Team Terms

Tactical Terms

Flat: When several teammates are in a straight line. This is not good, as it means one or more of them are out of position.

Staggered:The opposite of flat. This means that teammates are not in a straight line. Eg the 2 center mids- 1 is forward and left, 1 is back and right

Overlap: When one teammate will make a run past and to the outside of a second teammate. usually, a defender will overlap a midfielder.

Check to: To move towards the ball

L run: To move towards the ball and make a 90 degree cut up the sideline. This is done on throw-ins.

V cut: Check to the ball and cut back away in the opposite direction.

Possession:To Control the ball. This is usually done with short controlled passing.

Swing: To play the ball to the opposite side of the field. This may be done with a long pass or few short passes. Also called Switching fields.

Goal-side: A defender is between the offensive player and the goal. This is the correct position.

Strong side: The side of the field the ball is on

Weak Side: The side of the field the ball is not on.

Offside: When an offensive player is behind the last defender and the ball is played to this player.

Trailer: A player running behind teammates. many times will be open.

Terms

Give and go: A pass back and forth between teammates. Usually one teammate will be making a run into space. Also called a 1-2 or wall pass.

45: A player beats opponent to the corner and turns to the goal, running parallel to the endline. The pass is then played at a 45 degree angle to the top of the six yard box

Center/ Middle: To pass the ball into the center/ middle of the field. Also called cross

Chip: A pass that goes higher into the air. it will not go as long Played over a defender.

Clear: defender kicks the ball away from defensive end. should be played long and to the side

Lead: A pass ahead of a teammate. the teammate should be in motion as the pass is played

Volley: to strike the ball immediately before it hits the ground

Half-volley: to strike the ball immediately after it bounces off the ground

Direct kick: May be scored

Indirect kick: Another Player must touch it before it may be scored. the ref will have 1 hand up until a second player touched the ball

Flick: To head the ball backwards to a teammate

Hospital ball: A pass that is very slow moving. this means that it puts the teammate in danger of getting hurt.

Pace: How hard the ball is kicked.