- IFAB Stands for the International Football Association Board. It is the body responsible for making and revising the rules of the game of association football (soccer). IFAB was founded in 1886 and is comprised of representatives from the four British football associations: The Football(...)
- Indirect Free KickA set-piece where a goal can be scored only if another player touches the ball before it goes in.
- Injury ReserveA list of injured players who are temporarily unable to play.
- Injury Time Injury Time is the time allowance a referee adds on to the regularly played minutes in a game.
- Inside ForwardAn attacking player who plays closer to the strikers than to the midfield.
- InswingerA ball delivered, usually by a cross, that swings towards the goal.
- InterceptionCapturing the ball during an opponent's pass.
- International Cap An international cap or 'cap' is earned by a player each time they represent their national team in an international match, which signifies their appearances for their country.
- InterplayQuick, short passes between players.
- InterventionA defensive action to prevent an opponent's pass or shot.
- JockeyTo guide an opponent in a certain direction when defending.
- Jockeying Defensive technique where a player maintains a distance from an opponent with the ball, staying between the ball and the goal, waiting for the right moment to tackle or block a pass.
- JourneymanA player who has played for many clubs.
- Juggle The skill of keeping the ball in the air using any part of the body is typically done to show control and skill.
- Jump BallA way to restart play, where the referee throws the ball into the air between two opposing players.
- Keeper Another term for a goalkeeper, the player who defends the goal and tries to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
- Kickoff The method of starting or restarting play at the beginning of a match or after a goal is scored, with one team kicking the ball from the center circle.
- Kill the GameTo deliberately slow down the pace of the game, often to protect a lead.
- KitThe uniform worn by players.
- Knock-onUsing the body to advance the ball, typically the head.
- KnuckleballA shot that moves unpredictably in the air due to a lack of spin.
- Last DefenderThe final outfield player before the goalkeeper.
- LayoffA short pass to a teammate coming from behind.
- Lay-offA short pass, often using the first touch.
- Libero A specialized type of center back: a mix between a center-back and a defensive/holding midfielder. The libero is employed as either a part of the defense or as part of the midfield line. When playing as part of the defense, Liberos are usually used in 5-defender or 3-center-back(...)
- LinesmanAn older term for assistant referee.
- Link-up PlayInteraction between players using passes and movement.
- LobA pass or shot that goes high in the air.
- Lofted PassA pass sent into the air.
- Long BallA strategy of sending the ball long distances, usually from defense or midfield into the attacking third.
- Man-markTo closely mark a specific opponent.
- Man of the MatchThe player judged to be the best in a particular game.
- Man-to-Man Marking A defensive strategy where players are assigned specific opponents to guard.
- MarkingDefending a player to prevent them from receiving the ball or making a play.
- MarksmanA player known for their goal-scoring prowess.
- Match A soccer game or competition between two teams.
- MegsShort for "nutmeg", when the ball is played between an opponent's legs.
- MegsShort for "nutmeg", when the ball is played between an opponent's legs.
- Megs or NutmegPassing the ball through an opponent's legs.
- Midfield DynamoA midfielder known for their energy and drive.
- MidfielderThe midfielder is tasked with being on both sides of the play. They contribute to both attacking and defending. There are many different types of midfielders: from holding midfielders to inverse wingers. We’ll get to the more advanced topics a bit later. The term midfielder is a little vague(...)
- MiscontrolFailing to control the ball properly.
- MosaicA large image or pattern displayed by fans using colored cards.
- National Team A soccer/football team that represents a particular nation in an international tournament. ex. The US Men’s National Team is representing the United States in the world cup.
- Near PostThe goalpost closest to the ball (usually in reference to crosses or shots).
- No-Man's LandAn area where neither team has control, often referring to a space goalkeepers are hesitant to come out to.
- NudgeA slight push.
- NutmegA technique where a player pushes the ball through an opponent's legs.
- Nutritional Periodization The practice of adjusting a player's diet and nutrition intake to match the demands of different training and competition phases.
- Offside A rule that prevents attacking players from being closer to the opponent's goal line than the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them.