- Offside Detection System An electronic system that helps referees make decisions about offside calls. Semi-automated offside technology typically involves using multiple cameras and computer algorithms to quickly analyze player positions in relation to the ball and the opposing team’s defensive line.
- Olimpico A goal scored directly from a corner kick without the ball touching any other player.
- One-on-OneA situation where one attacker faces off against the goalkeeper.
- One-Two Pass A play in which a player passes the ball and receives it back immediately after a return pass, usually after making a darting run into space.
- Outside the Box A term referring to the area outside of the 16.5m (18 yd) penalty box.
- OutswingA cross that moves away from the goal.
- OutswingerA ball that swings away from the goal.
- Overhead KickStriking the ball while it's in the air, backward over one's own head.
- Overlapping RunA wide player, usually a full-back, running beyond a teammate in possession of the ball.
- OverrunWhen a player lets the ball get too far in front of them.
- Over-the-TopA pass or ball played aerially over the opposition's defense.
- Own Goal When a player puts the ball into his or her own team's net, the goal is considered an own goal (OG). For a goal to be attributed as an own goal in the case of a deflection, the last touch on the ball must change its natural flight.
- PaceThe speed of a player.
- Packed DefenseA defensive strategy with many players close together, making penetration difficult.
- PanenkaA penalty shot where the ball is chipped gently into the center of the goal.
- Park the BusA strategy where a team plays very defensively, setting most players behind the ball.
- ParryA goalkeeper's act of slapping the ball away.
- Passing Transferring the ball to a teammate using the feet.
- Pattern of Play The default style of play and sequences of passes that are mapped out, instructed to the players, and practiced on the training field until it is second nature.
- Peg BackTo reduce a deficit by scoring.
- Penalty AreaThe box in front of each goal where goalkeepers can handle the ball and fouls can result in penalty kicks.
- Penalty KickA direct free-kick taken from the penalty spot, awarded to a team after a serious foul or handball occurs in the opponent's penalty area.
- Penalty ShootoutA method to decide a drawn match where teams alternate taking penalty kicks.
- PitchThe playing surface or field where soccer matches are played.
- Pitch InspectionAn official check on the field's playability, often due to weather conditions.
- Plant-foot The foot on the non-kicking leg. The foot that remains on the ground before a player takes a shot or passes the ball.
- Play ActingExaggerating an action or injury to deceive the referee.
- PlaymakerA player who controls the game's flow and creates scoring opportunities.
- Play-onA decision by the referee to allow play to continue after an incident that might have been a foul.
- PossessionHaving control of the ball.
- PressingActively trying to win the ball back from the opposition.
- Professional FoulA tactical foul to prevent a scoring opportunity.
- Progressive Pass A forward ball that is played to a teammate.
- PullbackDrawing the ball back with the sole of the foot.
- PunditAn expert who provides analysis on TV or radio.
- Quick FeetRefers to a player's ability to make fast movements with the ball.
- QuicksilverDescribes a player who is extremely fast and unpredictable.
- Quick Start A tactic where a player takes a free-kick or corner kick quickly to catch the opposing team off guard.
- Recovery RunA run made to get back into a defensive position after being out of position.
- Red CardA card shown by the referee to a player who has committed a serious foul or shown unacceptable behavior, resulting in ejection from the game.
- Referee The referee is the chief official in a soccer game responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game. The referee has the final say on all judgments, including awarding fouls, free kicks, and penalties, and can issue yellow or red cards to players for misconduct. The referee is easily(...)
- Regista The regista's main priority is distributing the ball and linking the defense to the midfield. The regista must constantly move as a playmaker to keep an open lane with the ball. A playmaker who can receive the ball can make the difference between winning and losing. Positioning is key.
- RelegationThe demotion of a team to a lower league.
- RestartResuming the game after a stoppage.
- RetreatTo move back towards one's own goal in response to an attacking threat.
- Rondo In soccer, a "rondo" refers to a training drill where one group of players tries to maintain possession of the ball while being pressured by an opposing group of players. Typically, rondos are set up with a larger outer circle of players attempting to pass the ball among themselves while(...)
- Route One A direct style of play involving long balls up the pitch, often bypassing the midfield.
- Route One FootballDirect and long-ball tactics.
- Scissor KickA type of shot where a player leaps into the air and shoots while having one leg in front of the other.
- ScoutSomeone who observes games to analyze teams or find new players.
To Fuel the Passion of the Beautiful Game.
