A to Z Glossary of Football and Soccer Terms

Advantage law

A clause in the law that directs the referee to refrain from stopping play for a foul if a stoppage would benefit the team that committed the violation.

Advantages

Situations where a team has possession of the ball and outnumbers the opposition near the opposing goal.

Angle of run

The angle at which a player runs, sometimes applied in relation to the ball and sometimes in relation to the goal.

Angle, altering the angle and passing in one movement

Applied to a player controlling the ball and moving it two or three yards to the side and then passing on the second touch.

Angle, narrowing

Applied to defenders, especially the goalkeeper, moving nearer to the ball in order to reduce passing or shooting angles.

Angle, passing

Applied to the line of the pass, i.e. angling the ball to the right or left of a player.

Angle, widening

Usually applied to supporting players moving into a position where the point of attack can be changed, thereby creating a better angle for a forward pass.

Attacker

Any player on the team that has possession of the ball. 2. All players on the team are attackers / attacker.

Attacking team

The team that has possession of the ball.

Back header

A player's use of his head to direct the ball backwards.

Balance

Positioning defenders away from the ball to protect the vital space behind the defense.

Ball carrier

A player that has possession of the ball.

Ball watching

Player focuses solely on the ball and loses sight of the opponent he or she is supposed to mark.

Beat

To get the ball through or around an opponent by dribbling or shooting.

Bicycle kick or scissors kick

When a player kicks the ball in mid-air backwards and over his/her own head, usually making contact above waist level; an acrobaticshot.

Blind side

The opposite side of a defender to the ball.

Break

When a team quickly advances the ball down the field in an attempt to get its players near the opponent's goal before the defendershave a chance to retreat.

Breakaway

When an attacker with the ball approaches the goal undefended; this exciting play pits a sole attacker against the goalkeeper in aone-on-one.

Carrying the ball

A foul called on a goalkeeper when he takes more than 7 seconds while holding or bouncing the ball.

Center circle

A circular marking with a 10-yard radius in the center of the field from which kickoffs are taken to start or restart the game.

Center pass

A pass from a player located near the sideline towards the middle of the field; used to get the ball closer to the front of the goal.

Center spot

A small circular mark inside the center circle that denotes the center of the field from which kickoffs are taken to start or restart the game.

Checking, run

Movement used to create space between the player with the ball and the marking opponent.

Checking

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

Chest trap

When a player uses his chest to slow down and control a ball in the air.

Chip pass

A pass lofted into the air from a player to a teammate.

Chip shot

A kick lofted into the air to try to sail the ball over the goalkeeper's head and still make it under the crossbar into the goal.

Clearing

The act of moving the ball out from within scoring range. A defensive measure.

Cleats

The metal, plastic or rubber points in the bottom of a soccer/football shoe used to provide a player with traction.

Control, cushion

Control of the ball by withdrawing the surface in contact with the ball on impact, e.g. the thigh.

Control, wedge

Control of the ball with the use of a rigid surface, e.g. the sole of the boot.

Controlling surface

The surface of the body in contact with the ball to bring the ball under control.

Cool down

The portion of practice devoted to stretching muscles and returning body functions to their normal state.

Corner arc

A quarter-circle with a radius of 1 yard located at each of the 4 corners of the field.

Corner flag

The flag located at each of the 4 corners of the field.

Corner kick

A direct free kick taken by the attacking team from the one yard arc at the corner of field.

Counter attack:

An attack launched by a defending team soon after it regains possession of the ball.

Cover

1. Defensive support
2. To take a position close to your opponent so as to challenge his/her efforts

Cross, diagonal

Usually applied in the attacking third of the field to a pass played well infield from the touch-line and diagonally forward from right to left or left to right.

Cross, far-post

A pass made to the area, usually beyond the post, farthest from the point from which the ball was kicked.

Cross, flank (wing)

A pass made from near to a touch-line, in the attacking third of the field, to an area near to the goal.

Cross, headers

64% of all goals from crosses are scored by headers.

