Soccer Vocabulary
Standard Terms Used to Communicate Between Players:
Used by Attackers:
Used by Attackers: (a bit of advice: Give your teammates feedback, especially if you do not pass to them - "I heard you", "Good idea", "Next time" can help avoid later misunderstandings.)
<fake name> - alerts teammate that they are offside (on attack). A fake name is used as a code word that would not tip off opponents or referees.
<player's name> ball - going for a loose ball; for example, "Mark's ball". Yelling "Mine" in older age groups may be considered ungentlemanly conduct as an attempt to deceive an opponent verbally. Just calling out your name e.g. "Mark" -- spoken by Mark means Mark is going for the ball. See also leave, leave.
"18" or "12" - Requester is waiting at, or would like the ball served to the top of the penalty area or the penalty spot.
back - back towards your own goal. Used when the ball carrier is under pressure, to give a safety outlet pass. Same as drop.
Used by Attackers:
Used by Attackers: (a bit of advice: Give your teammates feedback, especially if you do not pass to them - "I heard you", "Good idea", "Next time" can help avoid later misunderstandings.)
<fake name> - alerts teammate that they are offside (on attack). A fake name is used as a code word that would not tip off opponents or referees.
<player's name> ball - going for a loose ball; for example, "Mark's ball". Yelling "Mine" in older age groups may be considered ungentlemanly conduct as an attempt to deceive an opponent verbally. Just calling out your name e.g. "Mark" -- spoken by Mark means Mark is going for the ball. See also leave, leave.
"18" or "12" - Requester is waiting at, or would like the ball served to the top of the penalty area or the penalty spot.
back - back towards your own goal. Used when the ball carrier is under pressure, to give a safety outlet pass. Same as drop.
carry - instructs the player with the ball to keep the ball and dribble up the field, rather than kick the ball away in a panic. The idea is to draw a defender and thus create space for a teammate.
center - tells the player with the ball where you are
check - player with the ball wants a teammate to run towards him to receive a pass. Many times all the players on an U10 team will be running away from the ball towards the opponent’s goal; this often hides the player from the player with the ball, so calling "check" is a good way to signal for help.
corner - serve the ball to the corner to run on to.
cross - instructs the player with the ball to pass the ball into the center area in front of the opponent’s goal
down line - instructs the player with the ball to send the ball down the touchline
drop, or ‘you got me drop’ - instructs the player with the ball to pass to a teammate back towards their own goal (with sufficient pace on the ball); another way of saying "I'm open for a backwards pass". Same as back.
far and wide - spread out using the width and length of the field
give - short for "give and go", indicating that the player with the ball wants to pass to a nearby teammate and then will sprint forward to receive a return pass; see also one-two and touch me.
go, or go, go - player with ball wants teammate to run to space to receive a forward pass
help - player with the ball is in trouble and needs support
"in the mixer!" - serve it into the goal area
leave, leave - "leave the ball to me, I've got a better play"; this is better than yelling "Mine"; see also <player’s name> ball
left - tells the player with the ball where you are
line - instructs the player with the ball to play the ball up/down the touchline; example of use is when an attacking back or midfielder is hemmed in by a defender near the touch line.
center - tells the player with the ball where you are
check - player with the ball wants a teammate to run towards him to receive a pass. Many times all the players on an U10 team will be running away from the ball towards the opponent’s goal; this often hides the player from the player with the ball, so calling "check" is a good way to signal for help.
corner - serve the ball to the corner to run on to.
cross - instructs the player with the ball to pass the ball into the center area in front of the opponent’s goal
down line - instructs the player with the ball to send the ball down the touchline
drop, or ‘you got me drop’ - instructs the player with the ball to pass to a teammate back towards their own goal (with sufficient pace on the ball); another way of saying "I'm open for a backwards pass". Same as back.
far and wide - spread out using the width and length of the field
give - short for "give and go", indicating that the player with the ball wants to pass to a nearby teammate and then will sprint forward to receive a return pass; see also one-two and touch me.
go, or go, go - player with ball wants teammate to run to space to receive a forward pass
help - player with the ball is in trouble and needs support
"in the mixer!" - serve it into the goal area
leave, leave - "leave the ball to me, I've got a better play"; this is better than yelling "Mine"; see also <player’s name> ball
left - tells the player with the ball where you are
line - instructs the player with the ball to play the ball up/down the touchline; example of use is when an attacking back or midfielder is hemmed in by a defender near the touch line.
man on - warns player with the ball that an opponent is coming up fast from the blind side. Player should consider immediate options of shield, drop, or square, and should not turn (into pressure).
mine - indicates player is going for a loose ball; but a better choice is leave, leave or <player’s name> ball
move - don't get caught flat-footed; keep moving
one-two - asks for a quick one-touch return pass (give-and-go). This communication is usually nonverbal due to the speed of execution, but younger players in a slower paced game may find it useful. See also give and touch me.
overlap - may be called by the overlapping player or the one who wants to be overlapped, to initiate an overlap
push up - asks individual or group to quickly move up the field away from their goal. Purpose is to leave one or more opponents in an off-side position and/or to support the attack.
