BASIC SOCCER TERMINOLOGY

1. Dribbling: The skill of controlling and maneuvering the ball with the feet while moving.
2. Passing: The act of moving the ball to a teammate.
3. Shooting: Kicking the ball towards the opponent's goal in an attempt to score.
4. Tackling: A defensive action to win the ball from an opponent.
5. Marking: Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or making plays.
6. Offside: A rule violation where an attacking player is ahead of the second-last defender when the ball is passed to them.
7. Set Piece: A planned play from a dead ball situation, such as a free kick or corner.
8. Header: Using the head to direct the ball.
9. Cross: A ball played from the wide areas into the opponent's penalty area.
10. Through Ball: A pass played between defenders to an attacking player.

Field Positions and Responsibilities
1. GOALKEEPER (GK)

• Primary Role: Defends the goal and stops the opposing team from scoring.
• Responsibilities:
• Shot-stopping: Save shots on goal.
• Distribution: Throw or kick the ball to teammates to start attacks.
• Command the defense: Organize defenders and communicate to maintain structure.
• Play as a sweeper: Occasionally leave the penalty area to clear through balls.

2. DEFENDERS

• Center Back (CB):
• Primary Role: Defend the central area in front of the goalkeeper.
• Responsibilities:
• Mark opposing strikers.
• Win aerial duels and clear balls from danger.
• Distribute the ball to midfielders or fullbacks.
• Fullback (Left Back – LB, Right Back – RB):
• Primary Role: Defend the wide areas of the field.
• Responsibilities:
• Block crosses and prevent opposition wingers from advancing.
• Support attacks by moving forward on the wings.
• Track back to defend quickly when possession is lost.
• Wing Back (LWB - Left Wing Back, RWB - Right Wing Back):
• Primary Role: Similar to fullbacks, but play more offensively in certain formations.
• Responsibilities:
• Provide width by advancing up the field during attacks.
• Track back to defend when needed.
• Deliver crosses into the opponent’s box.

3. MIDFIELDERS

• Defensive Midfielder (CDM - Central Defensive Mid):
• Primary Role: Protect the defense and break up the opponent's play.
• Responsibilities:
• Intercept passes and win tackles.
• Provide cover for defenders.
• Transition play from defense to attack through accurate passing.
• Central Midfielder (CM):
• Primary Role: Link defense and attack, often the engine of the team.
• Responsibilities:
• Distribute the ball to all areas of the field.
• Maintain possession and control the tempo of the game.
• Support both defense and attack depending on game flow.
• Attacking Midfielder (CAM - Central Attacking Midfielder):
• Primary Role: Create goal-scoring opportunities.
• Responsibilities:
• Play through balls and key passes to forwards.
• Take shots from outside the box.
• Support the forwards in attacks and press the opponent's defenders.
• Wingers (Left Winger – LW, Right Winger – RW):
• Primary Role: Provide width in attacks.
• Responsibilities:
• Dribble past defenders and deliver crosses.
• Cut inside to shoot or create goal-scoring chances.
• Track back and help defend when necessary.

4. FORWARDS

• Striker (ST):
• Primary Role: Score goals.
• Responsibilities:
• Be the target for attacks.
• Finish chances created by teammates.
• Hold up play to bring others into attack.
• Center Forward (CF):
• Primary Role: Play just behind the striker, combining with midfielders and forwards.
• Responsibilities:
• Drop deep to receive the ball and link play.
• Create space and assist in goal-scoring situations.
• Shoot and score when opportunities arise.
• Second Striker (SS):
• Primary Role: Play between the main striker and midfield.
• Responsibilities:
• Assist the main striker in attacks.
• Exploit gaps in the opponent’s defense.
• Drift wide or deep to confuse defenders.