This Game Program ™ is personally
endorsed by Pele’
MODEL CX2616
MEET THE ATARI® COMPUTER
SOCCER TEAM
Section 1
COMPLETE GAME PLAY
INSTRUCTIONS
Sections 2-7
GAME STRATEGY
Section 8
DRILLS AND PRACTICE
Section 9
Use your Joystick Controllers with this ATARI® Game Program ™. Be sure the
controllers are firmly plugged into the LEFT and RIGHT CONTROLLER jacks
at the rear of your ATARI Video Computer System ™. Hold the Joystick with the
red button to your upper left toward the television screen.
For one-player games, use the controller plugged into the LEFT CONTROLLER
jack. See section 3 of your Video Computer System Owner’s Manual for
details.
Okay, soccer fans, the ATARI CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER ™ Team challenges you to a
game. The ATARI computer team is waiting impatiently inside your Game Program
cartridge for you to select one of the single player games (Games 28 through
54). They want to show you their stuff. Here’s a brief rundown on each player,
just so you’ll know who you’re up against.
"CRASH" MORGAN, the galloping goalie, is the fastest
man on the team. "CRASH" got his nickname because he is forever
slamming into the goal posts chasing after the ball. Fortunately, the goal posts
are never damaged, but sometimes you can score a goal on him before his ears
stop ringing.
NICK DANGER, the frantic forward, is mean and nasty and just loves to
blast the ball into your goal shouting, "eat leather, chump." Don’t
let his bad manners bother you, it’s just his way of rattling the opposition.
"LUMPY" DURAN, the left back, is without a doubt the
clumsiest player in the world of soccer. Penalized twice for stepping on the
ball instead of kicking it, he was finally thrown out of one game for
toe-kicking the referee!
ALEXIE PUTSNOWSKI (Putsy), the right back. What can we say about Putsy?
A real ladies man, a great soccer player, a sore loser. Even though "The
Puts" has kicked and gouged his way to soccer stardom, for three years in a
row he has been voted the "least likely" player.
(PAGE 4)
2. CHOOSING A GAME
Reading the GAME SELECT MATRIX
Select your game number from the GAME SELECT MATRIX (Section 10). The
matrix describes each of the 54 games in CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER. Games 1
through 27 are two-player games. Games28 through 54 are
single-player games against the computer.
Two-player Games. The GAME SELECT MATRIX describes two-player
games in terms of how fast the teams move (Team Speed), how wide the goals are
(Goal Size), and what the out-of-bounds penalties are (Penalties) if penalties
apply.
Some two-player games have no out-of-bounds penalties (Penalties N in the GAME
SELECT MATRIX). In these games the ball rebounds from boundaries (sidelines
and goal lines). In other two-player games the ball rebounds from goal lines but
there is a penalty if the ball crosses a sideline (Penalties S). In the
remaining two-player games there are penalties if the ball crosses either a
sideline or a goal line (Penalties SG). For a description of the penalty plays,
see Section 5-OUT-OF-BOUNDS PENALTY PLAYS.
The easiest two-player game is Game 1. The teams move slowly (S),
there are no penalties (N), and the goals are large (L). The most
difficult two-player game is probably Game 27, with fast teams (F),
out-of-bounds penalties (SG), and small goals (S).
Single-player Games. There are no penalties in single-player games.
The GAME SELECT MATRIX describes the games in terms of how fast the teams
move (Team Speed), how wide the goals are (Goal Size), and how hard the computer
is to beat (Computer Difficulty). Game 28 is probably the easiest
single-player game, since team speed is slow (S), the computer is easy to
beat (E), and the goals are large (L). Game 54 is the
hardest. Teams move fast (F), the computer is difficult to beat (D),
and goals are small (S).
(PAGE 5)
Selecting the Game Number
Once you have selected your game from the GAME SELECT MATRIX, press
down the game select switch on your ATARI Video Computer System until the
game number comes up on the game number counter. The counter is at top left of
your television screen (see Figure 1).
(game screen)
Figure 1. Game Number Counter
NOTE: To advance the game numbers faster, hold the game reset
switch down together with the game select switch.
3. HOW TO PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
SOCCER
Object of the Game
The object is to score points by kicking the ball into your opponent’s
goal. One point is scored for each goal. The scores are shown at the top of your
television screen. The left player’s score is at top left; the right
player’s score, or the computer’s score, is at top right (see Figure 2).
