Glossary of American and Association football terms

The referee allows play to continue after a foul if stopping it would benefit the fouling team.

A pass or action that directly leads to a goal being scored by a teammate.

A player whose job is to play in the front part of the field and score goals.

A pass made with the heel of the foot.

The player in possession of the ball.

Where substitute players and coaching staff sit during a match.

An acrobatic shot where a player kicks the ball backwards over their own head.

Another term for being shown a yellow card.

An appearance for a national team. Players are said to be 'capped' each time they play.

The player chosen to lead the team on the field, often wearing an armband.

A defender who plays in the middle of the defensive line.

A shot or pass that sends the ball high into the air over an opponent, often the goalkeeper.

When a team prevents the opposition from scoring any goals during a match.

A set-piece taken from the corner of the field, awarded when the ball goes out of play over the goal line having last been touched by a defender.

An attack launched by a defending team immediately after regaining possession of the ball.

A pass played from the side of the field into the penalty area.

The horizontal bar at the top of the goalposts.

A player whose job is to stop the opposition scoring.

A free kick from which a player can score directly without the ball touching another player.

When a player deliberately falls to the ground to deceive the referee into thinking a foul has been committed.

Running with the ball at the feet while controlling it.

Additional playing time added to a match that ends in a draw, usually in knockout competitions.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body of soccer.

The arrangement of players on the field, indicating their positions.

An attacking player, also known as a striker.

An unfair act by a player that breaks the rules, resulting in a free kick or penalty.

A kick awarded to a team following a foul by the opposition.

A wide defender who plays on the left or right side of the defence.

When the ball completely crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.

A kick taken from the goal area to restart play after the ball goes out over the goal line, last touched by an attacker.

The boundary line at each end of the pitch, on which the goals are located.

The player positioned in goal whose primary job is to prevent the ball from entering the net.

Striking the ball immediately after it bounces off the ground.

When a player deliberately handles the ball with their hand or arm.

When a player scores three goals in a single game.

Hitting the ball with your head to pass, clear, or shoot.

A free kick from which a goal cannot be scored directly without the ball touching another player.

Additional time added to the end of a half to make up for stoppages, like injuries or substitutions.

A ball that curves in toward the goal.

The method of starting a game or restarting after a goal has been scored.

An assistant referee who helps the referee with offside calls and out-of-bounds decisions along the touchlines.

An award given to the best player in a game.

Closely guarding an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or making a play.

A player who operates in the middle of the field, linking defence and attack.

When a player kicks the ball through an opponent's legs.

A rule that prevents attacking players from gaining an unfair advantage by being closer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-last defender.

A ball that curves away from the goal.

When a player runs beyond a teammate who has the ball to provide a passing option.

When a player accidentally scores a goal in their own team's net.

To kick or head the ball to a teammate.

A direct free kick taken from the penalty spot, 12 yards from goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The large rectangular box in front of each goal where the goalkeeper can use their hands and certain fouls result in a penalty kick.

A method to decide the winner of a tied match after extra time, where players take turns shooting penalties against the goalkeeper.

The playing surface for a game of soccer.

One of the two vertical bars that form the sides of the goal.

A card shown to a player who is being sent off for serious foul play or violent conduct.

The official who enforces the rules during a match.

When the goalkeeper prevents the ball from entering the goal.

A planned play from a dead ball situation, such as a free kick or corner.

The player positioned closest to the opponent's goal, whose main responsibility is to score goals.

A player who comes into the game to replace another player.

An attempt to take the ball from an opponent.

The method of restarting play when the ball has gone out of bounds over the touchline.

A pass played into space behind the defence for an attacking player to run onto.

The side boundary lines of the soccer pitch.

Striking the ball while it is in the air.

A line of defenders positioned to block a free kick.

Pre-match exercises to prepare players physically for the game.

A card shown to a player as a caution for unsporting behaviour or foul play.

