⚽️ Basic Terms

🥅 Goal
A point scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.

🌿 Pitch
The field where the game is played.

🔄 Kick-off
The method of starting or restarting play from the center circle, usually at the start of each half or after a goal.

🚩 Offside
A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is passed to them.

🏳️‍ Corner Kick
Awarded when the ball crosses the goal line (without a goal being scored) after last touching a defending player.

⚠️ Free Kick
A kick awarded following certain fouls committed by the opposing team.

⚽️ Penalty Kick
A direct free kick taken from the penalty spot after a foul occurs inside the penalty area.

🤾‍♂️ Throw-In
A method of restarting play when the ball crosses the touchline. The team that didn’t last touch the ball throws it back in.

🧍‍♂️ Positions

🧤 Goalkeeper (GK)
Defends the goal and is the only player allowed to use their hands inside the penalty area.

🛡️ Defender
Primarily responsible for stopping the opposing team from scoring.

🎯 Midfielder
Plays mainly in the middle third of the field, contributing to both attack and defense.

🎯 Forward/Striker
A player whose main role is to score goals.

🎯 Play & Strategy

🤝 Pass
Kicking or heading the ball to a teammate.

🏃‍♂️ Dribble
Advancing the ball while maintaining control past opponents.

🦶 Tackle
Attempting to take the ball away from an opponent using the feet.

📐 Cross
A pass sent from a wide area into the penalty box, aiming for a teammate.

🤕 Header
Playing the ball using the head.

👥 Marking
Staying close to an opponent to reduce their effectiveness.

• 👤 Man-to-Man Marking: Each defender marks a specific player.

• 📍 Zonal Marking: Defenders cover designated areas instead of individual opponents.

🚶‍♂️ Off-the-Ball Movement
Movement by players without the ball to create space or passing options.

📋 Set Piece
A play restart following a stoppage, including free kicks, corners, and throw-ins.

🚩 Fouls & Discipline

❌ Foul
An unfair action penalized by the referee, such as tripping, pushing, or handling the ball.

✋ Handball
A foul when a player (except the goalkeeper inside their area) deliberately handles the ball with the hand or arm.

🟨 Yellow Card
A caution issued for unsporting behavior or repeated infringements.

🟥 Red Card
Given for a serious foul; results in immediate expulsion from the match.

➡️ Advantage
Allows play to continue if the fouled team retains a beneficial position.

📝 Tactical Terms

📊 Formation
The arrangement of players on the field (e.g., 4-4-2, 4-3-3).

⚡ Counterattack
A quick transition from defense to attack after winning possession.

🔥 High Press
Applying pressure high up the field to regain possession close to the opponent’s goal.

🚌 Park the Bus
A defensive tactic where many players stay behind the ball to protect a lead.

↔️ Switch Play
Moving the ball from one side of the field to the other to exploit space or shift the defense.