Glossary

advantage rule
A clause in the rules that allows the referee to refrain from stopping play for a foul if a stoppage would benefit the team that committed the violation.

assist
The pass or passes that precede a goal. A maximum of two assists can be allocated for one goal.

attacker
Player with possession of the ball. Front running attackers are usually called strikers or wingers.

attacking team
Team with possession of the ball.

AYSO
American Youth Soccer Organization. An administrative body of youth soccer that governs and sets rules, and provides information and equipment to youth league referees, coaches and players.

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back heel
A ball played with the back of the foot to a teammate.

back pass
A pass that goes toward the player's own goal. It is usually a pass from a defender to the goalkeeper.

back tackle
An attempt by a defender to take the ball away from a ball carrier by swinging the defender's leg in front of the ball from behind. This is an illegal tackle.

ball
A FIFA approved ball should have a circumference 27 to 28 inches and weigh 14 to 16 ounces. The ball should be inflated 8.5 to 15.6 PSI.

bending the ball
Striking the ball with an off-center kick so that it travels in a curved path; also known as a banana kick.

bicycle kick
An expert move, popularized by Brazilian great Pele, that is made by throwing the body up into the air with the legs moving as if pedaling a bicycle. The player then kicks the ball backward over his head.

blind-side run
A type of running off-the-ball in which a player without the ball runs outside of the opponent's field of vision in order to receive a pass.

block tackle
A defensive skill used to gain possession of the ball; the player uses the inside of the foot to block the ball away from an opponent.

breakaway
A situation where an attacker with the ball breaks free of defenders and creates a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.

Bundesliga
The German professional soccer league.

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cap
Recognition earned by a player for each appearance in a national team match.

center
A pass from the side of the field toward the penalty area.

center circle
A marked circle with a 10-yard radius in the center of the field. Kickoffs are taken here to start or restart the game after halftime.

center line
A line that bisects the field along its width and runs through the center circle.

center spot
A small circular mark at the center of the center circle. This is the spot where the ball is placed to start or restart the game after halftime.

charge
When a player from one team runs into a player from the opposing team. A legal charge is done from the front or side of the attacker and the ball is touched first by the charger. A charge is illegal against a player without the ball or when the charger approaches the attacker from behind.

checking
Making a movement in one direction, stopping, and then moving off in the opposite direction.

chip
A pass or shot that is lofted into the air from an attacker to a teammate or on goal, usually over the head of a defending player.

clear
When the defending team kicks the ball away from the goal and out of the goal area.

cleats
The plastic or rubber conical spikes on the bottom of a soccer shoe that provide traction.

corner arc
A quarter-circle with a one yard radius at each corner of a soccer field. The ball is placed inside or on a corner arc during a corner kick.

corner flag
The flag inside each of the four corner arcs. The flagpole cannot be more than 5-feet high.

corner kick
A method of putting the ball into play after it has crossed the end line and was last touched by a member of the defending team.

counterattack
The initiation of an attack on the opposing goal upon gaining possession of the ball.

creating space
When a player from the attacking team moves without the ball to draw defenders away from the ball carrier and give him space.

cross
A pass, usually lofted in the air, from an attacking player near one sideline to a teammate in the middle or opposite side of the field.

crossbar
The 24-foot horizontal bar or beam that forms the top of a goal. The crossbar sits on top of the two goalposts, eight feet above the playing surface.

Cruyff turn
A turn used for change of direction and to deceive an opponent; named for Johan Cruyff, the famous Dutch player who popularized the move.

cut
A move, made while dribbling, in which the player advancing the ball shifts direction suddenly, using a foot to redirect the ball.

cut down the angle
When a goalkeeper leaves the goal area and moves toward an attacker, decreasing the angle that the attacker has to successfully shoot the ball into the net.

cut off
When a defending player positions his or her body between an attacker and the defending goal. The positioning should force the attacker out toward the sideline.