A defensive strategy where players are responsible for an area of the pitch rather than marking specific opponents.

A play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage to change the original play.

The players, typically running backs and the quarterback, who line up behind the line of scrimmage on offence.

A defensive strategy where extra players rush the quarterback.

Using the body to legally obstruct an opponent.

The act of legally preventing a defensive player from reaching the ball carrier or quarterback.

The offensive lineman who snaps the ball to the quarterback.

A forward pass that is caught by an eligible receiver.

A defensive player who covers wide receivers.

A general term for players in the secondary defense, including cornerbacks and safeties.

A defensive lineman who plays on the edge of the defensive line, often rushing the passer.

A defensive lineman who plays in the interior of the defensive line, trying to stop the run or push the pocket.

A period of action that begins with a snap and ends when the ball is dead.

When a player deliberately falls to the ground to deceive the referee into thinking a foul has been committed.

A series of offensive plays that moves the ball down the field.

The area at each end of the field where touchdowns are scored.

A one-point kick after a touchdown.

When a punt returner signals they will catch the ball without advancing it.

A three-point score made by kicking the ball through the goalposts.

Where the ball is located on the field, important for strategic play.

The first of four attempts a team has to advance the ball 10 yards.

When a player loses possession of the ball while still in play.

The line players must cross to score a touchdown.

A long forward pass made in desperation at the end of a half.

Transferring the ball from one player to another.

The lines on the field that mark each yard.

An illegal act where a player impedes an opponent's movement by grabbing or pulling.

When players gather before a play to discuss strategy.

The area near the line of scrimmage, usually where linebackers and defensive linemen play.

A forward pass that touches the ground before being caught.

When a defensive player catches a forward pass.

A free kick that starts each half and follows a touchdown or field goal.

The imaginary line where the ball is placed before each play.

A defensive player who plays behind the defensive line, capable of rushing, covering, or tackling.

Players who line up on the offensive or defensive line.

A defensive strategy where each defensive player covers a specific offensive player.

Most Valuable Player, an award given to the best player in a game or season.

The area between the two teams at the line of scrimmage.

The players who block for the quarterback and ball carriers.

When a player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.

When defensive players attempt to tackle the quarterback.

A punishment for violating the rules.

A severe foul that results in a significant penalty, often for dangerous play.

An offensive play designed to look like a run but is a pass, to deceive the defence.

The protected area around the quarterback formed by blockers.

A quarterback who prefers to throw from within the protected pocket formed by the offensive line.

Kicking the ball to the opposing team, usually on fourth down.

The orange markers at the corners of the end zone, used to determine if a ball or player is in bounds for a score.

The offensive player who receives the snap and directs the play.

Any offensive player eligible to catch a forward pass.

The area between the 20-yard line and the goal line.

An offensive player whose primary role is to run with the ball.

Advancing the ball by running with it.

Tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.

A two-point score when the defence tackles an offensive player in their own end zone.

A short pass to a receiver behind the line of scrimmage, with blockers moving out in front.

An offensive formation where the quarterback lines up several yards behind the centre.

An official who works on the sideline, assisting the referee with calls.

A wide receiver who lines up in the slot, between the outermost receiver and the offensive line.

The action where the centre passes the ball to the quarterback.

The units that handle kicking plays.

The tight, rotating spin on a well-thrown football.

A defensive back who plays closer to the line of scrimmage, often involved in run support.

To stop the ball carrier by forcing it to the ground.

An offensive player who lines up behind the quarterback and runs with the ball.

When the ball is downed in the end zone after a kickoff or punt.

A six-point score achieved by crossing the opponent's goal line with the ball.

When the offence loses possession of the ball to the defence.

An attempt to score two points after a touchdown by running or passing the ball into the end zone.

A defensive back who plays further back in coverage, often covering deep passes.

An offensive player who specializes in catching passes.

The markings on the field that indicate distance from the goal line.

A defensive strategy where players cover areas rather than specific opponents.