, zoysia species and seashore paspalum.
Also Read | All Football Player Positions explained
Below are the field dimensions of grounds of several top clubs in football:
Camp Nou Stadium: 105 x 68 metres
Wembley Stadium: 105 x 68 metres
Old Trafford Stadium: 105 x 68 metres
Emirates Stadium: 105 x 68 metres
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: 105 x 68 metres
Stamford Bridge: 103 x 67 metres
Anfield: 101 x 68 metres
San Siro: 105 x 68 metres
Allianz Arena: 105 x 68 metres
Maracana Stadium: 105 x 68 metres
Check here about The different types of kicks in Football