Soccer is widely considered the most popular sport in the world, with fans and leagues in almost every country. Most of the world calls the sport “football” or “fútbol.” The American name for it, “soccer,” originates from Britain as an abbreviated term for “association football.”

With countless professional and amateur soccer leagues, such as Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, and the Chinese Super League, there are passionate fans from all countries and walks of life. Unlike many other sports, the rules (or “Laws,” as they’re known) don’t vary by league, region, or level of play. No matter where the game is played, the rules are always the same. Soccer has many rules and terms that are important to understand in order to follow the sport. This soccer glossary will help any fan or player understand the key terms and soccer positions they need to become an expert.

The Basic Rules of Soccer

At any given point in a match, there are 22 players on the soccer field, 11 for each team. No player can touch the ball with their hands except each team’s goalkeeper. Each team’s objective is to get the ball downfield and into the opponent’s goal, and to prevent the other team from doing so. Each match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves. If something delays the match, officials can add “stoppage time” to the end to make up for it. When time runs out, the team which has scored the most goals is the winner.

Unlike basketball or American football, soccer has very few rules governing possession of the ball during normal play. Both teams can intercept or steal the ball at almost any point, so possession can change suddenly and repeatedly.

General Soccer Words & Phrases

Assistant Referee: Another term for a linesman.

Ball Carrier: The player currently in possession of the ball.

Corner Kick: A set kick taken from the corner arcs. The attacking team takes a corner kick when the ball goes out of bounds over the defending goal line off a defending player.

Direct Kick: A free kick that can be taken directly on goal.

Downfield: The direction away from a team’s goal and toward the opposing goal.

Drop Ball: A method of restarting play in which a referee drops the ball onto the field, giving each team equal opportunity to claim it. This happens after play stops for reasons outside either team’s control (such as an injury, a punctured ball, or a disruptive fan).

Extra Time: A period of 30 minutes that is added to the clock if the game ends in a tie. If the score is still tied at the end of extra time, the winner is determined by a penalty shoot-out.

Free Kick: A set piece kick awarded to a team following a foul by the opposition. Minor violations result in indirect kicks, while more severe violations result in direct kicks.

Goal: When the ball crosses the goal line and into the net.

Goal Kick: A method of restarting play in which a goalie kicks the ball into play from their own goal area. This occurs after an attacking player kicks the ball out of bounds along the opposing team’s goal line.

Half Volley: When a player kicks the ball immediately after it bounces off the ground.

Indirect Kick: A free kick that can’t be directly taken on goal.

Kick-Off: The beginning of each half of a match in which one team, decided by a coin toss, chooses a player to kick the ball from the center point. During a kick-off, no other player may enter the center circle or touch the ball until the kicker has touched it.

Linesman: An official who assists the referee in making decisions on things such as offside calls and out-of-bounds rulings. Most matches have two linesmen: one for each side of the field. Also known as an assistant referee.

Own Goal: When a team accidentally knocks the ball into their own goal. This most often happens when defenders deflect an off-target shot toward their goal.

Penalty Kick: A free shot taken from the penalty mark, awarded when the defending team commits a foul inside their own penalty area. Also known as a spot kick.

Penalty Shoot-Out. A tie-breaking method for games that remain tied after extra time. In the shoot-out, each team chooses five players. The teams take turns making penalty kicks, with no player kicking more than once. The team that scores the most shots wins the game.

Set Piece: A method of starting play after a stoppage in which the ball is stationary. Free kicks, corner kicks, penalty kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins are all types of set pieces.

Spot Kick: Another name for a penalty kick.

Shot on Goal: A shot that goes into the net, or that would have gone into the net if it weren’t blocked by the goalkeeper or a single defender. (If more than one defender could block it, it’s not a shot on goal.) Also known as a shot on target.

Shot on Target: Another term for a shot on goal.

Stoppage: When play stops. Referees track how long each stoppage takes and add that much stoppage time to the end of the clock. Stoppage can happen for a variety of reasons, such as:

• To let players line up for a set piece.
• When a goal is scored.
• When a player is injured.
• When referees show a red or yellow card, or need to deliberate about a penalty.
• When something has disrupted the game.

Substitution: When a team swaps out a player for a reserve player. Each team gets up to five substitutions per game (or six if the game goes into extra time), and can use them only while the clock is stopped. A player who has been substituted out can’t re-enter the game. 

Throw-In: A method of restarting play after a stoppage in which a player throws the ball from the sidelines. When a ball goes out of bounds along the sidelines, the opponents of the last player to touch it are awarded a throw-in. The thrower must throw the ball using both hands from over their head. This is the only legal way for a player other than the goalkeeper to touch the ball with their hands.

Upfield: The direction toward a team’s goal and away from the opposing goal.

