Soccer may be a simple game, but it comes with a lot of complexities, especially for newcomers. There are countless soccer terms and phrases that can be confusing for beginners.
To add to the complexity, soccer terminology varies depending on where you are in the world. For instance, in most parts of the world, soccer is called ‘football,’ while in others, ‘football’ refers to ‘American football.’ Additionally, in the UK, players say ‘boot it’ when Americans might say ‘clear’ or ‘kick it out.’
If you’re just getting started with soccer, here are some common soccer terms and their definitions. Use these terms at your next match, and you’ll sound like a true soccer expert.
Soccer Positions
Offense
Refers to the team’s attempt to score goals or the team currently in possession of the ball.
Defense
The team that does not have possession of the ball.
Back, Fullback
A player responsible for defending the goal and stopping attacks.
Mid, Midfielder, Halfback
A player who connects defense and offense by controlling the ball and passing.
Forward
A player whose primary role is to score goals.
Striker
A forward positioned in the center of the field, focused on scoring.
Sweeper
A defensive player who roams behind other defenders to intercept loose balls.
Goalkeeper (Goalie, Keeper)
The player who defends the goal, allowed to use their hands within the penalty area.
Soccer Rules
Corner kick
A way to restart play after the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by a defender.
Direct free kick
A free kick awarded for fouls involving physical contact, where the ball can be shot directly into the goal.
Indirect free kick
A free kick awarded for non-serious fouls, where the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
Goal kick
A method to restart play after the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by an attacker.
Offside
Occurs when an attacking player is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender.
Defensive Soccer Terms
Behind the Ball
Positioning yourself between the ball and your goal.
Clear
Kicking the ball away from the goal to remove the threat.
Out, Get it out of there!
A command to clear the ball away from the goal.
Contain
Slowing down an attacking player with the ball.
Goal-side
Being between the goal and an opponent.
Mark, Mark up
Guarding or covering an opponent.
Keeper, Keeper’s ball
A command from the goalkeeper to claim possession of the ball.
Pressure
An instruction to immediately challenge the player with the ball.
Push up
A call for the defense to move forward.
Offensive Soccer Terms
Carry
Dribbling the ball forward.
Center
Passing the ball from the sideline towards the center of the field.
Cross
A pass from one side of the field to the goal box.
Switch
A pass across the field to change the point of attack.
Down the line, Line
Passing or throwing the ball down the sideline.
Drop, Tail, Back
Passing backward to maintain possession.
Open
Describes a player who is unmarked by a defender.
Send, Send it!
A command to make a long pass to an open player.
Time, You’ve got time
An instruction to settle the ball as there is no immediate defensive pressure.
Additional Soccer Terms
Far post
The goalpost farthest from the ball.
Near post
The goalpost nearest to the ball.
Man on
A warning that an opponent is approaching.
Mine
A shout to claim possession of a loose ball.
To the line, Heels to the line
A reminder for midfielders to stay wide.
