Soccer Glossary

A comprehensive reference of 30 youth soccer terms, positions, rules, and concepts — from basic to advanced.

A

Assist
The final pass that leads directly to a goal being scored.

C

Corner Kick
A restart awarded to the attacking team when the ball goes over the goal line, last touched by a defending player.
Cleats
Specialized soccer shoes with studs on the bottom for traction on grass or turf fields.
Clean Sheet
When a goalkeeper and defense prevent the opposing team from scoring any goals during a game.
Cross
A pass from the wing area toward the center of the field, usually aimed at attackers near the goal.

D

Defender
A player whose primary role is to stop the opposing team from scoring. Can be center backs or fullbacks.
Dribbling
The skill of moving the ball forward with your feet while maintaining close control.

F

Free Kick
A restart awarded after a foul. Can be direct (can score directly) or indirect (must touch another player before scoring).
Formation
The tactical arrangement of players on the field, typically described by numbers (e.g., 4-4-2, 4-3-3).

G

Goalkeeper
The only player allowed to use their hands within the penalty area. Primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Goal Line
The boundary line at each end of the field where the goals are located.

H

Header
Using the head to pass, clear, or shoot the ball.
Hat Trick
When a player scores three goals in a single game.

K

Kickoff
The method of starting or restarting play at the beginning of each half or after a goal is scored.

M

Midfielder
A player who operates in the middle of the field, linking defense and attack. Can be defensive, central, or attacking.

N

Nutmeg
A skill move where a player kicks the ball through an opponent's legs and retrieves it on the other side.

O

Offside
A rule violation that occurs when an attacking player is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them.

P

Penalty Kick
A direct free kick taken from the penalty spot, 12 yards from the goal, awarded when a foul is committed in the penalty area.
Passing
The act of kicking the ball to a teammate. Can be short, long, through balls, or crosses.
Penalty Area
The rectangular area in front of each goal where the goalkeeper can use their hands. Also called the 18-yard box.

R

Red Card
An ejection from the game shown by the referee for serious misconduct or receiving two yellow cards.

S

Striker
An attacking player whose main role is to score goals. Also called a forward or center forward.
Shin Guards
Protective equipment worn under socks to protect the shins from kicks and collisions.

T

Throw-in
A method of restarting play when the ball goes out of bounds over the sideline. The ball must be thrown with both hands from behind the head.
Tackle
An attempt to take the ball away from an opponent using the feet. Must be executed cleanly to avoid a foul.
Trap
Controlling and stopping the ball using various parts of the body (feet, chest, thigh).
Touch Line
The boundary line running along the length of the field on each side. Also called the sideline.

V

Volley
Striking the ball while it is in the air, before it bounces.

W

Winger
An attacking player who operates on the sides of the field, using speed and dribbling to create scoring opportunities.

Y

Yellow Card
A caution shown by the referee for misconduct. Two yellow cards in one game result in a red card and ejection.