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dangerous play
A referee will make this call when a play is considered dangerous to one’s self or to someone else; for example, when an attacker attempts to kick the ball out of the goalkeeper's hands. Usually a minimum of a yellow card is drawn for the offending player.

dead ball
A situation that occurs when the ball is not in play while on the field, which is usually on free kicks, corner kicks, penalty kicks, and throw-ins.

deflection
The ricochet of a ball after it hits a player.

defense
A team's attempt to keep the opposing team from scoring. The team without possession of the ball.

direct free kick
A kick awarded to a player by the referee after a serious foul is committed by the opposition. The ball is set at the spot of the foul, and opposing players cannot stand within 10 yards of the ball. A goal can be scored without the ball touching any of the teammates of the player taking the direct free kick.

draw
See tie.

dribbling
Basic skill of advancing and controlling the ball while running. Rapid dribbling is known as speed dribbling.

drop ball
One of the rarest plays in soccer, it is used after an injury stops play, or after play has been stopped without the ball going out of bounds. The referee drops the ball at the site of the stoppage; one bounce must occur before the ball can be played.

drop kick
A distribution method used by the goalkeeper; it is done by dropping the ball from the hands to the ground and then striking the ball immediately after it bounces.

dummy run
When a player without the ball makes a run toward the goal to draw defenders away from the dribbler or passer.

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encroachment
When a player enters an area beyond the legal limit set by the rules during a penalty kick, free kicks, corner kicks or throw-in.

end line
See goal line.

English Football Association
An association of English soccer teams founded in 1863. Its championship is known as the F.A. Cup.

European Cup
The championship tournament of Europe's top national teams. It debuted in 1960.

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far post
The goalpost farthest from the ball.

feint
A deceptive movement by a player, which can be applied with or without the ball, meant to fake out an opponent.

FIFA
Federation Internationale de Football Association. Formed in 1904, it is the governing body of international soccer and established the FIFA World Cup tournament. FIFA sets and revises the rules of soccer, known as the Laws of the Game.

FIFA World Cup
The tournament FIFA organizes every four years for the confederations governed by FIFA. The term also refers to the solid gold statue given to the champion of each World Cup tournament. France is the defending men's champion. The United States is the reigning women's champ. The FIFA World Cup trophy replaced the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1974.

flank
The left or right side of the field. Also known as the wing.

flick pass
A short, quick kick of the ball to a teammate.

follow-through
The distance the foot travels after it first strikes the ball.

football
What soccer is called everywhere but in the United States.

formation
The arrangement of players into positions on the field. For example, a 4-3-3 formation involves four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.

forward line
The three or four forwards who work together to score goals and provide the offense. Most forward lines include a left wing, a right wing and one or two strikers.

forward pass
A pass that travels toward the opposing goal.

forward
The three or four players on the field who are responsible for most of a team's scoring. Forwards play in front of the rest of the team and take most of the shots.

foul
A rules violation. In response to a foul, a referee calls for either a direct free kick or an indirect free kick.

free kick
A kick awarded to a player after an opponent commits a foul. The ball is set at the spot of the foul and the player kicks it without any opposing players within 10 yards of the ball. Also see direct free kick and indirect free kick.

friendly
A match played that is not part of the World Cup qualifying matches.

fullback
A back who plays on the outside.

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give-and-go
Also known as a 1-2 and wall pass. A pass to a teammate who one-touches the ball back into space for the player to run to.

goal
1. Soccer's basic scoring unit. A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line between the two goalposts and below the crossbar. One point is awarded to the team that scores the goal.
2. The 8-foot high, 24-foot wide structure at each end of the soccer field that is centered on the goal line. The goal consists of two goalposts, a crossbar and a net.

goal area
The 20-yard wide, 6-yard deep rectangular area in front of each goal. All goal kicks are taken inside this area. It is illegal for an opposing player to charge a goalkeeper in this area when the goalkeeper is not holding the ball.

goal kick
Kick made from inside the goal area away from the goal. A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when a ball crosses the goal line that was last touched by a player on the attacking team.

goal line
The marked line running the width of the field at each end. The goal line, also called the end line, runs directly across the front of the goal. A ball must completely cross the line to be a goal.

goalkeeper
The player positioned directly in front of the goal whose purpose is to prevent shots from getting into the goal. The goalkeeper, or keeper, is the only player allowed to use his or her hands and arms, but only within the penalty area.

goal mouth
Open area between the two goalposts, the crossbar and the goal line that the goalkeeper defends.

goalposts
The two 8-foot tall posts that are 24 feet apart. They form the sides of the goal and provide support for the crossbar.