"put it in the mixer!" - serve it into the goal area
right - tells the player with the ball where you are
send it - instructs the player with the ball to pass to the open teammate or to space where the teammate can run onto the ball
shoot - instructs the player with the ball to take an immediate shot on the goal
spread - put some distance between players and maintain the desired shape
square, or "got me square" - informs teammate of passing option to the side; asks for a sideways (lateral) pass perpendicular to the touch line; requester should be beside or slightly behind the player with the ball.
split - pass the ball to me between two defenders
mine - indicates player is going for a loose ball; but a better choice is leave, leave or <player’s name> ball
move - don't get caught flat-footed; keep moving
one-two - asks for a quick one-touch return pass (give-and-go). This communication is usually nonverbal due to the speed of execution, but younger players in a slower paced game may find it useful. See also give and touch me.
overlap - may be called by the overlapping player or the one who wants to be overlapped, to initiate an overlap
push up - asks individual or group to quickly move up the field away from their goal. Purpose is to leave one or more opponents in an off-side position and/or to support the attack.
"put it in the mixer!" - serve it into the goal area
right - tells the player with the ball where you are
send it - instructs the player with the ball to pass to the open teammate or to space where the teammate can run onto the ball
shoot - instructs the player with the ball to take an immediate shot on the goal
spread - put some distance between players and maintain the desired shape
square, or "got me square" - informs teammate of passing option to the side; asks for a sideways (lateral) pass perpendicular to the touch line; requester should be beside or slightly behind the player with the ball.
split - pass the ball to me between two defenders
stretch out - instructs attacker to go as far forward as the defense allows
support - informs teammate of passing option behind or to the side. Not a demand call
switch - asks to change the point of attack from one side of the field to the other (left-right)
switch - changing positions with another player up field
through - asks for a forward pass on the ground delivered through the defensive line
through, or split - instructs a teammate to play a through ball behind the defender, because the caller recognizes an opportunity to make a run into the space behind the defense
time (also turn) - lets the receiver of the passed ball know he is not under defensive pressure
time or time, time - settle down, you have time to get the ball under control
touch me - another version of one-two
turn - informs player with the ball and his back to the attacking goal that he has time and space to turn and face positive space
what you see - informs player with the ball that nobody is behind him and he can continue to advance the ball
yes - "Play the ball to me!"
yours - when two teammates converge on a 50-50 ball or possible takeover, player recognizes that his teammate is in a better position to make a positive play
support - informs teammate of passing option behind or to the side. Not a demand call
switch - asks to change the point of attack from one side of the field to the other (left-right)
switch - changing positions with another player up field
through - asks for a forward pass on the ground delivered through the defensive line
through, or split - instructs a teammate to play a through ball behind the defender, because the caller recognizes an opportunity to make a run into the space behind the defense
time (also turn) - lets the receiver of the passed ball know he is not under defensive pressure
time or time, time - settle down, you have time to get the ball under control
touch me - another version of one-two
turn - informs player with the ball and his back to the attacking goal that he has time and space to turn and face positive space
what you see - informs player with the ball that nobody is behind him and he can continue to advance the ball
yes - "Play the ball to me!"
yours - when two teammates converge on a 50-50 ball or possible takeover, player recognizes that his teammate is in a better position to make a positive play
Used by Defenders (including Goalkeepers):
<fake name> - alerts teammate that they are keeping an opponent onside (on defense). A fake name is used as a code word that would not tip off opponents or referees.
<player's name> ball - going for a loose ball; for example, "Mark's ball". Yelling "Mine" in older age groups may be considered ungentlemanly conduct as an attempt to deceive an opponent verbally. Just calling out your name e.g. "Mark" -- spoken by Mark means Mark is going for the ball.
away - clear the ball immediately from our Penalty Area, hopefully high and wide and with pace; same as clear ball.
