Teaching Football Skills The Football Pitch The Pitch The layout of a field is shown below. The dimensions can be varied, depending on the number of players and their ability levels. Coaches need to spend adequate time at each practice identifying the boundaries and markings of the field, particularly with beginner players. Goal Box Goalkeeper must place the ball within this box for a goal kick (11-a-side only). Penalty Area Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands within this box. Any major foul inside this area results in a one-onone penalty kick taken from the penalty spot. When a penalty is in progress, all other players must stand outside the penalty area, including the penalty arc. Center Circle A kickoff is taken from the center of this circle. All defenders must stand beyond the circle. Halfway Line Both teams must be behind their side of this on a kickoff. Sideline The ball is out of play if it crosses this line, unlike American football and basketball. The line itself is in play. Corner-Kick Arc The ball must be placed within this arc for a corner kick. The Pitch 118 Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004