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half
One of the two 45-minute periods of a 90-minute soccer match.

halfback
See midfielder.

halftime
The intermission between the two halves of a match. FIFA regulations state that halftime should not exceed 15 minutes.

half volley
A kick or shot that is made immediately after the ball hits the ground on the short hop.

halfway line
A marked line that divides the field into an attacking zone and a defending zone for each team.

hand ball
With the exception of the goalkeeper, use of any portion of the arm from the shoulder down, to control the ball. An infraction results in a foul being called and a direct free kick.

hat trick
When a player scores three goals in a game.

header
Using your head to pass or control the ball.

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IFAB
International Football Association Board. The organization consisting of four British soccer organizations and FIFA that approves all changes in the official rules of soccer.

in bounds
When the ball is within the boundaries of the field. A ball is in bounds until it completely crosses the sideline or goal line.

in play
When the ball is within the boundaries of the field and play has not been stopped by the referee.

indirect free kick
Kick awarded by the referee after a foul by the opposition. The ball is set at the spot of the foul, and opposing players cannot stand within 10 yards of it. A goal can be scored only after the ball has touched another player.

injury time
Time added to the end of any period to make up for time taken for player injuries or either team's intentional delay of play. The amount of injury time added is at the referee's discretion.

instep
The portion of the foot to the side of the shoelaces; the inside of the foot.

instep drive
A strong, powerful shot or pass generated by a player's instep.

intermission
See halftime.

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jockeying
The act of slowing down an attacker where a defender may fake tackles and try to disrupt the attacker's dribbling; used to provide other teammates with time to recover and get into defensive position.

juggling
Skill performed by keeping the ball in the air with any part of the foot or body, excluding the arms or hands. Usually used for practice and developing coordination.

Jules Rimet Trophy
Award presented to the FIFA World Cup champion between 1930-1970.

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kickoff
Method of starting play in which a player passes the ball over the center line to another player at the start of a soccer match, after each goal and after intermission.

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Laws of the Game
The 17 rules of soccer established by FIFA.

lead pass
A pass sent ahead of a moving teammate so that the ball arrives at its target at the same time as the teammate.

linesmen
The two officials who assist the referee. Linesmen monitor the sidelines and goal lines and determine when a ball leaves the field of play or a goal is scored.

loft
Shot or pass with a high arc.

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man-to-man
Form of defense in which each player is assigned to mark a player on the offensive team.

Maradona turn
A turn used to change direction and elude an opponent; named for Diego Maradona, the famous Argentinian who popularized it.

mark
The defensive action to guard or shadow an opponent. This can be done tightly or loosely, depending on the team tactics.

midfield
Area of the field extending for the width of the field for about 25 yards on either side of the center line.

midfielder
One of the two, three or four players who combine the offensive and defensive functions of a soccer team. Midfielders play in front of the defenders and behind the forwards.

MLS
Major League Soccer. The professional outdoor soccer league of the United States.

match
Another term for a game.

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NASL
North American Soccer League. A U.S. outdoor league formed in 1967 that attracted great international players such as Pele and Franz Beckenbauer during the 1970s before folding in 1985.

national team
A team consisting of a country's best players. National teams represent their countries in international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup.

NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association. The U.S.-based organization that governs and organizes most collegiate athletics in addition to having its own soccer committee.

near post
The goalpost closest to the ball.

net
1. Intertwined cord, usually made of nylon, draped over the frame of the goal and extending behind it.
2. The goal itself.

nutmeg
When an attacking player passes the ball between an opponent's legs.

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obstruction
When a defensive player uses his or her body to prevent an offensive player from playing the ball. The result is an indirect free kick by the offensive team.

offense
A team's attempt to score goals or the team with possession of the ball.

official game clock
The watch the referee carries on the field. The clock does not stop during the game, even if play does. The referee uses the clock to determine when to signal the end of a half or the game.

officials
The referee and two linesmen who work together to ensure that rules are followed.

offside
The rule that requires an offensive player to have either the ball or two defenders between him and the goal. A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent. He is not offside if he is on his half of the field or is level with the second-to-last opponent or level with the last two opponents. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the offside occurs.

