Soccer Lingo

Talking on the field helps players work as a team. This is some of the language that soccer players should understand and use.Parents can learn these terms to help them understand what is happening on the field or what the coach is talking about!

Man on
Indicates to the player with the ball that an opposing player is closing in.

Time
Player with the ball has time to effectively distribute the ball

Switch
Change play from one side of field to the other, either by one long ball or several short balls across the field of play

Cross
To kick or "center" the ball from near the sidelines of the field into the center (usually ball is kicked in the air).

Near post
Indicates to player with the ball to cross the ball to the closest goal post

Far post
Indicates to player with the ball to cross the ball to the furthermost goal post

Top of the box
Indicates that a player is waiting or is ready to meet the ball on the edge of the penalty area directly in front of goal for a shot at Goal

Square ball
Indicates to the player with the ball that you wish to receive the ball square across the field

In the Channel
Indicates to the player with the ball to pass the ball directly upfield

Down the Line
Indicates to the player with the ball to pass the ball down the side line

In the Pocket
Indicates to the player with the ball that you wish to receive the ball in a space

Feet
Indicates to the player with the ball that you wish to receive the ball at your feet

Hold
Indicates to the player with the ball that play needs to be slowed so team mates can move into position

One, two or Wall Pass
Where two players create a triangle of play to pass an opposing player

Take the space
Move into the space and press forward into attack

Out
Indicates to the defense to quickly push up to the half way line

Step up
Create an offside trap by the defense stepping up together in a line

Turn
Indicates to the player with the ball to turn where there is more space or a free player

Support
Indicates to the players near the team mate with the ball that they should offer

Offer
Be in a place that supports the player with the ball and where you can receive the ball

Movement
Team mates without the ball can create space for the player with the ball by moving away from his intended run path

One in, one out
Movement to receive the ball from a throw in

Wall
The goal-keeper needs to quickly organize team mates in a wall to counter a free kick from the opposition

Shut him down, close him down
Move to the opposing player so he can not take space

Show him the line
Show the opposing player the line by placing your body between him and the goal, if he wishes to go around you he will need to move towards the sideline

Mark Up
Be close enough to your opposing player to be able to intercept or gain possession of the ball should the ball be passed to him

Man marking
Mark the player not the area, follow him over most of the field of play

Zone marking
Mark players that enter your area/zone and pass players on to other teammates as they go from your defensive area/zone. Organize your area/zone, call team mates for help if more than one attacking player enters your area/zone.

50/50 ball
When the ball is in a position that either team has a chance of getting to first and gaining possession.

Chip
To lift or kick the ball in the air.

Clear
When the defensive team kicks the ball far away from the goal.

Defenders
Also called fullbacks, players who try to prevent the other team from scoring, usually includes two outside fullbacks, a stopper (center fullback), and a sweeper (see definition below).

Direct kick
A kick taken after a penalty that can be struck at the goal and count as a score without touching any player.

Dribble
A technique used by players to advance the ball with his/her feet, also used to keep possession of the ball against defensive pressure.

Drop Ball
When the referee is uncertain about a foul or out-of-bounds call a drop ball is implemented to restart play. The ball is dropped between two opposing players. The ball must hit the ground before either player kicks it.

Forwards
players who primary purpose is to score goals. Includes left and right wing and center stricker(s).

Give and Go
player with ball passes to teammate runs into open space (often for a return pass)

Goal-Side
a position in which a defender is between the ball and his or her goal.

Hat Trick
three goals scored in one game by one player.

Indirect kick>br>A kick taken after a penalty that can be struck at the goal and but will not count as a score without touching any player.

Juggling
a technique that describes keeping the ball off the ground. A player can juggle by using the feet, thighs, chest, head and top of the shoulders.

Marking
when a player defends or covers an opponent.

Midfielders
also called halfbacks, these players support the forwards, shoot on goal, and also play defense.

Nutmeg
when a player pushes the ball between the legs of a defender.

Advantage
When the referee allows a foul to occur without penalty or stoppage of play. Referee allows the offensive team to continue play if they have an advantage over the defense.

Off-side
A player must not be ahead of the ball when the ball is played by a teammate in his or her direction unless two or more opponents are ahead of him or her. (Two opponents or the ball must be between the offensive player and the goal). Offside is judged at the moment the ball is kicked. A player cannot be offside when in his or her own half of the field, or if the player receives the ball from a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick.

Passing Lane
a position in which a player is able to receive a pass without the ball being intercepted by an opponent.

Square Pass
a pass made straight across the playing field (one that doesn’t go forward or backward).

Stopper
the center defender, the player(s) who defend or mark the opposing teams center forward.

Striker
another name for forwards, usually the center forward.

Support
a position of help, players are in support when they are open for a pass.

Sweeper
usually the last defender, player behind the other defenders.

Tackle
to win possession of the ball; to dispossess an opponent of the ball.

Throw-in
players use this technique to restart play when a ball goes out of bounds over a sideline. See rules above.

Trap
to settle or control the ball.

Wingers
attacking players or forwards who play near the sidelines or flanks (left-wing or right-wing).