Soccer Glossary

Basic Terms

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

2. Pitch: The field of play where the game is conducted.

3. Kick-off: The method of starting or restarting play from the center circle, typically at the start of each half or after a goal is scored.

4. Offside: A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is passed to them.

5. Corner Kick: Awarded to the attacking team when the ball crosses the goal line (excluding the goal) after last touching a defending player.

6. Free Kick: A kick awarded to a team following certain infringements by the opposing team.

7. Penalty Kick: A direct free kick taken from the penalty spot, awarded after a foul is committed by a defender inside their penalty area.

8. Throw-In: A method of restarting play when the ball has crossed the touchline. The ball is thrown back into play by the team that did not touch it last.

Positions

1. Goalkeeper (GK): The player positioned to prevent the ball from entering the goal; the only player allowed to handle the ball within the penalty area.

2. Defender: A player whose primary role is to stop the opposing team from scoring.

3. Midfielder: A player who operates mainly in the middle third of the pitch and is involved in both defense and attack.

4. Forward/Striker: A player whose primary role is to score goals.

Play and Strategy

1. Pass: The act of kicking or heading the ball to a teammate.

2. Dribble: The technique of controlling and advancing the ball past opponents while moving with it.

3. Tackle: The act of dispossessing an opponent of the ball using the feet.

4. Cross: A pass from a wide area of the field into the penalty box, typically aimed at teammates for a scoring opportunity.

5. Header: The act of playing the ball using the head.

6. Marking: A defensive strategy where a defender stays close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or advancing with it.

7. Man-to-Man Marking: Each defender is assigned to cover a specific opponent.

8. Zonal Marking: Defenders cover areas of the pitch rather than specific opponents.

9. Off the Ball Movement: The movement of players without the ball to create space or options for their team.

10. Set Piece: A situation where play is restarted after a stoppage, including free kicks, corners, and throw-ins.

Fouls and Discipline

1. Foul: An unfair act by a player that is penalized by the referee, such as tripping, pushing, or handball.

2. Handball: A foul committed when a player (other than the goalkeeper within their penalty area) deliberately handles the ball with their hand or arm.

3. Yellow Card: A caution issued by the referee for unsporting behavior or repeated infringements.

4. Red Card: A card shown by the referee to a player who has committed a serious foul, leading to their expulsion from the match.

5. Advantage: A situation where the referee allows play to continue after a foul if the fouled team retains a beneficial position.

Tactical Terms

1. Formation: The arrangement of players on the pitch, such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3, etc.

2. Counterattack: A fast break from defense to attack, often after regaining possession.

3. High Press: A strategy where a team applies pressure high up the pitch, close to the opponent’s goal, to win back possession.

4. Park the Bus: A defensive tactic where a team plays very defensively, often with many players behind the ball, to protect a lead.

5. Switch Play: Moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other to exploit space or shift the opponent’s defense.