Cross, mid-goal

A pass made to the area directly in front of the goal and some six to twelve yards from the goal-line.

Cross, near-post;

A pass made to the area four to six yards infield from the post nearest to the point from which the ball was kicked.

Crossbar: The horizontal beam that forms the top of a goal and sits on top of the two posts; it is 24 feet long and supported 8 feet above the ground.

Crosses, prime target area

4 out 5 goals are scored from crosses into the prime target area.

Cut down the angle

When the goalie comes out of the goal several feet to make himself closer and larger to an attacker, leaving the attacker less net to shoot at.

Dangerous play

When a player attempts a play that the referee considers dangerous to that player or others, such as trying to kick the ball out of the goalie's hands, even if no contact is made.

Defender, committing the

Attracting the exclusive attention of a defender by moving towards him with or without the ball.

Defenders:

1. The players on the team that does not have possession of the ball
2. All players on the team are defenders / defender.

Defending team

The team that does not have possession of the ball.

Defense, back of the

The space between the goalkeeper and the defender nearest to him.

Defense

A team's function of preventing the opposition from scoring.

Defensive pressure

When one or more defenders closely mark a ball carrier to harass him into losing the ball.

Deflection

The ricochet of a ball after it hits a player.

Direct free kick

A restart situation that can be scored directly by the shooter.

Disguise

Concealing one's intentions by pretending to do one thing and then doing something else.

Dive header;

Acrobatic skill used to score goals off low crosses in the goal area.

Draw

A game that ends with a tied score.

Dribble

Applied to an attacker taking the ball past an opponent.

Dribbler

A player who advances the ball while controlling it with his feet.

Dribbling

A way of moving the ball along the ground by using the feet while keeping the ball under player's control.

Drop ball

A method of restarting a game where the referee drops the ball. The ball must hit the ground.

Drop kick

When a goalie drops the ball from his hands and kicks it before it hits the ground.

Dummy

Stepping over the ball and letting it roll past you to a teammate, or applied in dribbling to feinting to move in one direction, to unbalancing an opponent, before moving away in a different direction.

Far post

The goalpost more distant from the ball position.

Feints

Body movements designed to unbalance an opponent, or a deceptive movement which can be applied with or without the ball, e.g. feinting to kick the ball, or feinting to move in one direction.

Field

The rectangular area where football/soccer matches are played.

FIFA

Federation Internationale de Football Association - the official governing body of international football since 1904 which established the World Cup tournament; helps set and revise laws of the game.

Flank (wing), attacking third

Cross the ball early from the flank (wing) in to the prime target area.

Flank (wing)

The area of the field within fifteen yards or so of the touch-lines.

Flat front

Players attacking or defending in straight line across the field.

Flick header

A player's use of his head to deflect the ball.

Flight, line of

Applied to the trajectory of the ball.

Foot trap

A player's use of the bottom or sides of his/her shoe to control a rolling or low-bouncing ball.

Football

Name for soccer everywhere in the world.

Formation

• 3-3-4: a formation that consists of 3 defenders, 3 midfielders and 4 forwards
• 4-2-4: a formation that consists of 4 defenders, 2 midfielders and 4 forwards
• 4-3-3: a formation that consists of 4 defenders, 3 midfielders and 3 forwards
• 4-4-2: a formation that consists of 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 forwards
• 5-3-2: a formation that consists of 5 defenders, 3 midfielders and 2 forwards

Forward passes

27% of all goals are from long forward passes.

Forward runs. (objective);

1. Make forward runs as direct and quick as possible
2. The attacker team must gain entry into the attacking third of the field with each attack
3. In the attacking third, retain the momentum by passing, crossing, dribbling or shooting
4. In the attacking third, if there is an opportunity or if there is any doubt at all, shoot!
5. Forward runs down the flank, if there is space to cross the ball, do so early and preferably to the back of the defense

Foul

A violation of the laws for which an official assesses a free kick.

Free kick

A kick awarded to a players team for a foul committed by the opposition; the player kicks a stationary ball without any opposing players within 10 yards of the ball.

