What Are The Dimensions Of A Soccer Field?

Soccer field is probably the most overlooked component of soccer. If you come to think of it, your mind is bombarded with a variety of questions whenever you ponder about a soccer field. For instance, questions that may arise include but are not limited to;

What goes into creating a perfect field for players to play the game?

What factors are to be considered while creating a new stadium?

What dimensions are required for a soccer field?

What is the surface like?

Soccer Field Size Explained

One thing that you need to understand here is that soccer field sizes vary. They vary based on certain parameters associated with different organizations.

An international soccer field may vary from a standard soccer field size.

For example, an international soccer field has a length of 110 yards to 120 yards as minimum to maximum length respectively. While a soccer field size according to FIFA standards is 100 yards to 130 yards as minimum to maximum length respectively.

Similarly, international width (goal line) is 70 yards to 80 yards as minimum to maximum width respectively. While a width (goal line) as per FIFA standards is 50 yards to 100 yards as minimum to maximum width respectively.

Note: International soccer field sizes are strict while FIFA standards have some flexibility when it comes to adjusting the soccer field size.

Soccer Field Elements and their Dimensions

All the questions talked about above, are going to be addressed in this article including different types of fields and much more for you to get as much information as possible.

Soccer Field Layout

Field layout for a soccer field is very interesting with all the markings inside such as goal box, penalty box, corner kick locations and the center circle – all of these complete the soccer field.

Soccer Field Markings

If you were to sum up the entire soccer field markings, it would be as follows;

• Corner Arc
• Goal Box
• Penalty Box
• Penalty Arc
• Penalty Kick Mark
• Sideline
• End-line
• Halfway line
• Center Circle

Let’s focus on each of the markings in detais.

Soccer Goal Dimensions

Coming to the difference making element of the soccer field, soccer goal dimensions are strictly regulated by FIFA.

As per the rules, soccer goal should have a width of 8 yards while its height should be 8 feet, that is 7.32 meter (width) and 2.44 meters (length).

The goal posts should be white in color and a white net should be attached to it.

Soccer Goal Box Size

So, you might have guessed it right that both the sides of the field have equally sized goal box.

Goal box starts 6 yards from the ends of both sides of goal post and further extends 6 yards in.

Soccer Penalty Box Size

Penalty box is drawn just like a goal box but with a different measurement that is 18 yards from the ends of goal post and is then extended 18 yards into the field.

This way a penalty box is created after marks are connected with each other.

Soccer Penalty Kick Mark Location

While penalty kick mark from where the player takes the penalty, is placed 12 yards away from the goal.

Usually from the television screen it seems like a tiny gap between the goal and the player but in reality, there is a noticeable distance.

Soccer Penalty Arc Size

Keeping a radius of 10 yards, the penalty arc is marked outside the penalty box. Most important thing that is considered while drawing the penalty arc is that penalty kick mark should always be at its center when kicking the soccer ball.

The main purpose of drawing a penalty arc is to make sure that the players are 10 yards away from the penalty taker.

Soccer Center Circle Location

One of the most common elements of a soccer field is the Center Circle.

It is pointed exactly at the center of the field with a radius of 10 yards. Center circle’s very center is precisely in the middle of the field.

Soccer Corner Arc Location

Placed at each corner of the field, corner arc is the place from where the player takes a corner kick.

Basically, the idea of corner arc is very interesting.

How so?

Each corner arc is a 1 arc radius. It’s like a complete circle is divided into quarters and distributed at each corner of the field.

Whenever a corner is taken, it is taken from this position and the ball stays within this corner arc.

Soccer Flag Post Size

Something as simple as flag post is also designed and placed according to rules and regulations.

For instance, as per the FIFA Standards, the flag posts placed on each corner of the soccer field should be 5 feet tall.

Soccer Grass Sizes and Types

It may sound too much, but even the grass type, length and drainage matter when it comes to making the perfect soccer field.

Grass Length

Typically, the grass length that is ideal for a field is about 25-30 millimeters. In order to have visible strips on the field, the grass is cut from side to side.

Owing to these visible strips, referees find it helpful when deciding a close-call for offside.

Grass Types

Now, grass type is used depending upon the climate of the region where the stadium is being built.

For instance, if a soccer field is being made in a cooler region, ryegrass, meadow-grass or tall faescue is used. Similarly, for hotter region, zoysia grass, seashore paspalum or bermudagrass is used.

Drainage

Drainage may seem insignificant, but it is a critical factor when it comes to soccer fields.

As per UEFA guidelines, a pipe-drained sub-base drainage is used which avoids water accumulation on the surface in the times of heavy rainfall. This kind of drainage is usually sand-dominated root zone lying underneath the turf. Since soccer is mainly played outside, it is important to take care of the grass for this eco friendly sport.

In some regions, there is a undersoil heating system that ensures that the pitch is always payable regardless of the inclement weather.

All of these guidelines are kept in consideration while making the perfect pitch that ticks off all the requirements put forth by the governing bodies in the world of Soccer.