Soccer Vocabulary: A Guide to Positions & Techniques

1. Soccer Vocabulary: A Guide to Positions & Techniques

2. Positions Goalkeeper: Keeps the ball out of the goal and organizes team defense. Uses hands and arms within the penalty area. Possesses sure hands to catch, deflect, or punch shots away from the goal. Also called goalie or keeper. Forwards: Attack the opposition to create scoring opportunities. Take the majority of shots. Also called attackers. Midfielders: Enable the transition from the fullbacks to the forward. Constantly in motion, both defending and attacking. Also called halfbacks. Fullbacks: Provide last line of defense before the goalie. Stop the opposition before a shot is taken. Some coaches assign a single defender, called a sweeper, who plays closest to his own goal behind the fullbacks.

6. Important Skills and Traits of a Soccer Player

7. Cross: A pass sent from near the sidelines to the front of the goal to create a scoring opportunity. Also called centering.

8. Clear: When defenders kick the ball away from the goal, usually far downfield or out of bounds

9. Dribble: Keeping control of the ball while running by tapping, dragging, or rolling it in front of the body.

10. Free kick: A kick from the spot of the foul, awarded to the team that was fouled, in which the opposing players must stand at least 10 yards away until the ball is kicked. A free kick is either a direct kick or an indirect kick, depending on the type of foul. Direct kick: A unguarded kick awarded following severe fouls, such as kicking, tripping, jumping at, charging, striking, pushing, holding or spitting at an opponent. When tackling an opponent, the player must first make contact with the ball or a direct kick results. Additionally called for hand ball. A goal can be scored directly from the kick; it does not need to touch an additional player after the kick. Indirect kick: An unguarded kick following minor fouls, such as offsides, dangerous play (e.g. high kick), impeding the progress of an opponent, or preventing the goalie from releasing the ball. The ball must touch at least one player after the kick before a goal can be scored.

11. Goal kick: When the offense sends the ball over the goal line, the defense kicks the ball from within the goal area. Opposing players may not enter the penalty area until the ball has been kicked.

12. Corner kick: When the ball crosses the goal line after last touching a defender, a member of the offense restarts play from the closest corner.

13. Man on: Players yell “man on” to inform a teammate that a defender is nearby.

14. Kickoff: The ball is put into play from the center circle at the start of each half and after a goal.

15. Marking: Guarding an opponent

16. Offsides: Foul frequently enforced during a game to prevent unfair fast-break goals. Called when a player is closer to the opposition’s goal line than both the ball and two defenders (the goalie and one additional defender).

17. Penalty kick: When a foul is called inside the penalty box, the offense is awarded a direct kick from the penalty spot. Only the goalkeeper can stop this shot attempt.

18. Nutmeg: A pass that goes between an opponent’s legs

19. Throw-in: A two-handed, overhead pass, taken from the sideline when the opposing team knocks the ball out of bounds.

20. Tackle: To steal the ball from a player. Stealing the ball by sliding in front of a player is called a slide tackle.

21. Punt: A long distance kick by the goalie, who drops and kicks the ball before it hits the ground.

22. Volley: Kicking the ball while it is in midair.

23. Trapping: Stopping the ball to gain control before advancing

24. Touch: Contact that a player has with the ball while it is in his possession (e.g. “one-touch,” “two-touch,” etc.)

25. Other important terms for… Heel Pass – Eyes in the back of your head - Back Heel Pass http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwsmBdL9jR8&feature=player “Flat” or “Square” “Open” “Send” “Time” “Pick Up” – Say # “Support” “Down Line” Talking to your teammates

26. Other important terms for… Defensive Play Contain - Never charge at the ball unless you are absolutely sure that you will get it. If the enemy has the ball in control at his feet you must contain him. To contain (or jockey) your opponent means to position yourself in front of him and wait until he releases the ball far enough for you to intercept it. Some dribblers will move the ball without providing you with adequate time for a tackle. All you can do in such cases is remain between the ball carrier and your own goal and wait until he errs. Containing (jockeying)When containing an attacker you must lower your center of gravity by bending your knees and leaning forward. Backpedal if the attacker moves sideways. Never face a dribbler straight on, because he will put the ball between your legs or he may run by you. You won't have the time to make a complete 180-degree turn. Instead, approach the ball carrier at a 45-degree angle forcing him towards the sideline. Be prepared to move laterally with your opponent, do not just lunge at him.

27. Other important terms for… Defensive Play Challenge/Tackles Block tackle The block tackle is the most basic way of depleting an opponent of the ball. It is designed to give you possession while keeping you on your feet. Plant your supporting foot firmly so that you don't lose balance. Then, just as your opponent contacts the ball, you must put your free foot perpendicularly to the direction in which he is moving. If executed properly, this will cause your enemy to stumble or cough up the ball. Poke tackle With poke tackling, you basically stab the ball away from your opponent. You must use the foot which is closer to the ball. This method does not guarantee that you will gain possession of the ball. Slide tackle Although spectacular, slide tackling should not be used unless in desperation or when you're away from your own goal. It can also be very effective against opponents dribbling down the sideline or shielding the ball

28. Some Passing Terms 1. One Touch Pass: one touch is used to make the pass.2. Two Touch Pass: trap with one foot and pass with the other.3. Lead Pass: pass that is played in front of teammate so they can run onto the ball.4. Square Pass: pass that is played directly to teammate. (also called flat)5. Drop Pass: pass that is played back to keep possession.6. Give n Go: player plays pass to teammate and then makes a run behind the defense and teammate plays a lead pass directly back to him.7. Through Pass: a pass played to bypass something, example would be either defensive backline or midfield line.8. Overlapping Pass: while a teammate is making an overlapping run player with ball plays a lead pass to the player making the run.