Full volley

Shooting a ball directly out of the air.

Goal area

The rectangular area 20 yards wide by 6 yards deep in front of each goal.

Goal kick

A type of restart where the ball is kicked from inside the goal area; awarded to the defending team when a ball that crossed the goal line was last touched by a player on the attacking team.

Goal line

The field boundary running along its width at each end; also called the end line; runs right across the front of the goal.

Goal side of the ball

A position between the ball and the goal one is defending.

Goal side position

Correct position of a defender when marking an opponent.

Goal, mid-goal area

An area in front of the goal and six to twelve yards out from the goal-line.

Goal

When the ball passes completely over the goal line and under cross bar, one point is scored per goal.

Goalkeeper, one-on-one

5% of all goals are one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

Half volley

1. Striking a dropping ball at the moment it hits ground
2. To kick the ball the instant after it touches the ground
3. Kicking the ball on the short hop

Halftime

The intermission between the 2 periods or halves of a game.

Hand ball

A foul where a player touches the ball with his hand or arm; the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick.

Hat trick

3 or more goals scored in a game by a single player.

Header

The striking of a ball in the air by a player's head.

Headers

22% of all goals are from headers.

Heading

An act of directing the ball with any part of your forehead.

In bounds

When a ball is within the boundaries of the field, having not completely crossed a sideline or goal line.

In play

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

In the attacking third;

Once the team has the ball in the attacking third of the field, the attacker must try and keep it there by making it as hard as possible for the defenders to clear the ball.

Indirect free kick

A restart situation which will not score a goal unless touched or played by one other player before going into the goal.

Injury time

Time added to the end of any period according to the referee's judgment of time lost due to player injuries or intentional stalling by a team.

Instep drive

A straight shot taken with the instep of a player's foot; usually the most powerful and accurate of shots.

Instep

The upper surface of the foot or boot, e.g. the laces.

Javelin throw

Method of goalkeeper distribution used to distribute the ball over distances of 40 or more yards.

Jockey

A way of covering the man with the ball by feinting without committing yourself.

Kickoff

The method of starting a game or restarting it after each goal.

Line of recovery

The path a defender takes when running back towards his/her goal to get on the goal side of the ball.

Line of retreat

The path a defender takes when moving back towards his/her goal from a position on the goal side of the ball.

Lofted drive

A powerful kick with the instep through the bottom half of the ball.

Long power shots (outside the penalty-area)

The shot may score direct or be deflected by a player into the goal. The goalkeeper may not see the shot through a crowd of players. Even if the goalkeeper makes a save, the goalkeeper may not be able to hold on to the ball or push it out for a corner, and the attacker may have a simple tap-in.

Mark

Adopt a position, in relation to an opponent, which enables a player either to prevent the opponent from receiving the ball or, at least, to challenge for the ball.

Marking, man-to-man

Marking a particular opponent in all the important defensive areas of the field.

Match

A soccer/football game.

Midfield line or center line

A line that divides the field in half along its width.

Midfielder

A player who links the defenders with the attackers and contributes to both attack and defense.

Moves that start in the attacking third

53% of all goals come from moves that start in the attacking third of the field.

Near post

The goal post closer to the ball position.

Obstruction

When a defensive player, instead of going after the ball, uses his body to prevent an offensive player from playing it.

Official game clock

The clock that the referee carries with him on the field so he can signal when each half is over; does not stop during the game, even when play does.

Officials

The referee and 2 assistant referees who work together to make sure the game is played according to the laws of game; responsible for stopping and restarting play, keeping track of the score and the time remaining and citing violations of the laws, called fouls; they wear uniforms that distinguish them from the players on both teams.

Off-side, can not be declared off-side

A player can not be declared off-side by the referee if he receives the ball direct from a goal kick, a corner kick or a throw in.

Off-side

A situation in which an attacker positioned in the opponents' half of the field does not have two opponents between him or herself and the goal at the moment the ball is played to him or her.

On defense

Describes a team that does not have possession of the ball.

On offense

Describes a team in possession of the ball.