Soccer Field Terms

Assist: A pass that leads directly to a successful goal. To count as an assist, the recipient of the pass must be the one who scores.

Center Circle: The circular area at the center of the field. During a kick-off, no player other than the kicker can enter this area.

Center Mark: The point at the center of the field. Officials place the ball here for each kick-off.

Corner Arc: The quarter-circle markings at each corner of the field. The ball is placed here for corner kicks.

Corner Flags: The flags that mark the corners of the field.

Goal Area: The small rectangular box around each goal, within the penalty area.

Goal Line: The line at either end of a soccer field. The goal sits at the center of the line.

Halfway Line: The line dividing the center of the field, intersecting the center circle and center mark.

Penalty Arc: A semicircular area outside the penalty area. Also known as “the D,” for its shape.

Penalty Area: The large rectangular box around each goal. While inside their penalty area, a goalkeeper can legally handle the ball with their hands.

Penalty Mark: A point in the center of the penalty area where penalty kicks are taken. Also known as the penalty spot, or “the spot.”

Penalty Spot: Another term for the penalty mark.

Pitch: Another term for the soccer field.

Wings: The areas near the corner of the fields, to the left and right of each goal.

Soccer Definitions for Techniques

Back Header: A type of header in which the player hits the ball backward. Defenders often use this to hit the ball away from their goal area. Also known as a flick header or skip header.

Back Tackle: When a defensive player tackles from behind the ball carrier. This is technically legal, but it often results in a foul because the angle makes it very difficult to perform without tripping the opponent. Also known as a poke tackle.

Ball in Play/Ball Out of Play: A term used to describe the status of the ball. The ball is in play at all times except when it’s fully outside the boundaries of the field, or when the referee has stopped play.

Block Tackle: A tackle in which a player attempts to control a loose ball by positioning their own foot and body between the ball and an opponent. A block tackle must be done with care, as poor timing can result in collisions, fouls, or injuries.

Bicycle Kick: An advanced kick in which a player performs a backflip to kick a ball backward in midair. This spectacular but difficult kick is dangerous for inexperienced players, and even professionals rarely perform it on the field. Also known as an overhead kick or a “scissor kick.”

Chip: A pass or shot in which the ball is kicked into the air, but doesn’t go very far. Usually used to get the ball over a close-up defender.

Clip Pass: A short pass in which the ball carrier lightly strikes the ball with the side of their foot.

Cross: A long pass made from the wing into the penalty area. Typically used to set up a goal shot.

Drag the Ball: When the ball carrier uses the sole of their foot to drag the ball backward.

Dribble: When the ball carrier runs with the ball while controlling it with their feet.

Drive: An especially hard shot on goal with a low trajectory.

Drop Kick: When the goalkeeper drops the ball from their hands, then kicks it after it touches the ground. This kick is typically used to launch the ball far downfield. It’s not quite as powerful as a punt, but it’s quicker and more accurate.

Dummy: When an attacker pretends to receive a pass, but actually lets the ball continue to another teammate behind them to deceive defenders.

50-50 Ball: A situation in which two opposing teams have an equal chance of gaining a loose ball. This often happens when the ball is knocked high in the air.

Feint: When the ball carrier fakes in one direction and then moves in another to deceive an opponent.

Flick Header: Another name for a back header.

Header: When a player deliberately hits the ball with their head to move it.

Hook: A ball-control technique where a player uses either the inside or outside of their foot to quickly change direction.

Hopped Pass: A chip that arcs high enough that defenders can’t reach it.

Juggling: A training exercise in which a player keeps the ball off of the ground by continuously hitting it with various parts of their body, excluding their hands. Juggling has little use on the field, but it helps players learn coordination and ball control.

Loose Ball: A ball under the control of neither team. If both teams have an equal chance of gaining it, it’s also a 50-50 ball.

Lofted Pass: A long, powerful pass that arcs over the heads of defenders.

Marking: A tactic in which a player covers, or guards, a specific player of the opposing team to prevent them from getting the ball.

Off the Ball: The actions and positioning of players who don’t have possession of the ball.

Overhead Kick: Another name for a bicycle kick.

Overtime: Another term for extra time.

Pass: When a ball carrier kicks or heads the ball to a teammate to evade defenders, advance an attack, or set up a play.

Pass Back: When a ball carrier kicks the ball to a teammate that is behind them.

Poke Tackle: Another name for a back tackle.

Punt: A kick where the goalkeeper drops the ball from their hands, then kicks it away from their own goal without letting it bounce. This powerful kick launches the ball far downfield in a high arc. However, it’s inaccurate and often results in a 50-50 ball.

Save: When a goalkeeper prevents a shot on goal from going into their net.

