Stiff-arm plays are permitted in American football, but are prohibited in soccer. Certain techniques -- like shielding and other forms of contact -- utilize your arms legally. Arm strength and mobility is essential to win the ball and to maintain balance while shooting. Field players occasionally perform throw-ins, but unless you are a goalkeeper, having an arm injury will not prevent you from playing the game.
Contact
Players come in contact with each other constantly during a game. You can defend or shield the ball, to a certain extent, from an opponent. Fouls are called for several types of behavior, particularly if they are reckless or flagrant attempts to win the ball or block another player. Striking, holding or pushing an opponent -- with arms or feet -- is prohibited. Stiff arms, elbowing or bringing your arms up across an opponent's chest or back are not permitted on the soccer pitch. You can use your shoulders and body to shield the ball if you have possession, but your arms generally should not come up higher than your waist.
Shielding
Shielding is a vital, and legal, skill to learn. Because obstruction or blocking another player's progress toward a loose ball is a foul, learning to shield properly is paramount to avoid penalties. Once you have possession of the ball, the simplest way to shield is to turn your back to your opponent, keeping the ball at your feet to dribble or pass. You also use your arms during this maneuver, keeping them about waist-high and slightly bent. One is typically holding off your opponent, while the other is out for balance. An injured or immobile arm may make this type of play difficult. As long as you are able to hold your arm slightly away from your body, however, you can successfully defend your ball.
Throw-Ins
Throw-ins are awarded when you play the ball across the sideline. The team that knocks the ball out must defend against its opponent's throw-in. Proper form for a throw-in includes both feet on the ground. The ball is played with both hands, with it traveling straight behind and straight over your head before it is put in play. A stiff or immobile arm might make throw-ins difficult. Fortunately, any player -- even the goalkeeper -- can take a throw-in. Let a teammate make the throw instead.
Goalkeeping
As the only player sanctioned to use your hands -- within the 18-yard box -- you do so to block opponent's scoring attempts. Diving, reaching, punching and catching the ball are essential parts of your game, and full range of motion in your arms is essential. Arm and shoulder injuries are common for goalkeepers, and often require rest. Bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons sustain impact during games or practice. Contact between field players and keepers does occur. Even though goalkeepers often receive the "right of way," tackles and collisions happen frequently, potentially leading to injury.
Member Comments