One touch soccer

Interpassing among teammates without stopping the ball.

One touch

72% of all goals are from one touch.

Out of bounds

When a ball is outside the boundaries of the field, having completely crossed a sideline or goal line.

Out of play

When a ball is outside the boundaries of the field (pitch) or play has been stopped by the referee.

Outside penalty area

16% of all goals are from outside the penalty area.

Overlap

A tactic used to move defenders and midfielders into attacking positions.

Pass, chip

A pass made by a stabbing action of the kicking foot to the bottom part of the ball to achieve a steep trajectory and vicious back spin on the ball.

Pass, flick

A pass made by an outward rotation of the kicking foot, contact on the ball being made with the outside of the foot.

Pass, half-volley

A pass made by the kicking foot making contact with the ball at the moment the ball touches the ground.

Pass, push

A pass made with the inside of the kicking foot.

Pass, swerve

A pass made by imparting spin to the ball, thereby causing it to swerve from either right to left or left to right. Which way the ball swerves depends on whether contact with the ball is made with the outside or the inside of the kicking foot.

Pass, volley

A pass made before the ball touches the ground.

Passing

When a player kicks the ball to his teammate.

Penalty arc

A circular arc whose center is the penalty spot and extends from the top of the penalty area; designates an area that opposing players are not allowed to enter prior to a penalty kick.

Penalty area

At each end of the soccer field two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 18 yards from each goal post. Lines also extend into the field of play for a distance of 18 yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal post.

Penalty shot

The result of a direct foul committed by a defender within his or her penalty area.

Penalty spot

The small circular spot located 12 yards in front of the center of the goal line from which all penalty kicks are taken; positioned at the center of the penalty arc.

Pitch

Soccer games are played on the pitch (field).

Play on

A term used by referees to indicate that no foul or stoppage is to be called; used by referees when applying the Advantage Law.

Play, conditioned

Applying an artificial restriction, e.g. all players must pass the ball on the first touch.

Play, cross-over

Applied to the movements of two attacking players moving in opposite directions past each other. These movements are usually made with the ball but can also be made without it.

Play, one-touch

Passing the ball first time, i.e. without controlling the ball.

Play, shadow

A method of coaching which allows players to create movements without opposition.

Player, challenging

Applied to a defending player attempting to dispossess an attacking player with the ball.

Player, covering

Applied to a defending player who is assisting the challenging player by adopting a position which will enable him/her to challenge if the challenger is beaten.

Player, supporting

Applied to an attacking player who has positioned to receive a pass from the player in possession of the ball. Usually, but not always, the supporting player is behind the ball.

Poke tackle

Method of tackling in which a player extends his or her leg and kicks the ball away from an opponent.

Possession

Player or team having/in control of the ball.

Pressure training

A method of training players to perform a technique many times in rapid succession for a limited period of time.

Prime scoring area

22% of all goals are from the area of the far post from the prime scoring area.

Ready position

The goalkeeper's basic stance when the ball enters shooting range.

Recoil

To draw back part of body upon contact with the ball. This absorbs the shock on impact.

Red card

A playing card-sized card that a referee holds up to signal a player's removal from the game; the player's team must play the rest of the game shorthanded; presented for violent behavior or multiple law infractions (two yellow cards = one red card).

Referee

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

Restarts (of the game)

Are from , corner kicks, drop balls, free kicks, goal kicks, penalty kick, place kick, and throw-in.

Run with the ball

Movement with the ball without dribbling past an opponent.

Run, blind-side

A run by an attacker on the opposite side of a defender from the ball.

Run, cross-field

A run made side-to-side as opposed to end-to-end or diagonally.

Run, diagonal, inside-to-outside

A run made by an attacker, diagonally, from a central position towards a touchline.

Run, diagonal, outside-to-inside

A run made by an attacker, diagonally, from a flank (wing) position towards a central position.

Run, overlap

The movement of an attacking player from a position behind the ball, outside the player with the ball and into a position ahead of the ball.