offside trap
A defensive technique to put attacking players in an offside position. This usually involves defenders quickly moving away from their own goal to create a situation in which attackers are positioned illegally in advance of the ball.

onside
Opposite of offside. An offensive player is onside when he or she is either in possession of the ball or in front of at least one of the defenders relative to the goal.

open player
An attacking player who is not marked by a defensive player.

out of bounds
Outside the boundaries of the field.

out of play
When a ball is completely outside the boundaries of the field.

outlet pass
When a goalkeeper or defending player passes the ball from close to their goal toward the other team's goal. Generally used to start a counterattack.

overlap
A method in which a supporting teammate runs from behind to position ahead of the player with the ball. Tactic often used to move defenders and midfielders into attacking positions.

own goal
When a defender accidently scores in his goal.

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pass
Advancing the ball to another player by either kicking it or heading it.

penalty
A violation of the rules that can lead to a penalty kick and the offending player receiving a red or yellow card.

penalty arc
A marked arc, with a 10-yard radius, centered at the top of the penalty area. The arc designates the area opposing players are not allowed to enter before a penalty kick.

penalty area
The marked rectangular area, 44-yards wide and 18-yards deep, beginning at the goal line. Goalkeepers may use their hands to block or control the ball only within this box.

penalty kick
A free kick from the penalty spot. The penalty kick is taken by a player against the goalkeeper without any other players within 10 yards. This kick is awarded for the most severe rule violations and for violations by the defense within its own penalty area. Penalty kicks also are used as tiebreakers.

penalty spot
The marked spot 12 yards in front of the center of the goal line. All penalty kicks are taken from this spot.

pitch
A term used in some countries for a soccer field.

plant foot
The non-kicking foot or the foot remaining on the ground.

play on
A term used by referees to indicate that no foul or stoppage is to be called.

poke tackle
Stealing the ball from an opponent by toeing the ball away.

possession
To have control of the ball.

professional
A player who is paid to play soccer.

punt
A goalkeeping distribution technique where the ball is dropped from the hands and then kicked off the laces of the soccer shoe.

push pass
To pass the ball with the inside part of the foot to a teammate.

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No entries.

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ready position
The goalkeeper's basic stance when the ball is within shooting range of the goal.

receiver
The player who gets a pass from a teammate.

red card
What the referee holds up to signal a player's ejection from the game. The offending player's team must play the rest of the game shorthanded (unless a player from the other team also is ejected). Red cards usually are given for unsportsmanlike conduct, violent play or multiple yellow cards (two yellow card violations earn the player a red card).

referee
The chief official who makes all final decisions, acts as timekeeper, calls all fouls and starts and stops play.

regulation game
Two completed halves prior to any overtime or tiebreaker.

restart
A method of initiating play after a stop in the action. Restarts include direct and indirect free kicks, throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks and the drop ball.

running of-the-ball
Movement of a player without the ball that creates passing and scoring opportunities for teammates.

rugby
An offshoot of soccer that originated in the early 1800s. Rugby players are allowed to use their hands to pick up the ball and run with it.

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save
The act of a goalkeeper in blocking or stopping a shot that would have otherwise gone into the goal without his intervention.

scissor fake
A skill where the dribbler draws back his or her dominant foot to make the defender think the offensive player is going to kick the ball. Instead, the dribbler throws that same foot up and over the ball, then using the outside foot, taps the ball to the side and runs off with it in a new direction.

scissor kick
A kick made by a player while off the ground in which the ball is struck by one foot as the legs make a scissors-like motion.

score
To direct the ball into the net for a goal.

scorer
Player who specializes in scoring goals.

scrimmage
Another term for a practice game.

shielding
A technique used by a ball carrier to protect the ball from a defender closely marking him. The ball carrier keeps his body between the ball and the defender.

shin guards
Plastic pads that strap onto a player's lower leg to protect shinbones from injury.

shootout
A method used to break ties after overtime. Teams alternate taking penalty kicks. If the teams remain tied after five penalty kicks apiece, the shootout resumes until one team misses and the other scores.

shorthanded
A team playing with fewer players than the opposition.

shot
An attempt to kick or head the ball into the opponent's goal.

shoulder charge
Minimal shoulder-to-shoulder contact by a defender against a ball carrier. It is the only contact allowed by the rules unless a defender touches the ball first.

