Soccer Field Dimensions

The pitch can vary in size with professional and international matches requiring slightly different variations. However, there are general size ranges that remain consistent throughout the various professional teams and leagues. In this tutorial, we will learn about the dimensions of a regulation pro soccer pitch required to play a match.

Touchline Dimensions

The touchlines, also referred to as the sidelines, are the two boundary lines on the long side of the field. These lines are where player benches are located. Any ball that crosses outside of the touchlines will result in a throw in. According to FIFA and the Laws of The Game, the touchlines must be a minimum of 90 m (100 yds) to a maximum of 120 m (130 yds).

Goal Line Dimensions

The goal lines, also referred to as the bylines, are the boundary lines on the shorter side of the field. This line is where the goals sit, and any balls that cross these lines will result in either a goal kick or corner kick. The Laws of the Game also define a minimum and maximum for the length of the goal lines. The minimum is 45 m (50 yds) and the maximum length of the goal lines is 90 m (100 yds).

Field of Play Dimensions

The touchlines and goal lines make up the field of play. Any ball that fully crosses outside of the field of play is out of bounds. 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.

Center Circle Dimensions

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. When a half begins or a goal is scored, the ball is placed on the center mark. The opposing team is not allowed to enter the circle until the team with possession touches the ball.

Soccer Goal Dimensions

Professional soccer goals are surprisingly large, which makes it all the more impressive just how good the best goalies in the world are at keeping the ball out of the net. The standard dimensions of a soccer goal are 7.32 m (8 yds) wide by 2.44 m (8 ft) tall. Depending on the age level, soccer goals may be even smaller in size. The goal posts must have a width that is less than 12 cm (5 ins).

Technical Area Dimensions

The technical area is the designated box where players, coaches, and other personnel are allowed to stand during the game. The length of this area spans at most 1 m (1 yd) from each side of the seating area. The height of the box extends so that it is about 1 m away from the touchline.

Flag Posts Dimensions

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 are in place to help soccer referees see whether or not a ball has gone out of bounds. They are rather tall, in order to make them easier to see from down the field, standing 1.5 m (5ft) tall.

Penalty Area Dimensions

The sides of the penalty area measure 16.5 m (18 yds), and the width of the penalty area is 40 m (44 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.

Goal Area Dimensions

The goal area is inside of the penalty area and is shaped very much like it. The goal area is a rectangle with a length of 5.5 m (6 yds), while the width is 18.3 m (20 yds). Goal kicks must be taken from on or inside of the goal area.

Corner Dimensions

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. The ball must be placed on or inside of the corner when taking a corner kick.

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