(game screen)
Figure 2. Scoreboard and Clock
Team Moves
Each team consists of three fielders (a Forward and two
(PAGE 6)
Backs) and a goalkeeper. The fielders are controlled by the Joystick and
always move together in whatever direction you move the Joystick: up, down,
right, left, or diagonally (see Figure 3).
(joystick diagram)
Figure 3. Using the Joystick
Controller
The goalkeeper moves from side to side within his goal area. While the ball
is in play, the computer moves the goalkeeper and keps him in front of the ball.
You can make him move faster by moving your Joystick left and right. When the
goalkeeper takes possession of the ball, you control his moves with the
Joystick.
Ball Skills
Specific ball skills are described in Section 7-BALL CONTROL. In
general, use the Joystick to direct the ball; press the red button to pass and
kick the ball. See Section 8-GAME STRATEGY for offensive and defensive
plays.
NOTE: Some people say they can move the teams more easily and react
faster if they keep their right thumb on the Joystick and their left thumb on
the red button. This technique might work for you too.
The Referee
The black lines you see on the left side of your television screen are the
referee and the linesmen who assist him (see Figure 4). The referee blows
the whistle to start and stop play and positions the ball for kickoffs and
penalty plays.
The Clock
A game of CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER ias played in two halves. A half lasts from 3
to 5 minutes, depending on the Team Speed of the game you select. The clock at
top center of your television screen (see Figure 2) starts counting
downthe seconds to the end of the first half when you press downthe game
reset switch on your ATARI Video Computer System.
There is no time-out between halves. As soon as the clock counts down the
first half, it resets and starts countingdown the second half. The referee’s
whistle signals both the end of the first half and the start of the second.
(PAGE 7)
(game screen)
Figure 4. The Kickoff
The Opening Kickoff
At the start of the game, the ball is placed on the centerspot and the two
teams line upon either side of the centerline (see Figure 4). The Red
team(or dark team if your game is inblack-and-white) is controlled by the left
Joystick. The Blue team (or light team) is controlled by the right Joystick in
two-player games and by the computer in single-player games.
NOTE: The team colors may vary with the color settings of your
television set. For example, the Red team may appear to be orange or pink.
The Forward of the Red team kicks off. The kickoff is a kick backward to one
of the team Backs. Move the left Joystick diagonally back left or right to make
the kickoff (see Figure 4). You do not need to press the red button to
make a kickoff, but you can kick faster if you move the Joystick and then
quickly press the button.
The Play
After the opening kickoff the Red team (the attacking team) dribbles and
kicks the ball toward the Blue team’s goal. The Blue team (the defending team)
attempts to steal the ball and attack the Red team’s goal. In CHAMPIONSHIP
SOCCER the defending team has an advantage because it moves faster than the
attacking team.
When an attacking team is within range of the opponent’s goal, the
attackers attempt to kick the ball past the goalkeeper into the goal. If the
goalkeeper catches the ball and blocks the kick, he attempts to kick the ball
upfield to a teammate. The attackers try to intercept and make their goal.
Scoring
To score a goal you must kick the ball completely into the goal, as shown in
Figure 5. The ball cannot touch the goal line or stop partway into the goal.
(PAGE 8)
(2 game screens)
Figure 5. Scoring a Goal
NOTE: If the ball stops on the goal line in front of the goal or
partway into the goal, the goalkeeper will "trap" it (gather the ball
in).
When a team makes a goal and scores a point, the ball is placed on the center
spot, and the Forward of the team that did not score kicks off to one of the
team Backs. The play continues until the clock runs out and the first half ends.
The Second Half
At the half the teams switch sides. The Forward of the Blue team
(light-colored team) kicks off to one of the team Backs to start the play.
4. LIMITS OF TEAM PLAY
Horizontal Limits
If your Forward is playing the ball close to a sideline, one of your Backs
will be over the sideline. This is perfectly legal in all games, including games
with sidelines out of bounds.
Vertical Limits
Teams can approach the goal line close enough to trap the ball but they
cannot cross the goal lines.
(PAGE 9)
5. OUT-OF-BOUNDS PENALTY PLAYS
Each time an out-of-bounds infraction takes place, the referee blows his
whistle. The team against which the penalty is called then flashes as a sign
that it forfeits the ball and cannot touch it. One of three penalty plays
results: The Throw-In, The Goal Line Kick, or The Corner Kick.
The Throw-In
The Throw-In penalty play results when a team drives the ball over a
sideline. At the point the ball went out of bounds, it is thrown in to a fielder
on the other team. To receive a throw-in, carefully move your receiver up to the
ball and barely touch it (see Figure 6). The ball will jump from the
sideline and your receiver will trap it. The ball is back in play as soon as the
throw-in is completed.
