Soccer Rules, Terminology, and Player Positions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Laws of the Game, field dimensions, soccer terminology, basic skills, and player positions from the PHED 1204 Soccer course notes.

Center Circle

A field marking with a $10\text{-yard}$ radius that restricts the defending team during kick-off until the ball is contacted and contains both teams during a shootout.

Center Mark

The center point of the center circle where the soccer ball is placed for kick-off.

Corner Arc

A marked arc with a $1\text{-yard}$ radius located at each corner of the field designating the area for ball placement on a corner kick.

Corner Flag

A flagpost at least $5\text{ feet}$ high placed in each corner of the field to assist in locating boundary lines.

Goal

A structure measuring $8\text{ yards}$ wide by $8\text{ feet}$ tall located on the goal line used to determine a score.

Goal Area

A rectangular area extending $6\text{ yards}$ from the goal line into the field, used as the placement area for a goal kick.

Goal Line

The end boundary line measuring $50\text{ to }100\text{ yards}$ in length; a ball crossing it results in a goal kick, corner kick, or goal score.

Halfway Line (Midline)

The line dividing the field between the goal lines that ensures teams stay on their own half during kick-off and regulates the offside rule.

Penalty Arc

A $10\text{-yard}$ radius arc measured from the penalty mark used to keep both teams at least $10\text{ yards}$ away during a penalty kick.

Penalty Area

An area extending $18\text{ yards}$ from the goal line where the goalkeeper may use hands, opponents must stay out during goal kicks, and defensive direct fouls yield penalty kicks.

Penalty Mark

A marked spot located $12\text{ yards}$ from the center point of the goal where the ball is placed for a penalty kick.

Touch Line

The side boundary line measuring $100\text{ to }130\text{ yards}$ in length (longer than the goal line); when crossed by the ball, play restarts with a throw-in.

Law 2 (The Ball Specifications)

Regulations stating the ball must be spherical, made of leather or suitable material, with a circumference of $27\text{ inches}\,(68\text{ cm})$ to $28\text{ inches}\,(70\text{ cm})$ and a weight of $14\text{ oz}\,(410\text{ g})$ to $16\text{ oz}\,(450\text{ g})$.

Law 3 Player Minimum

The regulation that a match consists of $11$ players per team (including one goalkeeper) and cannot start unless each team has at least $7$ players.

Basic Equipment (Law 4)

The mandatory items worn by each player consisting of: 1) jersey, 2) socks, 3) shorts, 4) shin guards, and 5) shoes.

Referee (Law 5)

The single on-field official vested with full power to enforce the Laws of the Game, manage the match clock, award cards, and call fouls and misconduct.

Assistant Referee (Law 6)

One of two officials stationed along the touch lines who aid the referee in judging offside, determining fouls, and signaling when the ball leaves the field of play.

Regulation Match Duration (Law 7)

A standard match consisting of two equal periods of $45\text{ minutes}$, subject to additional discretionary stoppage time added by the referee.

Ball Out of Play (Law 9)

When the ball completely crosses the goal line or touch line on the ground or in the air, or when play is stopped by the referee.

Method of Scoring (Law 10)

A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar without an infringement by the attacking team.

Offside Position (Law 11)

When an attacking player is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and two opponents while in the opponent's half of the field at the instant the ball is played.

Direct Free Kick

A restart awarded for one of ten contact or handling offenses from which a goal can be scored directly into the opponent's goal without touching another player.

Indirect Free Kick

A restart awarded for non-contact infractions (such as offside or goalkeeper handling violations) that must touch another player before a goal can be scored.

Yellow Card

A card shown by the referee signifying a formal caution for offenses such as unsporting behavior, dissent, persistent infringement, or delaying restarts.

Red Card

A card shown to expel a player from the match for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, denying an obvious goal opportunity, or receiving two yellow cards.

Penalty Kick (Law 14)

A kick awarded against a team committing a direct kick offense inside its own penalty area, taken from the $12\text{-yard}$ penalty mark against only the goalkeeper.

Throw-In (Law 15)

A restart awarded to the opposing team when the ball completely crosses the touch line, taken with both feet on or behind the line and both hands delivering the ball over the head.

Goal Kick (Law 16)

A restart taken from anywhere inside the $6\text{-yard}$ goal area by the defending team after the ball crosses the goal line last touched by the attacking team.

Corner Kick (Law 17)

A restart taken from the corner arc by the attacking team after the ball completely crosses the goal line last touched by the defending team.

Dribbling

Running with the ball while keeping it close to your feet using small touches with the instep or outside of the foot.

Heading

Contacting the ball with the forehead, typically used to win or redirect the ball in the air.

Square Pass

A pass directed horizontally to a teammate positioned across from you.

Trail Pass

A pass directed backward to a teammate positioned behind you.

Lead Pass

A pass directed into open space ahead of a teammate.

Punt

A method used by the goalkeeper to return the ball into play after making a save by dropping and kicking the ball before it lands.

Trapping

Stopping or controlling the ball right at your feet by absorbing its pace or stepping on top of it to freeze it.

Receiving

Controlling a rolling ball or pass along the ground by cushioning it with the instep of the foot.

Shooting

Striking the middle of the ball with the shoe laces or heading it toward the opponent's goal to score.

Tackling

A defensive technique used to dispossess or steal the soccer ball from an opponent.

Dodging

An evasion maneuver used by a ball handler to maintain control while evading a defending opponent.

Volleying

Directing an airborne ball using the chest, shoulder, knee, or hip before it contacts the ground.

Goalkeeper

The player stationed directly in front of the goal who stops shots and is uniquely allowed to handle the ball within the penalty area.

Sweeper

A solitary defender playing closest to their own goal behind the rest of the defensive line, acting as the last line of defense in front of the goalkeeper.

Rear Defender / Fullback

A defensive player operating mainly in the defensive third of the field focused on stopping opposing attackers from scoring.

Central Defender

A defender who guards the area directly in front of their goal, frequently considered the team's strongest defender.

Defensive Wing

A defender responsible for guarding the area along the left or right flank of their own goal.

Stopper

A defender specifically assigned to guard or mark the opposing team's best offensive scorer or striker.

Midfielder / Halfback

A player operating in the middle third of the field who transitions play between defense and offense through passing and ball control.

Defensive Midfielder

A midfielder positioned just ahead of the back line who focuses primarily on defensive duties and marking top opponents.

Central Midfielder

The midfielder responsible for organizing play in the central area, directing attacking chances, and frequently serving as team leader.

Attacking Midfielder

A midfielder positioned directly behind the forward line who creates scoring opportunities with accurate passes.

Forward

An attacking player positioned in the offensive third of the field primarily responsible for shooting and scoring goals.