Shot: An attempt by the attacking team to score a goal by kicking or heading the ball toward the opponent's net.

Skip Header: Another name for a back header.

Slide Tackle: A controversial type of tackle where a defender slides on the ground and an extended foot to stop the ball carrier and gain control of the ball. Success or failure, a slide tackle leaves the player on the ground, so it’s most useful as a last-ditch effort to take the ball or disrupt the attacker. Slide tackles can injure both the defender and the attacker if done improperly, so they must be done with care. As a result, they often result in fouls.

Soft Pass: A strategic pass made with minimal force that travels a short distance.

Tackle: When a defensive player attempts to knock the ball away from an opponent by making contact with the ball, usually with their feet. Defenders must try to avoid direct contact with the offensive player, which is usually a foul. A successful tackle can delay and disrupt the attacking team, or even result in defenders gaining the ball.

Toe Kick: A very rapid kick where a player strikes the ball with their toes. Because it’s inaccurate and can cause injuries, toe kicking is generally considered bad form. Skilled players typically use toe kicks only for short passes or shots in desperate situations where no other kick will do. Also known as a toe poke, toe punt, or toe ender.

Trap: A technique used to control an incoming ball by stopping it with the feet or other parts of the body (except the hands). This allows the receiving player to bring the ball under control and continue an attack.

Volley: A technique where a player strikes the ball while it’s in the air, usually with their foot or head, without attempting to gain control of it. Players often use this technique when it’s not possible to bring an incoming ball under control because it’s moving too fast or there are too many defenders.

Soccer Positions

Defender (D): A player responsible for defending their team's half of the field by trying to prevent the opposing team from advancing and scoring. There are specific types of defenders, such as:

• Center-Back (CB): A defender who guards the middle of the field against an opposing attack.
• Fullback (FB): A defender who guards one side of the field to prevent an opposing attack.
• Wingback (WB): A player who operates like a fullback, but also advances forward to help an attack.

Forward (F): A player responsible for attacking and scoring goals. There are several types of forwards, such as:

• Center Forward (CF): A forward who plays in the center of the field, specifically at the top of a formation, to assist a striker.
• Striker (S): A forward who stays near the opposing team’s goal, responsible for enabling and scoring goals.
• Winger (W): A forward who primarily stays on the outside part of the field near the sidelines and helps attacks by passing and crossing the ball.

Goalkeeper (GK): The player responsible for guarding their team’s goal, or net. This is the only player who can use their hands, but only while inside the penalty area. Also known as a goalie.

Midfielder (MF): A player who mainly operates in the middle of the field, responsible for both defending and attacking. There are several types of midfielders, including: 

• Attacking Midfielder (AM): A midfielder who helps facilitate and score goals by making creative passes, dribbling downfield, and shooting from a distance. They can also drop back and help defend against an opposing attack.
• Box-to-Box Midfielder (BBM): A midfielder who can both defend and back an attack to score from outside of the penalty box or pass the ball to forwards.
• Central Midfielder (CM): A midfielder who controls the middle of the field by supporting defensive efforts, helping attacks, and passing the ball from defenders to forwards.
• Defensive Midfielder (DM): A midfielder whose objective is to disrupt attacks by tackling and intercepting passes, then helping transition from defense to attack.
• Holding Midfielder (HM): A midfielder who sits in the center of the field, in front of the defense line and behind forwards, to provide defensive support and distribute the ball to begin attacks.
• Midfield Anchor: Another name for a holding midfielder.
• Wide Midfielder (WM): A midfielder who opens space for an attack by creating crossing opportunities, dribbling downfield, providing through balls, and shooting from a distance. Much like an AM, they also help on defense by helping the fullbacks.

Sweeper (SW): A purely defensive player who acts as the last line of defense before the goalie, responsible for stopping attacks and preventing goals. This position is typically used only in highly defensive formations.

Libero (L): Like a sweeper, this player acts as the last line of defense before a goalie. Unlike a sweeper, they’re also able to make attacking plays.

Soccer Formations

Soccer formations are how the players on a team arrange themselves on the pitch. They’re named using a series of numbers that indicate how many players are in each area of the field. These numbers exclude the goalkeeper, who always stays by their team’s net and doesn’t advance upfield.

3-4-3 Formation: This attacking formation has three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards, and emphasizes width and speed. The midfielders usually provide support for both the defense and attack.

3-5-2 Formation: Consisting of three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards, this versatile formation allows for a strong presence in midfield while providing a number of attacking options.

4-3-3 Formation: This attacking formation includes four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. It relies on the forwards to create scoring opportunities with support from the midfielders.

4-4-2 Formation: A traditional formation with four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. It's considered a balanced formation that provides stability on defense and attacking options via the wingers and forwards.

