New to soccer or need to brush up on the terminology? This comprehensive guide covers essential soccer terms every player and fan should know.
Basic Terms
Pitch – The playing field where soccer is played
Goal – The structure at each end where teams try to score
Kickoff – The start or restart of play from the center circle
Throw-in – Restart play when the ball goes out over the sideline
Corner Kick – Awarded when the defending team sends the ball over their own goal line
Goal Kick – Awarded to the defending team when attackers send the ball over the goal line
Player Positions
Goalkeeper (GK) – The only player who can use hands, protects the goal
Defender – Players focused on preventing the opposition from scoring
Midfielder – Players who link defense and attack
Forward/Striker – Attacking players focused on scoring goals
Winger – Wide attacking players who operate on the flanks
Game Actions
Dribbling – Moving with the ball using your feet
Passing – Kicking the ball to a teammate
Crossing – A long pass from the wing into the penalty area
Tackling – Attempting to take the ball from an opponent
Header – Using your head to play the ball
Volley – Striking the ball while it’s in the air
Chip – A delicate lofted pass or shot over opponents
Official Calls
Offside – When an attacking player is ahead of the last defender when the ball is played
Foul – An illegal action resulting in a free kick
Yellow Card – A warning for misconduct
Red Card – Ejection from the game for serious misconduct
Penalty Kick – A direct shot from 12 yards awarded for fouls in the penalty area
Free Kick – Awarded after a foul, can be direct or indirect
Tactical Terms
Formation – The arrangement of players on the field (e.g., 4-3-3)
Counterattack – A quick transition from defense to offense
Pressing – Aggressively challenging opponents to win the ball
Possession – Maintaining control of the ball
Set Piece – A restart from a dead ball situation