The existence of a regulation of soccer is a certain and indisputable fact. All those who approach this sport know its existence. However, there is one rule that reveals the ignorance of the vast majority (players, coaches, managers and public).
On the offside lines
Anyone who approaches the game knows that field players cannot handle the ball with their hands except for throw-ins. They also recognize that the team that scores a goal wins, to name just two examples. Yet, the law of offside is of rarely discussed importance: it is what gives soccer a strategic meaning. Rule 11 states that a footballer is in an offside position when he "is closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the second last opponent". Paying attention to the spirit of this norm, there are a number of aspects that stand out and are worth highlighting. The first of these is the most obvious: offside is a defensive tool. Its correct implementation aims at reducing the useful field for the team that has the ball. The organization of the defenders, based on an imaginary line, limits the space and leads the rival to rush into the offensive construction. He starts from this position to carry out what some call "forward defense" or "bailout".
Restrictions to follow
The restriction of space, and the sense of urgency it creates in the team that has the ball, helps to recover it. Once the ball is regained, the progression toward the opponent's goal begins. Some promote this through short associations and others through long passes. It doesn't matter what style, because what matters is advancing toward the rival goal. This rule demystifies the concepts of offense and defense as separate or isolated facts. It shows that both are part of the "game" since the above-mentioned behaviors are inseparable. As can be concluded after reviewing the first two points, the offside rule, as long as it is known to be used, conditions the strategy (game plan) and tactics (the actions taken by the players during the game) of both teams.
There is a third element, of even greater relevance, which is the power to change the dimensions of the playing field.
