Soccer terms for new parents

Why a glossary helps

Soccer has its own language, and sideline conversations can sound like code at first. Words like first touch, marking and offside come up all the time, and some words, such as pitch, are used differently depending on where your coach learned the game. This glossary uses plain English and focuses on terms you are likely to hear at practices and games. If you want the bigger picture first, start with soccer rules for beginners.

The terms, A to Z

Assist

A pass that leads directly to a goal.

Corner kick

A restart from the corner of the field awarded to the attacking team when the defending team last touched the ball before it crossed the end line.

Cross

A pass sent from the side of the field into the area in front of the goal.

Dribble

To move with the ball under control using small touches of the feet.

Draw

A game that ends with both teams having the same number of goals. Also called a tie.

First touch

The first contact a player makes when receiving a pass. A good first touch sets up the next move.

Foul

An unfair act, such as tripping or pushing, that results in a free kick or penalty kick.

Free kick

A kick awarded to a team after the other team commits a foul or certain other infractions, such as offside. It can be direct or indirect.

Goal kick

A restart taken by the defending team after the attacking team last touched the ball before it crossed the end line.

Goalkeeper

The player who defends the goal and is the only one allowed to use hands in the penalty area. Also called a keeper or goalie.

Header

Playing the ball with the head. Rules about heading in youth soccer vary by organization and age group, and many U.S. programs ban or limit it for younger players.

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to stop them from receiving the ball.

Midfield

The central part of the field, and the players who play there.

Offside

A rule that stops attackers from waiting near the opponent's goal. See the rules guide for the basics.

Penalty area

The large marked box in front of each goal where the goalkeeper may use hands. Also called the box or the 18-yard box.

Penalty kick

A free shot at the goalkeeper from the penalty mark, awarded for certain fouls inside the defending team's penalty area.

Pitch

Another word for the soccer field, used widely outside the United States.

Possession

Having control of the ball for your team.

Pressing

Closing down the opponent with the ball to win it back quickly.

Red card

A card shown by the referee to send a player off the field. The player cannot be replaced in standard rules.

Shin guards

Protective pads worn under the socks to protect the lower legs.

Substitution

Replacing one player with another. Youth leagues often allow many substitutions so everyone plays.

Throw-in

A restart where a player throws the ball in with both hands over the head after it crosses the sideline.

Yellow card

A caution shown by the referee for misconduct. A second yellow card in the same game leads to a red card.

Restarts at a glance

Many of the terms above are different ways to restart play. A simple way to remember them is to ask how the ball went out. If it crossed a sideline, it is a throw-in. If it crossed the end line, it is a goal kick or a corner kick, depending on which team touched it last. If there was a foul, it is a free kick or a penalty kick. Each restart has its own rules, and referees will explain them to young players who are still learning.

Phrases you will hear from the sideline

• "Man on!" A teammate is warning that an opponent is close behind.
• "Turn!" or "Time!" A teammate is telling the player with the ball about the space or pressure around them. "Time" usually means no opponent is close, while the exact meaning of calls varies by coach.
• "Switch it." Pass the ball to the other side of the field, where there is more space.
• "Shape." Stay organized in the formation instead of crowding the ball.

Different coaches use different calls, so the exact words vary. If you are not sure what a phrase means, ask the coach after practice. Coaches are generally happy to explain.

A note for sideline parents

Learning the language is the first step toward enjoying the game. The next is giving players space to make decisions. Many coaches ask parents to cheer for the whole team and leave instructions to the coach, since too many voices can confuse young players. Next, read soccer positions explained to see who does what, and visit the soccer hub for more.