‘I got ball’ - I will pressure the attacker with the ball (said by 1st defender).
clear - tells a busy defender that pressure is imminent and his best option is to send the ball high and wide and with pace; same as away.
close down - same as pressure contain - slow down the forward progress of the attacking player with the ball - implies there is no teammate in a cover position, i.e. 2nd defender is not in position - discourages the 1st defender from going for the tackle.
cover - informs 1st defender that the 2nd defender is behind him; implies that the 1st defender is now free to tackle goal side - keep opponent with or without the ball towards the outside touch line.
help - a teammate is in trouble and needs help "I got ball" - "I will pressure the attacker with the ball" (1st defender); this tells the other defenders they are free to pick up a mark.
leave, leave - "leave the ball to me, I've got a better play," this is better than yelling "Mine," see also <player’s name> ball.
lock in - double team opportunity, normally along the touchline.
lock on - pick up and stay with an opponent, tightly mark - asks teammate to lock on to an opponent who is in a position to receive a pass.
mark up - cover an opponent.
mine - "I’m going for the loose ball"; but a better choice is leave, leave or <player’s name> ball.
move - don't get caught flat-footed; keep moving.
nobody's home - reminds backs to rotate and cover for the sweeper who has made a run up the field.
out - defenders are to move towards the ball, away from the goal-line.
pressure (also pressure ball) - the closest player (1st defender) needs to pressure the attacker with the ball by immediately closing down the space between the attacker and himself. This is to force the 1st attacker to focus his attention on the ball and the 1st defender rather than on the goal or his supporting attacking teammates; also known as close down.
<fake name> - alerts teammate that they are keeping an opponent onside (on defense). A fake name is used as a code word that would not tip off opponents or referees.
<player's name> ball - going for a loose ball; for example, "Mark's ball". Yelling "Mine" in older age groups may be considered ungentlemanly conduct as an attempt to deceive an opponent verbally. Just calling out your name e.g. "Mark" -- spoken by Mark means Mark is going for the ball.
away - clear the ball immediately from our Penalty Area, hopefully high and wide and with pace; same as clear ball.
‘I got ball’ - I will pressure the attacker with the ball (said by 1st defender).
clear - tells a busy defender that pressure is imminent and his best option is to send the ball high and wide and with pace; same as away.
close down - same as pressure contain - slow down the forward progress of the attacking player with the ball - implies there is no teammate in a cover position, i.e. 2nd defender is not in position - discourages the 1st defender from going for the tackle.
cover - informs 1st defender that the 2nd defender is behind him; implies that the 1st defender is now free to tackle goal side - keep opponent with or without the ball towards the outside touch line.
help - a teammate is in trouble and needs help "I got ball" - "I will pressure the attacker with the ball" (1st defender); this tells the other defenders they are free to pick up a mark.
leave, leave - "leave the ball to me, I've got a better play," this is better than yelling "Mine," see also <player’s name> ball.
lock in - double team opportunity, normally along the touchline.
lock on - pick up and stay with an opponent, tightly mark - asks teammate to lock on to an opponent who is in a position to receive a pass.
mark up - cover an opponent.
mine - "I’m going for the loose ball"; but a better choice is leave, leave or <player’s name> ball.
move - don't get caught flat-footed; keep moving.
nobody's home - reminds backs to rotate and cover for the sweeper who has made a run up the field.
out - defenders are to move towards the ball, away from the goal-line.
pressure (also pressure ball) - the closest player (1st defender) needs to pressure the attacker with the ball by immediately closing down the space between the attacker and himself. This is to force the 1st attacker to focus his attention on the ball and the 1st defender rather than on the goal or his supporting attacking teammates; also known as close down.
push up (also step up) - asks individual or group to quickly move up the field away from their goal. Purpose is to leave one or more opponents in an off-side position and/or to support the attack.
shield - instructs the defender to track the ball as it goes out of touch if the ball was last played by an opponent.
shift - asks weak-side defenders to take up a balance position closer to the middle of the field.
spread - put some distance between players and maintain the desired shape.
step up - see push up.
stick - instructs the 1st defender to go for the tackle; implies cover and reduced risk if unsuccessful.
switch - changing positions with another player up field; also passing on a mark to another defender.
trap - command for offside trap wall - instructs defenders to set up a wall to defend free kicks.
yours - when two teammates converge on a 50-50 ball or possible takeover, player recognizes that his teammate is in a better position to make a positive play.
shield - instructs the defender to track the ball as it goes out of touch if the ball was last played by an opponent.
shift - asks weak-side defenders to take up a balance position closer to the middle of the field.
spread - put some distance between players and maintain the desired shape.
step up - see push up.
stick - instructs the 1st defender to go for the tackle; implies cover and reduced risk if unsuccessful.
switch - changing positions with another player up field; also passing on a mark to another defender.
trap - command for offside trap wall - instructs defenders to set up a wall to defend free kicks.
yours - when two teammates converge on a 50-50 ball or possible takeover, player recognizes that his teammate is in a better position to make a positive play.
