Violation in Soccer: 10 Common Fouls and How to Avoid Them

As I watched Connolly’s stunning lefty shot from the right wing during those final two minutes of the match, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how quickly momentum can shift in soccer—and how often that shift is influenced by fouls. Just seconds earlier, Uzbekistan’s bench was already celebrating what they thought was a decisive goal by Lyudmila Karachik. But a single moment, maybe an avoidable infringement, changed everything. Over my years both playing and analyzing the game, I’ve noticed that many fouls aren’t just random acts of aggression; they’re often the result of poor positioning, rushed decisions, or a simple lack of awareness. Today, I want to walk you through ten of the most common violations I see week in and week out, from amateur leagues to professional stages, and share some practical advice on how players can steer clear of them. Trust me, cutting down on these mistakes doesn’t just keep you on the right side of the referee—it can genuinely elevate your game.

Let’s start with one of the most frequent offenders: the late tackle. We’ve all seen it—a player goes in a fraction too late, misses the ball completely, and takes out the opponent’s legs instead. It’s frustrating because it’s so preventable. I remember coaching a youth team a few seasons back; we tracked that nearly 40% of the fouls called against us were late challenges. The key here is anticipation. If you focus on reading the play rather than just reacting, you’ll find yourself in better positions to make clean tackles. Another classic is shirt pulling, especially inside the penalty area. It might seem harmless in the heat of the moment, but referees are cracking down on it more than ever. Data from last season’s top European leagues show that shirt-pulling resulted in over 60 penalties—many of which decided tight matches. My advice? Work on your body positioning and use your arms for balance, not for tugging. It sounds simple, but in high-pressure situations, old habits die hard.

Then there’s the dangerous high boot, which often leads to head injuries and unnecessary cards. I’ll admit, I used to be guilty of this one myself during my playing days. You’re going for a high ball, full of adrenaline, and your foot ends up near an opponent’s face. Not smart. Statistics from a recent FIFA safety report highlighted that high boot incidents accounted for roughly 15% of concussions in professional soccer last year. To avoid it, practice controlling aerial balls with your chest or head, and always be mindful of your surroundings. Another violation that drives me crazy is the professional foul—the deliberate trip or hold to break up a promising attack. Sure, it might stop a goal in the short term, but it’s a surefire way to earn a yellow card and put your team under pressure. I’ve seen teams concede from the ensuing free-kick more times than I can count. Personally, I’d rather trust my defenders to recover than take the risk.

Moving on, we can’t ignore obstruction, often called as “impeding an opponent.” This happens when a player illegally shields the ball without any intention of playing it. I’ve noticed that younger players, in particular, struggle with this because they’re taught to protect the ball but not always the nuances of fair shielding. The rule of thumb? Keep the ball within playing distance and use your body angle, not your arms, to maintain possession. Next up is the handball—a source of endless debate. The laws have evolved, but the basic principle remains: deliberate handball is always punishable. From my observation, accidental handballs still get called if the player’s arm is in an unnatural position. Last season, there were around 200 handball decisions in the Premier League alone, with about 30% leading to goals from penalties. To minimize risk, train yourself to keep your arms close to your body during defensive actions.

Let’s talk about diving or simulation. I have little patience for players who try to cheat the system. Not only does it damage the spirit of the game, but it’s also becoming easier to spot with VAR technology. I recall a match where a player’s exaggerated fall led to an unjust penalty, and the backlash was swift—fans and pundits alike called for stricter punishments. My view is clear: play with integrity, and you’ll earn more respect in the long run. Another common foul is the push or hold in set-piece situations. During corners or free-kicks, it’s tempting to grab an opponent to gain an edge, but referees are watching closely. Data suggests that pushing and holding offenses lead to about 1-2 penalties per match week in major leagues. Instead, focus on timing your jump and using your strength legally. Then there’s the reckless charge, where a player uses excessive force when challenging for the ball. This often stems from frustration or poor conditioning. I’ve found that players who maintain their fitness throughout the match are less likely to lunge in recklessly.

We also have to mention dissent—verbally challenging the referee. It might not seem like a foul in the traditional sense, but it can quickly earn you a yellow card and disrupt your team’s focus. I’ve seen captains lose their cool and cost their team valuable momentum. My preference? Appoint a calm, respected player to communicate with the officiating crew. Finally, there’s the persistent infringement—accumulating several small fouls over the game. Referees keep track, and by the third or fourth minor offense, you’re likely to be booked. I remember a study showing that players who commit more than 3 fouls in a match receive yellow cards 70% of the time. The solution is straightforward: stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary contact.

In conclusion, while fouls are an inevitable part of soccer, many can be avoided with better technique, awareness, and self-control. Reflecting on that match where Connolly capitalized just after Uzbekistan’s near-celebration, it’s clear that avoiding violations isn’t just about fairness—it’s about maintaining control when it matters most. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, understanding these common fouls and how to prevent them can make a real difference. So next time you step onto the pitch, keep these tips in mind. You might just find yourself celebrating more often—without the worry of a whistle blowing your efforts away.