Running straight

Defenders will be much less worried about attacker who run straight up and down the field than those who move across it. Running straight is not likely to trouble the defenders, who will be able to mark players and space as well as support one another.

Runs, split

Runs made usually by central forward players in opposite directions in order to create space in central attacking positions.

Save

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

Score

To put the ball into the net for a goal; also, the tally of goals for each team playing in a game.

Scorers

Players who score goals.

Scoring opportunity

A situation where a team stands a good chance of scoring a goal.

Set play

A planned strategy that a team uses when a game is restarted with a free kick, penalty kick, corner kick, goal kick, throw-in or kickoff.

Set plays

40% of all goals are from set plays (free kicks, corners and throw-ins).

Shielding

Positioning between the ball and an opponent attempting to gain possession.

Shinguards

Pads that strap onto a player's lower leg to protect the shins should he or she be kicked there.

Shooting on target (at the goal)

1. The average number of shots on target for each game is 6.5 shots.
2. The average number of shots to score 1 goal is 3.5 shots on target.
3. 10 shots on target in a game gives an 86% chance of winning.

Shooting

When a player kicks the ball at the opponent's net in an attempt to score a goal.

Shot

A ball kicked or headed by a player at the opponent's net in an attempt to score a goal.

Shoulder charge

Minimal shoulder-to-shoulder contact by a defender against a ball carrier; the only contact allowed by the law unless a defender touches the ball first.

Side tackle

An attempt by a defender to redirect the ball slightly with his foot away from a ball carrier running in the same direction.

Skill

The application of the correct technique on demand.

Sliding tackle

An attempt by a defender to take the ball away from a ball carrier by sliding on the ground feet-first into the ball.

Soccer games are won by taking advantage of space

Before a team can take advantage of space, it must first create the space. Space is created either by a single player or by coordinated team plays. Space can be given away by mistakes of the defending team. Attacker must always plan on the basis that the defender will give away nothing.

Space, creating

Increasing the distance between, to the side, in front of, or behind opponents.

Space, exploiting

Utilizing effectively in attack the space already created.

Square pass

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

Steal

When a player takes the ball away from an opposing player.

Stopper

A central marking defender.

Striker

A front-running central attacker.

Substitution

Replacement of one player on the field with another player not on the field.

Support, wide-angled

Support at a sufficiently wide angle to give the greatest possibility for passing the ball forward.

Sweeper

The "free" player in defense who covers the marking defenders.

Swerve, in-swerve

A ball curling in towards the target, e.g. an in-swerve corner swerving towards the goal.

Swerve, out-swerve

A ball curling away from the target, e.g. an out-swerve corner swerving away from the goal.

Tackle

A challenge using the feet, to win the ball from an opponent.

Tackling

Taking the ball from your opponent by using the feet.

Take-over

A term sometimes used to describe a cross-over movement where the player without the ball takes the ball from the dribbling player.

Taking players on

Applied to dribbling past opponents.

Technique

A single player performance, e.g. a good push pass, chest trap, turning, jumping, etc.

Territory

The half of the field which a team defends.

The 8 points to spread out side-to-side.

1. The decision to spread out must (should) be taken early (at the time the team gains possession) and the team must (should) cover the ground as quickly as possible.
2. Spreading out from side-to-side, means wide out to the side line (touch line).
3. Runs must (should) be made at different angles into spaces, but not losing sight of the ball.
4. Take up positions or spaces that makes it difficult for defender to mark and have support.
5. Attacking player must (should) be in positions or spaces that give them wider field of vision as possible to receive the ball.
6. The ball must (should) be played to a teammate that can take advantage of forward play; not because your teammate is in the biggest space.
7. A pass should be delayed until a teammate is in position to receive it and control it. A bad pass or poor control can destroy the space that has been created.
8. The team must take advantage of the space that has been created by forward play. If teammates insist on playing the ball square, or back, possession might be retained. Then, the initiative and the opportunity to take advantage of space will be lost.

Thigh trap

When a player uses his thigh to slow down and control a ball in the air.