Used primarily by Goalkeepers:
<number> man wall - said by the keeper and indicates the number of players the keeper wants in the wall, e.g. "5 man wall" - the keeper then calls LEFT or RIGHT to line up the outside player in the wall with the near post
away – when said by the keeper, means he is going to hold his line and is not going to make a play for the ball, therefore the defenders must clear the ball away from the goal; away is the opposite of keep.
help - the keeper is in trouble and needs help.
home - said by the keeper and means "Play the ball back to me!" - the keeper must play the ball with his feet unless the ball was headed back to him.
keep, keep or keeper, keeper - "Get out of the way! It's mine!"- keeper wants the ball - keeper must be 100% certain that he will get to the ball first before any attacker - opposite of help or away.
<number> man wall - said by the keeper and indicates the number of players the keeper wants in the wall, e.g. "5 man wall" - the keeper then calls LEFT or RIGHT to line up the outside player in the wall with the near post
away – when said by the keeper, means he is going to hold his line and is not going to make a play for the ball, therefore the defenders must clear the ball away from the goal; away is the opposite of keep.
help - the keeper is in trouble and needs help.
home - said by the keeper and means "Play the ball back to me!" - the keeper must play the ball with his feet unless the ball was headed back to him.
keep, keep or keeper, keeper - "Get out of the way! It's mine!"- keeper wants the ball - keeper must be 100% certain that he will get to the ball first before any attacker - opposite of help or away.
Heard from the Sidelines:
Recover – recover back behind the ball and get into defensive shape.
Stay Wide - yelled to wings and outside midfielders to remind them to hold their positions and not run to the ball.
The ball has no lungs - Brazilian saying meaning to pass the ball to cover ground rather than dribble or run after it - save your energy by passing.
Unlucky - a phrase used by soccer coaches to tell a player that he/she was doing what they were supposed to be doing and just because the result wasn't good that they should not change what they were doing because they were doing it properly. For example, if a goalkeeper plays a corner kick properly and the opponents still score the coach might yell "unlucky" to let him know that it was not his fault.
"You're either part of the steamroller or part of the pavement." Soccer is not a passive sport. Players sometimes have to make ten or twenty runs before the ball is played to them. So even if you are not involved in the play you must be involved in the action.
Other:
The three Ds of Defense - Deny, Delay & Destroy
The ABCDs of Defense – Attitude, Body Angle, Contain, Delay
bending runs - runs made by players on the team with the ball that are not straight. If you run straight down the field in front of a teammate you can not receive a pass since your back is to the passer. By making a bending run you are always in a position "open" to a pass.
by-line - what we Americans normally refer to as the goal line. The end line at each end of the field that the goals are lined up on.
early service - to cross or pass the ball into the 18 Yard box quickly. This puts the ball far enough out that the keeper has to risk coming out of the goal after the ball and leaving an undefended "empty" net. The reason that attackers like an early service is that the ball is served high and behind the sweeper and fullbacks who have to risk turning their backs to the attackers to clear the ball. They also risk an "Own Goal" if they play the ball wrong.
Recover – recover back behind the ball and get into defensive shape.
Stay Wide - yelled to wings and outside midfielders to remind them to hold their positions and not run to the ball.
The ball has no lungs - Brazilian saying meaning to pass the ball to cover ground rather than dribble or run after it - save your energy by passing.
Unlucky - a phrase used by soccer coaches to tell a player that he/she was doing what they were supposed to be doing and just because the result wasn't good that they should not change what they were doing because they were doing it properly. For example, if a goalkeeper plays a corner kick properly and the opponents still score the coach might yell "unlucky" to let him know that it was not his fault.
"You're either part of the steamroller or part of the pavement." Soccer is not a passive sport. Players sometimes have to make ten or twenty runs before the ball is played to them. So even if you are not involved in the play you must be involved in the action.
Other:
The three Ds of Defense - Deny, Delay & Destroy
The ABCDs of Defense – Attitude, Body Angle, Contain, Delay
bending runs - runs made by players on the team with the ball that are not straight. If you run straight down the field in front of a teammate you can not receive a pass since your back is to the passer. By making a bending run you are always in a position "open" to a pass.
by-line - what we Americans normally refer to as the goal line. The end line at each end of the field that the goals are lined up on.
early service - to cross or pass the ball into the 18 Yard box quickly. This puts the ball far enough out that the keeper has to risk coming out of the goal after the ball and leaving an undefended "empty" net. The reason that attackers like an early service is that the ball is served high and behind the sweeper and fullbacks who have to risk turning their backs to the attackers to clear the ball. They also risk an "Own Goal" if they play the ball wrong.