You will see many markings on a soccer field such as lines, circles and boxes painted on the grass. These lines actually define where the game begins and where the rules will apply.
Therefore, we will talk about the purpose of marking on a soccer field, their length and width. You will also see how you can paint the soccer ground in the correct way.
What Do the Markings on a Soccer Field Mean?
When you look at a soccer field, you see many field lines and shapes which are painted on the grass. Each marking has a purpose to guide players, referees and coaches to know the game.
These lines define where you can play, score or defend. When you are well aware about soccer field markings, you can follow every move and rule more easily during a match.
Soccer Field Markings
Pitch Marking
The soccer pitch is marked with high visible lines. These markings show you its outer boundaries. The two longer sides are called touchlines and the shorter ends are known as goal lines. These lines create a clear playing area, so you can see where the ball stays in or goes out during the game.
Center Circle
At the center of every soccer field, you will see a large blue shape over a white circle. It is called the center circle. This marking shows you where the game begins and restarts after a goal.
The markings of the center circle have a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards). This keeps enough space for a fair start for both teams.
Goal Area
The goal area is a small rectangular box, which you can mark in front of each goal. The lines of the goal area begin 6 yards (5.5 meters) from each goalpost. Then, you can extend it in the same distance (5.5 m) straight into the field.
These white markings show the space where goalkeepers generally take goal kicks. It also assists you to clearly see the area near the goal.
Penalty Area
The penalty area markings shape a large rectangle in front of the goal. Each line starts 18 yards (16.5 meters) from the inside of the goalpost. Then, it moves the same direction forward into the field.
You will see a line parallel to the goal line, which connects both ends. Inside this marking, the penalty spot is placed 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line.
Penalty Area Arcs
The penalty arc is a curved line which you can draw just outside the top of the penalty area. This marking has a radius of 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the penalty spot. Actually, this line forms a half-circle.
This circle connects smoothly with the penalty box line. The arc shows you where players must stand during a penalty kick. It keeps players at the right distance from the ball.
Penalty Kick Mark
The penalty kick mark (penalty spot) is a small circular marking which you will find inside the penalty area. It is marked 12 yards (11 meters) away from the goal line, exactly in the center of the goal. This mark shows you the exact spot where you can place the ball for a penalty kick.
Corner Arcs
You will see a small curved line at each corner of the soccer field. It is known as a soccer corner arc. This marking is 1 yard (1 meter) from the corner flag. It tells you where exactly you can place the ball for a corner kick. Players from the other team must stay at least 9.15 meters away from the arc.
Goal Posts
On every soccer field, the goal posts mark the main scoring area. You can paint its marking 8 yards (7.32 meters) apart. The crossbar is 2.44 meters (8 feet) above the ground. Both posts and the crossbar are painted with white color to make them easy to see. These measurements of lines keep all goal posts the same size in every match.
Halfway Line
The halfway line is the white line which you can mark across the middle of the soccer field. This mark divides the soccer ground into two equal halves. Generally, It marks the full width of the field from one edge to the other. This line is also used to position players during kick-offs and restarts. The purpose of these markings is to organize the game.
Runoff Area
The runoff area is the space around the edges of a soccer field. You will spot it outside the touchlines and goal lines. You no need to mark this zone. Because, it used to give clear space to players, so they can stop safely if the ball goes outside the field.
Well, this area is not part of the active playing field, but the touchlines and goal line show its boundary and also keep the game safe.
Sideline
With sideline markings, you can highlight the boundary of the playing area. It also shows where the ball is out of play. The sideline is approximately between 100 and 110 meters (110 to 120+ yards) long.
However, the length of the sideline can change according to the field size. They also tell players where to throw the ball or restart the game.
Endline
The endline (goal line) is the short white line at each end of the soccer field. Basically, it marks the boundary of the playing area behind the goals. The endline is usually 64 to 75 meters long. But, its length depends on the field size. To score a goal, you need to make sure that ball must cross this line completely.
Corner Flag
You will find flagpost at each corner of the soccer field. It highlights the point where the sidelines and endlines meet. The flagpost should be 1.5 meters (5 feet) high and has a small flag on top. These markers are helpful for you to see the corners clearly and show where you can take a corner kick.
What is the Width of the Lines on a Soccer Field?
All the lines on a soccer field such as the touchlines, goal lines and penalty area markings have a standard width. These markings are mostly 12 centimeters (5 inches) wide. This width is recommended because it makes the markings easy for you to see when you are playing or watching the game.
You should always paint all lines of the soccer field of the same width. This rule is important for you to follow, because it keeps the field clear, organized and fair for every player & referee.
How To Paint a Soccer Field?
To mark a soccer field, you need the right tools and materials. For example: a tape for measurements, chalk/marking spray, line marking machines and white soccer field paint. With these Items, you can create clear and visible markings on the field. If you choose the correct material to paint soccer ground, the lines will stay consistent and last longer.
How Long Does it Take To Paint a Soccer Field
The duration for marking the soccer field varies according to field size and the method you use. For example: If you paint by hand, it can take anywhere between 20 minutes to 5 hours.
But, if you want to repaint the field, it usually takes less than an hour. When you are using an automatic marking machine, it will make the job much faster for you. Because, a marking machine can finish a full field in about 20 minutes (not including setup time).
Color of Soccer Field Markings
The standard color for soccer field markings is white. You should use this color because it is bright and easy for you to see during the game. Also, white paint clearly stands out on the green grass. In some special matches or training fields, other colors like yellow or blue may be used. But, you can always prefer white for official games.
How To Line a Soccer Field?
To mark the soccer field neatly and accurately, you need to follow these basic steps.
- Firstly, you have to gather all the tools (mentioned above) that are required to paint a soccer field.
- Now, you can lightly mark the field with the correct line lengths and widths using chalk.
- After that, you can use a marking machine or spray to paint the soccer field.
- You should also check the uneven and missing lines and fix them.
- You must let the paint dry completely before playing. It may take 1 to 3 hours.
Users Also Ask These Questions
Why is a Soccer Field Called a Pitch?
A soccer field is also called a pitch, because long ago in England, people said they were “pitching” the field. That meant, ready the field for a game. So today, the word pitch means the place where you play a soccer match.
How To Mark Lines on Grass?
To paint a grassy soccer field, you can use technique of line marking with field marking paint and a line marking machine. But, you must mow (cut the grass) the field first so the surface is smooth. Then, you can spray paint evenly over the grass.
How Long Does Field Marking Paint Last?
The soccer field marking paint can stay for 2-4 weeks or may be a few months. Specifically, it depends on the type of paint, weather and how much ground is used for the game. If the grass grows quickly, the paint may fade sooner.
Do Youth Soccer Fields Have the Same Markings?
Youth soccer fields do not use the same markings as adult fields. Mostly, the layout and rules are similar, but the sizes are smaller to match younger players’ abilities. For example, the penalty area goal area is reduced in size on youth soccer grounds.
Wrapping It Up
We hope you completely understood how soccer field marking lines shape the game. Always check your measurements, keep the paint bright and follow official standards.
JACKWIN is a professional supplier of marking machines and has been working in this industry for many years. So, we advise you to repaint the marking regularly and always use quality marking tools and harmless paint material.
