Soccer Academic Language

Front

A player, typically in the backfield

whose primary role is to stop the

opposing team from scoring.

Back

Defender

Front

To stop or steal a pass made

between two opposing players.

Back

Intercept

Front

The strategic actions players take

when they don’t have the ball to

create space or support teammates.

Back

Off the Ball Movement

Front

To intentionally send the ball to a

teammate using the foot or another

legal body part.

Back

Pass

Front

An open path between teammates

where a pass can be made without

interception.

Back

Passing Lane

Front

The act of a team controlling the ball

during play.

Back

Possession

Front

Defensive intensity applied to a

player or area to limit options or

force a mistake.

Back

Pressure

Front

To return to a ready position or

an important strategic location

after a play.

Back

Recover

Front

A small-sided soccer game where

players form a circle or square and

maintain possession while one or

more defenders try to intercept.

Back

Rondo

Front

The intentional distance players

maintain between one another to

create or use space effectively.

Back

Spacing