4-5-1 Formation: A defensive formation that consists of four defenders, five midfielders, and one forward. The idea with this formation is to stack the midfield and limit the opponent's attacking options while the lone forward stays up top to provide an easy option for counterattacks.

5-3-2 Formation: This defensive formation includes five defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards. It relies on the wingbacks to provide width and support for the forwards.

4-1-3-2 Formation: This attacking formation includes four defenders, one defensive midfielder, three attacking midfielders, and two strikers. It relies on the midfielders to create scoring opportunities.

4-1-4-1 Formation: This defensive set features four defenders, one defensive midfielder, four midfielders, and one forward. The midfielders play a pivotal role in supporting both sides of the field, while the lone forward provides an outlet for counterattacks.

4-2-3-1 Formation: This formation has four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one striker. The two defensive midfielders provide cover for the defense while the attacking midfielders support the lone striker.

4-3-1-2 Formation: This formation consists of four defenders, three central midfielders, one attacking midfielder, and two strikers. The attacking midfielder typically stays behind the two strikers and is responsible for creating scoring chances.

4-3-2-1 (“Christmas Tree Formation”): This formation has four defenders, three midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and one striker. Because it positions players in a triangular shape across the field, it's sometimes called the "Christmas Tree.”

4-4-1-1 Formation: This includes four defenders, four midfielders, one attacking midfielder, and one striker. The attacking midfielder plays behind the striker and is responsible for facilitating scoring opportunities.

4-1-2-1-2 (“Diamond Formation”): This diamond-shaped formation consists of four defenders, one defensive midfielder, two central midfielders, one attacking midfielder, and two strikers. It's a versatile set that provides both defensive stability and reliable attacking options.

Wall: A defensive formation used by a team to obstruct a free kick or penalty kick. In this formation, players stand shoulder to shoulder and try to block the path of the ball to the goal.

Soccer Rules & Fouls

Advantage Rule: A rule which allows the referee to let play proceed as normal if the fouled team will be better served by continuing play rather than getting a free kick or stopping play. This prevents defenders from deliberately committing fouls to stop play when attackers are about to score.

Ball in Bounds: When the ball is completely within the boundaries of the playing field, marked by white lines.

Ball Out of Bounds: When the entirety of the ball crosses the sideline or goal line, play stops and the team opposing the last team to touch it gets a set piece. If the ball crosses a sideline, the opposing team gets a throw-in. If it crosses the goal line after touching an attacker, the defending team gets a goal kick. If it crosses the goal line after touching a defender, the attacking team gets a corner kick.

Charging: A foul in which a player runs into an opponent without intending to make a play on the ball.

Handball: A foul in which a player’s hand intentionally or unintentionally touches the ball during play.

High Kick: A foul in which a player attempts to kick the ball while it’s above their waist, putting an opposing player in danger of being kicked. Players can kick a ball above their waist only if there are no opposing players near them.

Offside: A foul in which an attacking player involved in active play is closer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-to-last defender. This rule prevents attackers from staying too close to the goal and simply waiting for a pass.

Red Card: A red card shown by a referee to signal that a player has committed a serious foul or offense. That player is disqualified, or removed from the pitch for the remainder of the game.

Yellow Card: A yellow card shown by a referee as a warning to a player who has committed a minor offense or has acted in an unsportsmanlike manner on the field. If the same player receives two yellow cards in a match, they’re given a red card and are sent off the field.

Soccer Slang

Bar Down: When a shot hits either the upper crossbar or side post, but still goes into the goal.

Brace: When a single player scores two goals in a single match. Example: “Messi had a brace today.”

Clean Sheet: When a team doesn’t give up a single goal for an entire match.

Danger Zone: The area in and directly around the goal and penalty box where goals are most likely.

Deliver the Ball: When a player completes a pass, especially if it creates a scoring opportunity.

Double Hat Trick: When a single player scores six goals in a single match. Example: “Ronaldo had a double hat trick in the match.”

Flop: When a player exaggerates contact an opponent made with them to trick referees into calling a foul.

Glut: A term used to describe a match in which both teams scored many goals.

Hat Trick: When a single player scores three goals in one match.

Haul: When a team or an individual player scores a large number of goals in one match.

Nutmeg: A technique used by a ball carrier to get past a defender where they lightly kick the ball between a defender’s legs and continue their attack. Sometimes abbreviated to “meg.”

Scissor Kick: Another term for a bicycle kick, drawn from the scissoring motion of the legs.

Sent Off: When a player is shown a red card for a violation and can no longer play for the remainder of the match.

Super Hat Trick: When a single player scores four goals in one match.

The D: Slang for the penalty arc, drawn from its D-like shape.

The Spot: Slang for the penalty mark.

Woodwork: Slang for the frame of the goal.