The pitch can vary in size with professional and international matches requiring slightly different variations. In this tutorial, we will learn about the dimensions of a regulation soccer pitch required to play a match. We will refer to all levels of play.
According too FIFA and the Laws of The Game, the touchlines must be a minimum of 90 meters (100 yards) to a maximum of 120 m (130 yds).
The Laws of the game also define a minimum and maximum for the length of the goal lines. The minimum is 45 meters (50 yards) and the maximum length of the goal lines is 90 m (100 yds).
The touchlines and goal lines make up the field of play. The field of play is a rectangular shape that can have a minimum and maximum length and width. To summarize, the goal lines measure 45-90 m (50-100 yds) and the touchlines measure 90-120 m (100-130 yds). Each touchline and goal line must be placed equal distances apart, ensuring the integrity of the pitch shape.
The center circle has a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds). This means that the diameter of the center circle is 18.3 m (20 yds) and has a circumference of 57.642 m (62.8 yds). The center mark is in the middle of the center circle.
The dimensions of a soccer goal are 7.32 m (8 yds) wide by 2.44 m (8ft) tall. The posts are place at the edges of this distance. The goal posts must have a width that is less than 12 cm (5 ins)
The technical area should be at most 1 meter (1 yard) from the sideline. The coach, players, substitutes, and team doctors reside in this area.
The flag posts are placed at each corner of the pitch and can optionally be placed on both ends of the halfway line. These flags stand 1.5 m (5ft) tall.
The sides of the penalty area measure 16.5 m (18 yds). There is a small dot called the penalty mark that is in the middle of the penalty area. The penalty mark is placed 11 m (12 yds) from the goal post.
The goal area is inside of the penalty area and is shaped very much like it. The sides of the goal area are 5.5 m (6 yds) and branch out from the goal line.
The corners are used by players to take corner kicks. The corners consist of a quarter-circle that measures 1 m (1 yd) in radius.