Soccer and American football are two of the most popular sports on the planet, each with its own unique rules, strategies, and devoted fans. While both involve running around on a field trying to score points, the similarities often end there.
This article breaks down the key differences between a soccer field vs american football field. We’ll compare the dimensions, markings, and other important features of each type of field.
One of the biggest differences is the size: soccer fields are significantly larger than football fields, which impacts the pace and style of play. Let’s dive into the details.
Soccer field vs. American football field: Dimensions and shape
If you’ve ever watched both soccer and American football, you may have noticed the playing fields look different. Here’s a look at the basic dimensions and shapes of each type of field.
Soccer field dimensions
- Length: Usually 100 to 130 yards
- International matches: 110 to 120 yards
- High school fields: 100 to 120 yards
- Width: Usually 50 to 100 yards
- International matches: 70 to 80 yards
- High school fields: 55 to 80 yards
It’s worth noting that soccer fields, especially at non-pro levels, can vary quite a bit in size.
American football field dimensions
- Length: Always 120 yards, including the end zones (100-yard field plus two 10-yard end zones)
- Width: Always 53 1/3 yards (160 feet)
Shape comparison
Soccer fields tend to be more rectangular, and they come in a wider range of sizes. American football fields are always the same size, so they have a more standardized shape.
Field markings: A detailed comparison
Both soccer fields and American football fields are marked with lines and zones that guide play. However, the types of markings and their purpose differ significantly.
Soccer field markings
Key markings on a soccer field include:
- Center circle: Marks the center of the field.
- Penalty area: A rectangular area in front of each goal. Fouls committed by a defending player against an offensive player inside the penalty area result in a penalty kick.
- Goal area: A smaller rectangle inside the penalty area.
- Center line: Divides the field in half.
- Corner arcs: Quarter-circles at each corner of the field, used for corner kicks.
American football field markings
Key markings on an American football field include:
- Yard lines: Lines running across the field every 10 yards, indicating the distance to the end zone.
- End zones: 10-yard areas at each end of the field where touchdowns are scored.
- Hash marks: Short lines running parallel to the sidelines, used to position the ball after each play.
- Goal lines: Lines at the beginning of each end zone.
Key differences
American football fields have more frequent and precise markings (yard lines and hash marks) to track the offense’s progress toward the end zone. Soccer fields use larger, more general areas (penalty area, center circle) to define zones of play.
Goalposts: Size and Structure
The goalposts in soccer and American football differ significantly in size and structure.
Soccer Goalposts
Soccer goalposts are 8 feet high (to the crossbar) and 8 yards (7.32 meters) wide, measuring the distance between the vertical posts. They’re basically a simple rectangular frame.
American Football Goalposts
American football goalposts are much larger and more imposing. They’re 10 feet high (to the crossbar) and 18 feet 6 inches (5.6 meters) wide, measured between the uprights. The structure usually includes a “sling shot” or “H” shape, where the crossbar is supported by a single central post or two posts. In total, the structure is 35 feet (10.7 meters) long.
Visual Impact
American football goalposts are generally more visible and imposing because of their height and structure. Soccer goalposts, on the other hand, are smaller and blend into the background a little more.
Field Surface: Grass vs. Artificial Turf
Soccer fields are usually covered in natural grass, though artificial turf is sometimes used in colder climates or on fields used for many different sports. For example, in 2019, six Major League Soccer teams played on artificial turf.
American football fields are more likely to have artificial turf because it is more durable and can withstand more use. In 2019, 12 National Football League teams used artificial turf.
The type of surface a team chooses depends on the cost of maintenance, player safety, and weather conditions.
Can you use a soccer field for American football?
Because the dimensions are different, it’s difficult to use the same field for professional soccer and American football games.
Soccer fields are wider, so you’d have to alter the boundaries of an American football field to fit it onto a soccer pitch. You’d also have to completely redo the field markings, which takes time and money.
Plus, many players have strong preferences for grass or turf, which can affect the playing experience.
Multi-purpose stadiums often try to compromise by using a surface that works for both sports, but it’s usually not ideal for either one. This is why you don’t usually see professional teams sharing a field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans call a soccer field a pitch?
While “pitch” is commonly used in British English to refer to a soccer field, it’s not as widely used in American English. You’re more likely to hear Americans use the term “soccer field” or simply “field” when referring to the playing area.
Is a soccer field bigger than an American football field?
Yes, generally a soccer field is larger than an American football field. A standard American football field is 360 feet long and 160 feet wide (including the end zones). A regulation soccer field, on the other hand, can vary, but is generally between 330 and 360 feet long and 195 and 240 feet wide. This means the area of a soccer field is usually larger than that of a football field.
Is the MLS soccer field smaller?
MLS (Major League Soccer) fields adhere to FIFA’s regulations, which allow for a range of dimensions. While some MLS fields might be on the smaller end of the allowed range, they are not inherently smaller than all other soccer fields. They simply fall within the permitted size parameters set by FIFA.
Putting It All Together
Soccer fields and American football fields are distinctly different. Soccer fields are larger overall, with a rectangular shape, while football fields are shorter and wider, with specific yard lines and end zones. The goalposts also differ significantly.
Because of these dimensional and structural differences, it’s not practical to use the fields interchangeably. You can’t play soccer on a football field and vice versa without significantly altering the game.
Understanding these distinctions is important for fans, players, and field managers to ensure fair play and proper field maintenance.