(game screen)
Figure 6. The Throw-In
The Goal Line Kick
When an attacking team maneuvers the ball over the defending team’s goal
line, the referee calls a penalty against the attacking team. The referee places
the ball on the goal line in front of the defending team’s goalkeeper, and the
goalkeeper traps the ball (see Figure 7). He then kicks it upfield to a
teammate. The kick can be intercepted by the attacking team, since the ball is
back in play as soon as the goalkeeper kicks it.
(game screen)
Figure 7. Goal Line Kick
(PAGE 10)
The Corner Kick
If the defending team maneuvers the ball outside its own goal line, the
referee calls a penalty against the defending team. The referee places the ball
in the corner close to the defending team’s goal, and the attacking team kicks
it upfield to a teammate. The defending team cannot intercept the ball until
after the attacking team has touched it or it has rolled to a stop.
To make the corner kick, position the attacking team to receive the ball,
then press the button on your Joystick. The ball will sail out of the corner at
a 45-degree angle as long as you hold the button in. If you release the button,
the ball will cut across in front of the goal line, at which time you can
attempt to kick a goal (see Figure 8). For tips on how to score on a
corner kick, see Section 8-GAME STRATEGY.
(game screen)
Figure 8. The Corner Kick
6. CONSOLE CONTROLS
Game Select Switch
Use the game select switch to select the game number. The game number
appears at the top left of your television screen. The number at the top right
tells you whether the game is for one or two players.
See Section 10-GAME SELECT MATRIX for a breakdown of the 54 games in
CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER.
Game Reset Switch
Use the game reset switch to start or restart a game.
(PAGE 11)
Difficulty Switches
Games are normally played with the left and right difficulty switches set to b.
However, if you want to give yourself a handicap, set your difficulty switch to a.
This will enlarge your goal, making it harder for you to defend and easier for
your opponent to penetrate. If you have the right Joystick, set the right
difficulty switch to a. If you have the left Joystick, set the left
difficulty switch to a.
TV Type Switch
Set this switch to color if you have a color television set. Set it to
b-w to play the game in black-and-white.
7. BALL CONTROL
Dribbling
Dribbling is controlled with the Joystick. Move your team up to the ball
until one of your fielders traps it (see Figure 9). Then quickly move
your Joystick in the direction you want the ball to go. The ball will move a
short distance and stop, unless it is intercepted before it stops.
(player diagram)
Figure 9. Trapping the Ball
IMPORTANT REMINDER: When sending your fielders after the ball,
remember that you can touch the ball and immediately take off in any direction.
You do not have to go around the ball to establish the direction you next want
to move. Think of it as "touch and go".
Kicking
To kick the ball after your player traps it, move your Joystick in the
direction you want the ball to go and press the red
(PAGE 12)
button. The longer you hold the button in, the longer the kick will be. To
avoid kicking the ball in the wrong direction, always move the Joystick before
you press the button. If you press the button without moving the Joystick, the
ball will be kicked straight upfield or straight downfield, depending uopn
whether your player is above or below the ball when he kicks it.
Toe Kick
The toe kick is fast and powerful and is therefore the most effective way to
drive the ball toward the goal. This kick extends your trapping range, as shown
in Figure 10, and moves the ball downfield very fast. It enables you to
out-distance the defending team and keep control of the ball.
(player diagram)
Figure 10. The Toe Kick
To execute a toe kick, move your player within leg range of the ball, push
the Joystick in the direction you want the ball to go, and press the button. You
can use the tow kick while your team is moving crossfield as well as when it is
moving upfield or downfield.
The toe kick is the best way to kick a goal. If you combine the toe kick with
some goal attack strategy, you may become unbeatable. See Section 8-GAME
STRATEGY for some tips on effective goal attacks.
(PAGE 13)
8. GAME STRATEGY
Maintaining Control Over the Ball
When your team is attacking, you should use evasive moves to keep control of
the ball. Pass the ball from player to player and dodge and weave around the
defending players to prevent the defending team from stealing the ball. Since
the defending team moves faster than the attacking team, it can easily intercept
the ball if the ball is simply dribbled and kicked straight down the field
toward the goal. Some exercises to improve dribbling, passing, kicking and other
game skills are given in Section 9-DRILLS AND PRACTICE.
