Soccer Vocabulary

Drop Back

• Move closer to your own goal to help on defense or be ready to receive a pass.

• Advance towards the opponent's goal to score a point.

• Stay in the center of the field to maintain possession of the ball.

• Pass the ball to a teammate in a better position to score.

Crash the Middle

• Move quickly toward the center to be in a good position for a pass or shot.

• Stay at the edges to avoid defenders.

• Pass the ball to a teammate on the wing.

• Wait for the ball to come to you before moving.

Get Wide

• Move toward the nearest sideline to create space for passing and attacking.

• Stay in the center of the field to maintain possession.

• Pass the ball to the nearest teammate immediately.

• Defend against the opposing player by blocking their path.

Overlap

• Run around a teammate with the ball to give them an option for a pass.

• Pass the ball to a teammate without moving.

• Stand still and wait for the ball to come to you.

• Dribble the ball towards the opponent's goal without passing.

Stay Goal Side

• Position yourself behind the opponent to avoid being seen.

• On defense, position yourself between the goal and your opponent to block their path.

• Always stay near the sidelines to avoid penalties.

• Focus on attacking rather than defending.

Clear

• Kick the ball up field and towards sideline

• Pass the ball to a teammate

• Shoot the ball at the goal

• Dribble the ball past the defender

Check In

• Move toward the player with the ball to provide a passing option.

• Stand still and wait for the ball to come to you.

• Run away from the player with the ball to create space.

• Call for the ball while remaining in your position.

Cut Inside

• Dribble or run toward the center of the field instead of the sideline.

• Pass the ball to a teammate on the sideline.

• Shoot the ball from the edge of the penalty area.

• Perform a step-over move to confuse the defender.

Find Space

• Move to an open area on the field to be available for a pass.

• Stay close to your teammates to maintain possession.

• Defend your area and prevent the opponent from scoring.

• Run towards the goal regardless of the position.

Time

• Maintain possession and look up and around for teammate to pass to

• Run as fast as possible to the goal

• Pass the ball immediately without looking

• Hold the ball until the referee blows the whistle