Soccer has a specialized set of terms and phrases that players often use on the field to communicate quickly and effectively. Here are some common ones:
Basic Terms
- “Man On” – A warning that a player is approaching and about to challenge for the ball.
- “Time” – Indicates that a player has more time than they may realize and can take an extra touch or look up for a pass.
- “Turn” – Signals that a player can turn with the ball because there’s no immediate defensive pressure.
- “Hold” – Suggests to hold onto the ball rather than passing or shooting immediately.
- “Switch” – A call to change the point of attack by passing the ball to the opposite side of the field.
- “Through” – Request for a through-ball, or a pass that leads the player into open space.
- “Square” – Asking for a sideways pass, generally to maintain possession.
- “Back” – A call for a back pass, often to reset play or relieve pressure.
- “Overlap” – A signal that a player is making a run around a teammate, usually on the wing.
- “Drop” – A command to pull back defensively, often when losing possession is imminent.
Defensive Terms
- “Press” – Indicates that players should actively pursue the ball to win it back.
- “Tackle” – Encouragement to challenge an opponent for the ball.
- “Step” – A call for the defense to move up and close down space.
- “Cover” – A request to provide defensive support, usually when a teammate goes to challenge for the ball.
- “Clear” – A shout to kick the ball out of the defensive area as far as possible.
- “Mark Up” – Reminding teammates to stick close to opponents and deny them space.
Goalkeeper Terms
- “Keeper” – Shouted by the goalkeeper to indicate they are coming to claim the ball.
- “Away” – A call from the goalkeeper signaling defenders to clear the ball from the defensive area.
- “Post” – Used by the goalkeeper to indicate that a player should cover the goalpost during set pieces like corners.
Set Piece Terms
- “Near/Far Post” – Directions for where to place a corner or free kick, indicating the closest or farthest goalpost.
- “Top of the Box” – A location for a pass or shot, usually during a set piece, near the edge of the penalty area.
- “Wall” – A call to form a defensive wall during a free kick.
Miscellaneous Terms
- “One-Two” or “Give-and-Go” – A quick sequence where one player passes the ball and then immediately looks to receive it back.
- “Dummy” – A signal for a player to let the ball go through their legs or bypass them intentionally, usually to fool a defender.
- “Nutmeg” – A term shouted often in informal settings to indicate that the ball has been passed through an opponent’s legs.
- “Offside” – Used, often by defenders, to indicate that they believe an attacking player is offside.
- “Easy” – A calming call, often used to tell players to relax and maintain possession.
These terms are often shouted in the heat of the moment and are essential for quick, effective communication among players.
