110 soccer terms — start with The basics and work through each section in order.
The basics 10
#1 The basics
Soccer
Two teams try to score by getting the ball into the opponent's goal using any part of the body except the hands and arms (goalkeepers are the exception in their penalty area).
#2 The basics
The goal
The scoring target at each end of the field — a frame with a net. The team that puts the ball in the opponent's goal scores.
#3 The basics
Scoring
A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. The team with more goals wins.
#4 The basics
Team size
How many players per side depends on age. U10 is usually 7v7 (including a goalkeeper); U12 often 9v9; full-sided is 11v11.
#5 The basics
Match length
Youth games are split into two halves. At U10, halves are often 25 minutes each with a short halftime break; older age groups play longer.
#6 The basics
Halftime
The break between the two halves. Teams switch sides of the field and coaches can give quick feedback and water breaks.
#7 The basics
Kickoff
How play starts at the beginning of each half and after every goal. The ball is placed on the center spot; opponents stay outside the center circle until it is kicked.
#8 The basics
Substitutions
Replacing a player on the field with a teammate from the bench. Youth leagues allow unlimited subs so every child gets meaningful playing time.
#9 The basics
Win, lose & draw
If your team scores more, you win. Fewer, you lose. Equal scores is a draw (tie). Learning to handle all three outcomes is part of growing as a player.
#10 The basics
Fair play
Respecting opponents, teammates, referees, and the rules — even when it's hard. Shaking hands, playing honestly, and staying safe come first.
Field & gear 17
#11 Field & gear
The pitch
The rectangular field of play. Size varies by age; full adult fields are roughly 100–130 yards long and 50–100 yards wide.
#12 Field & gear
Touchline
The long side boundaries (sidelines). When the ball crosses completely, the other team gets a throw-in.
#13 Field & gear
Goal line
The short boundaries at each end. Ball crossing here leads to a goal, corner kick, or goal kick.
#14 Field & gear
Halfway line
The line across the middle of the field. Players must be in their own half at kickoff.
#15 Field & gear
Center circle
The circle at midfield, 10-yard radius. Opponents must stay outside it on kickoff until the ball is in play.
#16 Field & gear
Penalty area
The large box (18 yards deep) in front of each goal. Goalkeepers may handle the ball here; fouls here can mean penalty kicks.
#17 Field & gear
Six-yard box
The smaller box inside the penalty area, in front of goal. Goal kicks are taken from here.
#18 Field & gear
Corner arc
The quarter-circle at each corner flag. Corner kicks are taken from inside this arc.
#19 Field & gear
Ball sizes
Size 3 for youngest players, size 4 for U9–U12, size 5 for U13 and up. Using the right size helps technique develop safely.
#20 Field & gear
Cleats
Soccer shoes with studs or molded soles for grip on grass or turf. Must be safe — no metal spikes in most youth leagues.
#21 Field & gear
Shin guards
Required protective pads worn under socks to protect the shins from kicks and collisions.
#22 Field & gear
Goalkeeper gloves
Padded gloves that improve grip and protect fingers when catching and punching the ball.
#23 Field & gear
Jersey (kit)
The team shirt, shorts, and socks. Home and away colors help tell teams apart.
#24 Field & gear
Referee
The official in charge on the field — applies the laws, calls fouls, and keeps the game safe and fair.
#25 Field & gear
Assistant referee
Runs the touchline with a flag, signals throw-ins, corners, and offside, and helps the referee.
#26 Field & gear
4-4-2 formation
Four defenders, four midfielders, two strikers — compact and straightforward, great for learning team shape.
#27 Field & gear
4-3-3 formation
Four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards — balanced shape with width and a clear striker.
Rules 15
#28 Rules
Foul
Unfair contact or dangerous play — tripping, pushing, holding, or tackling from behind. The referee stops play and may award a free kick or penalty.
#29 Rules
Handball
Deliberately handling the ball with hand or arm (except the goalkeeper in their penalty area). Accidental contact close to the body is often allowed.
#30 Rules
Ball out of play
The ball is out when it completely crosses a touchline or goal line (on the ground or in the air). Play restarts with a throw-in, corner, or goal kick.
#31 Rules
Throw-in
Restart when the ball wholly crosses the touchline. Two hands, from behind and over the head, feet on or behind the line.
#32 Rules
Corner kick
Awarded when the defending team last touches the ball over their own goal line (without a goal being scored). Taken from the corner arc.
#33 Rules
Goal kick
When the attacking team last touches the ball over the goal line without scoring. Taken from inside the goal area, usually by the goalkeeper.
#34 Rules
Direct free kick
Awarded for most fouls and handballs. The kicker may score directly from the kick without anyone else touching the ball.
#35 Rules
Indirect free kick
Awarded for technical offenses (like dangerous play). The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored — you'll see the referee raise an arm.
#36 Rules
Penalty kick
A 1v1 shot from the penalty spot, 12 yards from goal, awarded when a foul denies a clear scoring chance inside the penalty area.