Kicking a Goal
A straight kick into the goal will almost always be blocked, since the
goalkeeper is always in front of the ball. You will have more success if you
position your fielders for a diagonal kick. There are many ways to set up a
diagonal kick, but the following three plays are particularly hard to defend
against because of the element of surprise.
The Forward Attack (Figure 11). The team is centered and
reasonably close to the goal. The forward is in position to kick the ball either
diagonally right or diagonally left into the goal.
(game screen)
Figure 11. The Forward Attack
The Back Attack (Figure 12). The team is positioned close to
the goal and off to one side of it. The Back is centered and in position to kick
the ball diagonally into the goal.
(game screen)
Figure 12. The Back Attack
(PAGE 14)
The Relay Zig-Zag (Figure 13). The team is in position for the
Back Attack. The Back kicks the ball on a diagonal to the Forward, who kicks it
on the opposite diagonal into the goal.
(game screen)
Figure 13. The Relay Zig-Zag
Attack
Defending Your Goal
The trick of an effective goal defense is to shift your attention from your
fielders to your goalkeeper. Position your fielders so that they can harass the
attackers and help block goal kicks, but keep your eye on the ball and
concentrate on your goalkeeper. Use your Joystick to increase the speed of his
moves within the goal area.
Turning the Play Around
Even when you are fighting to defend your goal and your attention is on your
goalkeeper, be alert for a chance to steal the ball. If you can steal it, pass
it to your goalkeeper. Remember that as long as he has the ball, you control the
play. Resist the temptation to kick the ball out to one of your fielders until
you find the right opportunity. Back your fielders away from the goal line,
dodge the attackers, and look for a chance to kick the ball to a fielder who can
move out fast. If you are skilled enough, you can drive the ball out to the
centerline before the other team can catch you.
Scoring a Goal on a Corner Kick
There are lots of ways to score a goal on a corner kick. This is just one
example. In all plays of this sort, success depends upon position, speed, and
surprise.
Center your Forward as if you were going to make a Forward Attack on your
opponent’s goal. Press and hold in the button on your Joystick. As explained
previously, the ball will fly out of the corner at a 45-degree angle. Quickly
release the button, and the ball will cut across the goal line.
(PAGE 15)
When the ball passes in front of your receiver, press the button on your
Joystick and make a diagonal toe kick into the goal (see Figure 14).
(game screen)
Figure 13. The Relay Zig-Zag
Attack
It takes a lot of practice to become a skilled CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER player.
Here are some drills to improve your game:
9. DRILLS AND PRACTICE
Dribbling and Passing
Play against the computer at a slower speed than you are used to and practice
evasive dribbling and passing.
Kicking a Goal
Play one of the two-player games by yourself. Practice dribbling up to the
goal and executing various goal kicks that you set up. Practice using the toe
kick to kick goals.
Defending the Goal
Play against the computer at a skill level above your own. Keep the ball in
your territory, and the computer will give you plenty of practice in defending
your goal.
(PAGE 16)
10. GAME SELECT MATRIX
HOW TO READ THE GAME SELECT
MATRIX
Team Speed:
S = slow
M = moderately fast
F = fast
Penalties:
N = no penalties, sidelines and gola lines
rebound the ball
S = penalty if ball goes over the sidelines
SG = penalty if ball goes over sidelines or
goal lines
Goal Size:
L = large
M = medium
S = small
Computer Difficulty:
E = easy
M = moderately difficult
D = difficult
NOTE: No matter what level of computer difficulty you choose, if your
score is higher than the computer’s, the computer becomes harder to beat. If
the computer’s score is higher, the computer becomes easier to beat.
Game Time: Game time depends upon the team speed selected:
Team Speed
Game Time (minutes per half)
S
3
M
4
F
5
GAME MATRIX
Two-Player Game No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Team Speed
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
M
M
M
Penalties
N
N
N
S
S
S
SG
SG
SG
N
N
N
S
S
S
Goal Size
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
Two-Player Game No.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Team Speed
M
M
M
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
Penalties
SG
SG
SG
N
N
N
S
S
S
SG
SG
SG
Goal Size
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
Single-Player Game No.
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Team Speed
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
Computer Difficulty
E
E
E
M
M
M
D
D
D
E
E
E
Goal Size
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
Single-Player Game No.
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
Team Speed
M
M
M
M
M
M
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
Computer Difficulty
M
M
M
D
D
D
E
E
E
M
M
M
D
D
D
Goal Size
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
L
M
S
NOTE: In single-player games, sidelines and
goal lines rebound the ball.
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