Soccer Vocabulary for Players and Parents

New to soccer or trying to understand what coaches, referees, and other parents are talking about? This soccer vocabulary guide explains common soccer terms in simple, parent-friendly language.

Use this page to learn the basics of the game, understand competitive soccer terminology, and feel more confident when watching practices, games, tournaments, and tryouts.

Quick Soccer Vocabulary Search

Use your browser’s search feature to quickly find a term:

Mac: Command + F
Windows: Control + F

Basic Soccer Terms

Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the attacking team kicks the ball over the end line without scoring. The defending team restarts play from inside the goal area.

Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses their own end line. The attacking team restarts play from the corner of the field.

Throw-In

A throw-in happens when the ball crosses the sideline. The team that did not touch the ball last gets to throw it back into play.

Free Kick

A free kick is awarded after certain fouls or rule violations. The ball is placed where the foul occurred and play restarts with a kick.

Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits certain fouls inside their own penalty area. The attacking player takes a shot from the penalty spot against the goalkeeper.

Offside

Offside is called when an attacking player is closer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is played to them, and they become involved in the play.

Parent-friendly explanation: A player cannot simply stand near the goal waiting for a pass behind the defense.

Yellow Card

A yellow card is a warning given by the referee for unsporting behavior, repeated fouls, or other rule violations.

Red Card

A red card means a player is removed from the game. The team usually must continue with one fewer player.

Player Positions

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper protects the goal and is the only player allowed to use their hands inside the penalty area.

Defender

Defenders help stop the opposing team from scoring and often play closest to their own goal.

Center Back

A center back is a central defender who protects the middle of the field near the goal.

Outside Back

An outside back plays on the left or right side of the defense and may help support attacks down the sideline.

Midfielder

Midfielders play between the defenders and forwards. They help connect the team, win the ball, pass, defend, and attack.

Forward

Forwards play closer to the opponent’s goal and are often responsible for creating scoring chances.

Striker

A striker is a forward whose main role is to score goals.

Winger

A winger plays wide on the left or right side and often uses speed to attack down the sideline.

Common Coaching Terms

First Touch

A player’s first touch is how they control the ball when it first arrives. A good first touch helps a player keep possession and make the next play faster.

Possession

Possession means keeping control of the ball as a team through passing, movement, and decision-making.

Pressure

Pressure means defending closely against the player with the ball to make it harder for them to pass, dribble, or shoot.

Pressing

Pressing is a team strategy where players work together to quickly pressure the opponent and try to win the ball back.

Build-Out

Build-out refers to starting an attack from the goalkeeper or defenders instead of simply kicking the ball long.

Counterattack

A counterattack happens when a team quickly attacks after winning the ball from the opponent.

Transition

Transition is the moment when a team changes from attacking to defending, or from defending to attacking.

Overlap

An overlap happens when a player runs around a teammate to create a passing option, often along the sideline.

Through Ball

A through ball is a pass played into open space behind the defense for a teammate to run onto.

Switch the Field

Switching the field means moving the ball from one side of the field to the other to find more space.

Competitive Soccer Terms

Tryout

A tryout is an evaluation where players demonstrate their skills, effort, attitude, and potential in order to be considered for a team.

Club Soccer

Club soccer usually refers to organized youth soccer programs that provide training, teams, leagues, tournaments, and competitive opportunities.

Recreational Soccer

Recreational soccer is typically more focused on participation, fun, learning, and local play.

Competitive Soccer

Competitive soccer usually involves tryouts, team placement, higher-level coaching, more training, and stronger competition.

Flight

A flight is a division or level of competition within a league or tournament. Higher flights usually include stronger teams.

Showcase

A showcase is an event where players compete in front of coaches, scouts, or college recruiters.

Guest Player

A guest player is a player who temporarily joins another team for a tournament or event.

Roster

A roster is the official list of players on a team.

Roster Freeze

A roster freeze is a deadline after which teams may not be allowed to add or change players for a specific competition.

League and Pathway Terms

ECNL

ECNL stands for Elite Clubs National League. It is a high-level youth soccer league with strong competition and college exposure opportunities.

MLS NEXT

MLS NEXT is a national youth soccer platform connected to Major League Soccer and focused on elite player development.

Academy

An academy is usually a structured player development program designed to provide advanced coaching and competitive opportunities.

Development Program

A development program helps younger or newer players build skills before moving into higher levels of competition.

Game and Field Terms

Penalty Area

The penalty area is the large box near the goal. Goalkeepers may use their hands inside this area, and certain fouls by defenders can result in penalty kicks.

Goal Area

The goal area is the smaller box closest to the goal. Goal kicks are usually taken from this area.

Touchline

The touchline is the sideline of the soccer field.

End Line

The end line is the line at each end of the field where the goals are located.

Midfield Line

The midfield line divides the field into two halves.

Center Circle

The center circle is the circle in the middle of the field where kickoffs take place.

Parent Tips for Learning Soccer Vocabulary

  • Start with the basic rules first.
  • Ask your child’s coach to explain unfamiliar terms.
  • Watch games with your child and talk through what is happening.
  • Do not worry about learning everything at once.
  • Focus on terms that come up often during practices and games.

Explore More Soccer Resources

“`