#37 Rules
Offside
An attacker is offside if, when the ball is played to them, they are nearer the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-last defender. Being in position alone isn't a foul — they must also be involved in play.
#38 Rules
Yellow card
A caution for misconduct — reckless fouls, dissent, or time-wasting. Two yellows in one game mean a red card.
#39 Rules
Red card
Sending-off for serious foul play, violent conduct, or a second yellow. The team plays with one fewer player.
#40 Rules
Advantage
If the fouled team still has a good chance to attack, the referee may play on instead of stopping for a free kick. If the advantage doesn't materialize, the foul can still be called.
#41 Rules
Stoppage time
Extra minutes added at the end of each half for injuries, substitutions, and delays. The fourth official holds up a board showing how many.
#42 Rules
Build-out line
In many U10 leagues, a line between the penalty area and midfield. On goal kicks, opponents retreat behind it until the ball is in play — it also marks where offside begins.
Positions 10
#43 Positions
Goalkeeper
The only player who may use hands in the penalty area. Protects the goal, organizes the defense, and starts attacks with throws and passes.
#44 Positions
Striker
The main goal scorer — leads the line, makes runs behind the defense, and finishes chances in the box.
#45 Positions
Center back
Central defender who marks strikers, wins headers, and blocks shots. Often the last line before the goalkeeper.
#46 Positions
Full back
Wide defender on the left or right. Marks wingers, supports attacks down the flank, and overlaps when the team has the ball.
#47 Positions
Central midfielder
The engine of the team — links defense and attack, passes in all directions, and covers the most ground.
#48 Positions
Defensive midfielder
Sits in front of the back line, breaks up attacks, and recycles possession. Often called the 'number 6.'
#49 Positions
Attacking midfielder
Plays behind the strikers, creates chances with through balls and quick combinations. Often wears number 10.
#50 Positions
Winger
Wide attacker who dribbles, crosses, and stretches the defense. Speed and 1v1 skill are key.
#51 Positions
Wing back
A hybrid full back / winger who covers a lot of ground up and down the touchline — common in 3-at-the-back systems.
#52 Positions
Everyone attacks & defends
At youth level, no one stands still. When you lose the ball, press to win it back; when you win it, look to attack — regardless of 'position.'
How to kick 10
#53 How to kick
Ball position
The ball should be slightly ahead of your plant foot when you strike — not directly under your body. Helps you hit through the ball, not stop on it.
#54 How to kick
Plant foot placement
Place your non-kicking foot beside the ball — not too close, not too far — pointing toward your target. This is the foundation of every pass and shot.
#55 How to kick
Lock your ankle
A firm, locked ankle at the moment of contact keeps the foot stable. A loose ankle sends the ball in unpredictable directions.
#56 How to kick
Inside of the foot
Turn your kicking foot outward and strike through the middle of the ball with the inside. This is the first passing technique every player learns — keep the pass on the ground.
#57 How to kick
Pass on the ground
For short passes to a teammate's feet, strike through the ball's equator so it stays on the grass. Easier for your teammate to control.
#58 How to kick
Kick with your laces
Toes down, ankle locked, strike the center of the ball with the top of your foot. Used for longer passes and powerful shots.
#59 How to kick
Follow through
Let your kicking leg swing toward the target after contact — don't stop at the ball. Follow through adds accuracy and power.
#60 How to kick
Head over the ball
When shooting, lean slightly forward so your head stays over the ball. Leaning back is the main reason balls fly over the crossbar.
#61 How to kick
Lift the ball (chip)
Slide your foot under the ball with a smooth, scooping motion when you need to clear a defender's feet or play a short lob.
#62 How to kick
Practice your weak foot
Most youth players only use their dominant foot. Deliberate weak-foot reps in practice make you twice as dangerous in games.
Kicking & ball control 15
#63 Kicking & ball control
First touch
The very first contact when receiving the ball — it sets up your next move. A good first touch keeps the ball close and away from pressure.
#64 Kicking & ball control
Receiving / trapping
Cushioning the ball with your foot, thigh, or chest so it stays under control instead of bouncing away.
#65 Kicking & ball control
Inside-foot pass
The most common pass: strike the ball with the inside of the foot. Accurate for short and medium distances and the first pass every player learns.
#66 Kicking & ball control
Dribbling
Running with the ball at your feet while keeping it close enough that defenders can't easily win it.
#67 Kicking & ball control
Outside-foot pass
Passing with the outside of the foot. Useful for bending the ball around a defender or switching play quickly.
#68 Kicking & ball control
Instep pass
A driven pass or shot using the laces (top of the foot). Used for longer, harder passes when accuracy and power matter.
#69 Kicking & ball control
Chest control
Letting the ball drop from the chest to the feet by cushioning with the upper body. Common on high passes.
#70 Kicking & ball control
Thigh control
Cushioning an aerial ball on the thigh so it drops to the feet. A useful skill when the ball arrives at waist height.
#71 Kicking & ball control
Header
Directing the ball with the forehead. Used to score, clear danger, or pass. Eyes stay open; contact is made with the front of the head, not the top.