Things to remember in defending,

Once the Defender is in position goal side of the ball, the Defender must think about his/her line of recovery, marking and challenging an opponent. The Defender has 5 options.

1. Track an Attacker who is making a run to the back of the defense.
2. Occupy important space goal side of the ball.
3. Mark an Attacker in the area of the ball.
4. Cover a teammate who is challenging the Attacker with the ball.
5. Challenge the Attacker with the ball.

Things to remember in passing

(best option first)

1. Pass the ball into space in back of the defense.
2. Pass the ball to feet of the most advanced attacker.
3. Pass the ball beyond at least one defender.
4. Pass the ball cross the field to switch the line of attack.
5. Pass the ball back to a supporting teammate.

Things to remember on free kicks, corners and throw-ins

1. Move in to prearranged marking position quickly.
2. Mark close in the area of the ball.
3. Mark in back of the attacker.
4. Mark the space in front of the attacker.
5. The goalkeeper be in the right position.
6. Seal off as much space as possible inside the penalty area.
7. Player in the wall line up, tallest on the outside (in line with ball and post) and the shortest is on the inside.

Things to remember to gain more set plays

(best option first);

1. Pass the ball to the back of the defense.
2. Cross the ball to the back of the defense.
3. Dribbling in the attacking third of the field.
4. Pressuring defenders in the attacking third of the field.
5. Shooting at goal in the attacking third of the field.

Thirds of the field

Areas roughly 35 yards in length signifying the defending, the middle, and the attacking thirds of the field.

Through pass

A pass sent to a teammate to get him/her the ball behind his defender; used to penetrate a line of defenders.

Throw-in

A type of restart where a player throws the ball from behind his head with two hands while standing with both feet on the ground behind a sideline; taken by a player opposite the team that last touched the ball before it went out of bounds across a sideline.

Tie game

When two teams have scored the same number of goals in a match; if the game ends tied, it is a draw.

Timekeeper

The job of the referee, who keeps track of the official time.

Touchline

1. Side boundary of the field. 2. The side lines of the field.

Trailing

Running behind another player.

Trap

When a player uses his body to slow down and control a moving ball, most often using his chest, thighs or feet.

Tripping

1. One of nine offenses warranting a direct foul. 2. The act of stopping a ball and bringing the ball under your control.

Turning one's opponent

Causing an opponent to turn, usually by playing the ball past him, or by moving past him, or by both.

Turning with the ball;

The act of receiving the ball when facing one's goal and turning, with the ball under control, to face the opponent's goal.

Turnover

The loss of possession of the ball.

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Rude behavior.

Volley, hook

A hooking or circular movement by the kicking leg where the leg is parallel with the ground when contact is made on the ball.

Volley

Any ball kicked by a player when it is off the ground.

Volleys

17% of all goals are from volleys.

W Position

Position of the goalkeeper's hands when fielding a chest-high ball.

Wall pass

Give and go pass, or interpassing between two attacking players, where the player acting as the wall plays the ball first time and off at a similar angle at which the ball was received. The pass is usually made behind an opponent.

Wall player

The player acting as the wall in a wall pass.

Wall

A line of 2 to 5 defending players pressed together shoulder-to-shoulder to protect their goal against a close free kick; creates a more difficult shot by reducing the amount of open goal area the kicker has to shoot at.

Warm up

Exercises that warm the muscles and prepare the body for vigorous activity.

Weight of the pass

A term quite frequently used to describe the pace of a pass.

Wings or wingers

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 goal; often the fastest players and best dribblers on a team.

World Cup

The international soccer competition held by FIFA every 4 years between the top professional teams in the world, pitting nation against nation; the most watched event in the world, attracting a television audience of over 3 billion viewers.

Yellow card

A playing card-sized card that a referee holds up to warn a player for dangerous or unsportsmanlike behavior; also called a caution; 2 yellow cards in one game earns a player an automatic red card, signaling his removal from the game.

Zone

A type of defense that assigns each defender to a particular area in front of or around his team's goal in which he is responsible for marking any attacker that enters.

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