Soccer Terms

Bicycle kick

A dramatic kick made by a player throwing both feet in the air as a ball is approaching on the fly, while moving the legs with a pedaling motion to kick the ball in the opposite direction to which the player is facing, with the player usually ending up sprawled on the ground

Header

Used to control the ball using the head to pass, shoot, or clear. This can be done in a standing, jumping or diving position. A common technique used in almost every match.

Midfield line

A line in the center of the field that divides the field in half along its width and runs parallel to the goals. Used for start and restart as well as for calling offside. A player cannot be offside on their half of the field. Also called the center line.

Trap

Describes control of the ball off of a pass or a loose ball. Trapping the ball involves using the feet, thighs or chest to bring the ball to the ground while keeping it in the player’s possession. It can include stopping the ball completely or redirecting the ball in a controlled manner.

Goal kick

A free kick taken by the defending side from within their goal area after attackers send the ball over the end line outside the goal.

Corner kick

A direct free kick from a corner of the field awarded to the attacking team in soccer when the ball has been driven out of bounds over the goal line by a defender.

Tackling

The act of a defender coming to meet an opponent who is in possession of the ball, engaging him, and then legally using a foot to take the ball away.

Corner flag

A flag placed on a short pole marking a corner of a football pitch.

Defender

An outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals.

There are four types of defenders: center-back, sweeper, full-back, and wing-back.

Direct free kick

A method of restarting. A goal may be scored directly against the opposing side without the ball having first touched another player.

Sideline/touch line

The line that runs along the length of each side of the field. Commonly called the sideline in other sports.

Drop kick

This is a method of kicking the ball in soccer, used by the goalie. A drop kick is when the goalie picks up the ball, then drops the ball directly in front of them and kicks before it hits the ground.

Free kick

Awarded to a team as the result of a foul by an opposing player

Goal area

Rectangular area to the sides and front of the goal, measuring 20 × 6 yards

Goal line

Part of a vertical plane separating an end zone from the field of play when the ball is touched or is in player possession

Midfielders

Generally positioned on the field between their team's defenders and forwards

Forwards

Players on a team who play nearest to the opposing team's goal

Offside

When they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the second-last opponent

Attacker

Player responsible for scoring goals

Corner arc

The arc at the top of the soccer penalty box.

Penalty kick/shot

A place kick awarded to a team after an offense by an opponent

Red card

Given for a serious offense. Coach/player must leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game. (can’t be replaced for the rest of the game)

Yellow card

Two yellow cards lead to a red card.

A player who has been cautioned once may continue playing in the game

Striker

Generally the same as a forward, though it sometimes refers to a forward that is his team’s primary scoring threat

Throw-in

A method of restarting play in a game of association football (or soccer) when the ball has exited the side of the field of play.

Both feet must stay on the ground, and both hands raise the ball behind the head