Why is there an offside rule in soccer and how does it impact the game?

Answer 1

The offside rule in soccer is in place to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by being in an offside position when the ball is played to them. A player is considered offside if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them. This rule impacts the game by promoting fair play and ensuring that attacking players cannot simply hang around the opponent's goal waiting for a pass. It encourages strategic play and helps maintain the balance between offense and defense in a match.