#72 Kicking & ball control
Shooting
Striking the ball toward goal. Players use the inside of the foot for placement or the laces for power depending on the situation.
#73 Kicking & ball control
Chip pass
A soft, lofted pass that lifts over defenders' feet. Great for playing into space behind a high defensive line.
#74 Kicking & ball control
Through ball
A pass played into space ahead of a running teammate, between or behind defenders. Timing between passer and runner is everything.
#75 Kicking & ball control
Volley
Striking the ball out of the air before it bounces — often on a cross or a cleared ball at the edge of the box.
#76 Kicking & ball control
Half-volley
Hitting the ball just after it bounces, on the rise. Common when a pass arrives slightly long or awkward.
#77 Kicking & ball control
Toe poke
A quick stab with the toe to reach a ball just out of normal kicking range. Less accurate but fast — use sparingly in youth soccer.
Skills & movement 18
#78 Skills & movement
Feint (body fake)
Dropping a shoulder or shifting weight to trick the defender, then exploding the opposite way with the ball.
#79 Skills & movement
Step-over
A dribbling feint: swinging the foot over the ball without touching it to fake one direction and go the other.
#80 Skills & movement
Scissors move
Two step-overs in quick succession — one foot then the other — to unbalance a defender.
#81 Skills & movement
Chop / cut
A sharp touch with the inside or outside of the foot to change direction suddenly and leave a defender flat-footed.
#82 Skills & movement
Shielding
Using your body between the ball and a defender to protect possession until a pass or turn is available.
#83 Skills & movement
Check to the ball
A short run toward the passer to receive under pressure or create space behind you for a teammate.
#84 Skills & movement
Run in behind
Sprinting past the last line of defenders into space, ready for a through ball — the classic striker's movement.
#85 Skills & movement
Overlap run
A run from deep (often a full back) around the outside of a teammate on the ball to create a 2v1 on the flank.
#86 Skills & movement
Jockey / contain
Staying on your feet, side-on, and slowing an attacker down instead of diving in — forcing them into a bad pass or tackle.
#87 Skills & movement
Standing tackle
Winning the ball with a controlled challenge while staying on your feet — timing and angle matter more than force.
#88 Skills & movement
Block
Getting the body between the ball and goal (or an opponent's shot) to stop or deflect the ball.
#89 Skills & movement
Man-to-man marking
Each defender is responsible for a specific opponent wherever they go.
#90 Skills & movement
Zonal marking
Defenders guard areas of the field rather than specific players — common on corners and free kicks.
#91 Skills & movement
Nutmeg
Playing the ball through an opponent's legs and running around them to collect it — flashy but effective when timed well.
#92 Skills & movement
Slide tackle
Going to ground to reach the ball. Legal only when contact is with the ball first; risky if mistimed.
#93 Skills & movement
Pressing
Immediately closing down the player with the ball to force a mistake or a rushed pass.
#94 Skills & movement
Counter-press
Winning the ball back within seconds of losing it, before the opponent can organize an attack.
#95 Skills & movement
Transition
The moment the ball changes hands — from attack to defense or vice versa. Quick reactions here win games.
Game concepts 15
#96 Game concepts
Possession
Keeping the ball on purpose with short passes and good movement — not just for its own sake, but to tire opponents and create openings.
#97 Game concepts
Width
Spreading out left and right to stretch the defense and open gaps in the middle.
#98 Game concepts
Depth
Players at different heights on the field — some high, some deep — so passes have forward, backward, and sideways options.
#99 Game concepts
Give-and-go
Pass to a teammate and immediately sprint into space for the return pass — also called a one-two.
#100 Game concepts
Cross
A pass from wide areas into the penalty box, usually in the air, for teammates to head or shoot.
#101 Game concepts
Switching play
Moving the ball quickly from one flank to the other to shift the defense and find space.
#102 Game concepts
Counter-attack
Breaking forward quickly right after winning the ball, while the other team is still out of shape.
#103 Game concepts
Transition to attack
The first few seconds after winning the ball — look forward quickly, support runs, and punish a disorganized defense.
#104 Game concepts
Build-up play
Passing out from the back through defenders and midfielders instead of kicking long — requires calm feet and good angles.
#105 Game concepts
Overload
Creating a numbers advantage in one area (e.g. 3v2 on a wing) to break through the defense.
#106 Game concepts
Third-man run
Player A passes to B; while B holds the ball, C (who was uninvolved) makes a run into space for the next pass.
#107 Game concepts
Set piece
Any restart from a dead ball — corners, free kicks, throw-ins, penalties. Rehearsed routines can create big chances.
#108 Game concepts
Free-kick wall
A line of defenders standing 10 yards from the ball to block a direct shot on a free kick near goal.
#109 Game concepts
High press
Defending aggressively high up the field to win the ball in the opponent's half.
#110 Game concepts
Low block
Defending deep and compact near your own goal, inviting pressure but staying hard to break down.