shutout
When one team prevents the opposition from scoring during a game. Goalkeepers are credited with shutouts.

side
Another way to describe a team.

side tackle
A defender's attempt to redirect the ball with a foot while the attacker is running in the same direction.

sideline
The line that runs the length of the field on both sides, from goal to goal. Also called the touchline.

slide tackle
A method in which a player slides and kicks the ball away from an opponent.

speed dribbling
Basic skill of advancing and controlling the ball while moving at a rapid pace.

square pass
A pass made by a player to a teammate running alongside him or her.

steal
To legally take the ball away from an opposing player.

stopper
A central defender, positioned in front of the sweeper back, who usually marks the opposing center striker.

stoppage of play
When the referee stops the clock for an injury or presentation of a red or yellow card.

stoppage time
The time added on by a referee after the end of the half or game due to injuries, arguments or stoppages of play. It is also known as injury time.

striker
A team's most powerful and best-scoring forward who plays toward the center of the field.

substitution
When a player comes off the bench to take the place of another player on the field.

sudden death
Type of overtime period in which the first goal scored by a team ends the game and determines the winner.

sweeper
A defensive back who is not required to mark anyone but instead is free to roam and take care of loose balls. He or she is usually the last line of defense before the goalkeeper.

swerve pass
A pass that follows a curved path because of the way the ball is struck with the side of the foot.

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tackle
A defensive tactic using the foot to take the ball away from an opponent.

tactics
Organizational concept, on an individual, group and team basis, of player roles within the team structure.

target player
A player, usually a forward, who is the target of passes and crosses. He or she tends to play with their back to the goal on which they are trying to score.

techniques
Game skills which include passing and receiving, heading, dribbling, shooting and shielding.

through pass
A pass designed to go between two defenders in order to take them out of the play and release one's own player into space.

throw-in
A method of restarting play after the ball has traveled outside the touchlines. The ball must be held with two hands and released directly over the head while both feet are touching the ground.

tie
When two teams have scored the same number of goals in a match. If the game ends tied it is called a draw.

timeout
An official break in the action. The Rules of the Game do not allow teams to call timeouts.

touchline
See sideline.

trap
The process of receiving a soccer ball. The word trap is combined with a body part to identify how control is gained, such as thigh trap, chest trap and sole-of-the-foot trap.

turnover
When a player loses possession of the ball to an opposing player.

two-touch passing
A type of interpassing in which the receiving player controls the ball with the first touch and passes to a teammate on the second.

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unsportsmanlike conduct
Rude and illegal behavior that is penalized by a yellow or red card, such as delay of game or using abrasive language.

USSF
United States Soccer Federation. Formed in 1913, this organization governs soccer in the United States.

USYSA
United States Youth Soccer Association. The official governing body of youth soccer in the United States. It oversees and administers youth competitions, tournaments, clinics and workshops for its players, referees and coaches.

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violent play
Dangerous, aggressive behavior on the soccer field. Results in a red card and removal from the game.

volley
To kick the ball while it is in the air.

-wW catch
A preferred positioning of the hands when a goalkeeper catches the ball. The thumbs and forefingers are placed behind the ball, while the remaining fingers curl to the side of the ball forming the letter W.

wall
A defensive tactic where a line of two to six defending players join shoulder-to-shoulder in an attempt to protect their goal during a free kick. The wall is designed to reduce the open goal area the kicker has to shoot at.

wall pass
A pass by a ball carrier who sends the ball to a teammate, then runs behind his own defender and quickly receives a pass back. It is used to get a player past his defender without having to dribble by him; similar to the "give-and-go" in basketball.

wings
The outside forwards who play to the sides of the strikers and whose primary task is to provide them with accurate crossing passes so they can shoot at the the goal. Wings are often the fastest players and best dribblers on the team.

World Cup
See FIFA World Cup.

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No entries.

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yellow card
What the referee holds up to caution a player for dangerous play or unsportsmanlike behavior. Two yellow cards result in a red card and automatic ejection from the match.

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zone defense
A type of defense that assigns each defender to a particular area in front of or around his or her team's goal. They are then responsible for marking any attacker that enters that zone. Often used in youth league games but rarely in professional competition.