SOCCER STUDY GUIDE & FACT SHEET

Basic Soccer Field Terms

Center Circle – a circular marking with a 10-yard radius in the “center” of the field from which kickoffs are taken to start or restart the game. Purpose: Simply a reference line for the referee and defenders. Defenders must be as least 10 yards away from the ball prior to start or restart.

Center Line – See Midfield line.

Center Spot – The “center” of the center circle from which kickoffs are taken to start or restart the game. Not too complicated!

Corner Arc – an arc or quarter-circle with a radius of 1 yard located at each of the 4 corners of the soccer field. Purpose: Also a reference line, the ball must be kicked from inside this arc on a corner kick.

Corner Flag – the flag located at each of the 4 corners of the soccer field, inside the corner area.

End Line – the boundary line extending from corner to corner along its width at each end.

Field – the rectangular area where soccer matches are played.

Goal Area – the rectangular area (20 x 6 yd. on a full-size soccer field) marked within the penalty area (or inside the larger rectangle) and directly in front of goal. Purpose: Marks the area from which all goal kicks must be taken.

Goal Box – commoner’s term for the goal area or sometimes the penalty area.

Goal Line – same as the end line.

Midfield Line – a line in the center of the soccer field that divides the field in half along its width and runs parallel to the goals. Purpose: Used for start and restart as well as for calling offside. A player cannot be offside on their half of field.

Penalty area – The larger rectangle (18 x 44 yd. On a full size field) in front of the goal that includes the goal area. Purpose: Marks both where the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with his hands AND the area where harsh fouls committed by the defending team result in penalty kicks.

Penalty Arc – The arc at the top of the penalty area. Purpose: Designates how far back all players must be away from the ball while a penalty kick is being taken.

Penalty Mark (or Spot) – the mark on the soccer field from which penalty kicks are taken.

Sideline – common word for the touchline.

Touchline – the line that runs along the length of each side of the soccer field. Commonly called the sideline in other sports.

Basic Soccer Positions

Backs – Refers to defenders.

Defender – A player who works mainly in the defensive third of the field. They are primarily focused on stopping the opposition’s attackers from scoring.

Forward – A player who is responsible for most of a team's scoring. They play in front of the rest of their team (or in the attaching third of the field) where they can take most of the shots.

Fullback – a rear defender.

Goalie – Abbreviation for Goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper – I bet you know this one. The player positioned directly in front of the goal who tries to prevent shots from crossing the goalline; the only player allowed to use their hands and arms, though only within the 18-yard penalty area.

Keeper – Abbreviation for Goalkeeper.

Midfielder – A player generally positioned in the middle third of the field between the forwards and defenders. Their job is to link the defense and the offense through ball control and passing. They play both an attacking role and a defensive role.

Striker – Generally the same as a forward, though it sometimes refers to a forward that is his team’s primary scoring threat.

Sweeper – Not always used. In some formations, a single defender that plays closest to their own goal behind the rest of the defenders; a team's last line of defense in front of the goalkeeper.