There are many different terms and expressions used in the game of soccer, some of which may seem a little confusing at first. However, you will soon become familiar with all the various terms used before, during and after a soccer match. Learning some of the most common terms will give you a head start when you begin playing soccer.
Positions
Your position in soccer determines where on the field you will play and what your primary role is. There are four basic positions. Goalkeepers, or goalies, protect the goal and can handle the ball. Defenders help protect their goal against opposition attacks. Midfielders play in the center of the field and help to both defend and attack. Strikers, or forwards, are the main attacking players; it is their job to score the goals.
Formations
A soccer formation refers to the way in which players are positioned on the field. The coach or manager of the team will decide which formation the team will use as part of his tactics before the game begins. The most common soccer formation is the 4-4-2 formation. This means four defenders, four midfielders and two strikers.
Substitute
A substitute is a reserve player. Substitutes can be used as a replacement for a tired or injured player, or as a tactical option during the game.
Match Officials
The match officials make sure that a game is played fairly and within the laws of soccer. The main official is the referee. The referee remains on the field with the players and takes charge of the game. The referee's assistants, also known as linesmen, run along both sides of the field and raise their flags if they see a foul.
Set-pieces
A set-piece is a play that generally occurs after the referee has blown his whistle for a foul or when the ball has gone out of play. A foul can result in a set-piece such as a free-kick or penalty kick. If the ball goes out of play (off the field), the game will be restarted with a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in.
Off-side
The off-side rule is one of the most complicated rules in soccer. Basically, an attacking player cannot receive the ball if he is standing between his opponent's goal and the last opposing defender.
Handball
Handling the ball is always illegal in soccer; only a goalkeeper can catch or handle the ball. A deliberate handball will result in a free kick or penalty kick for the opposition.
Cards
When a foul is committed, a player may receive a red or yellow card from the referee. A yellow card is given for relatively minor fouls or infractions, or for repeated foul play. Two yellow cards result in a red card, and the player must leave the game. A red card is given to a player instantly for particularly bad fouls or poor behavior.
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