Offside
A rule that penalises an attacking player for being in an illegal forward position when the ball is played to them.
Definition
In football, a player is offside if they are nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment a teammate plays the ball to them, and they then become involved in active play. The rule exists to stop attackers waiting close to the opposing goal for an easy pass.
Similar offside concepts appear in other sports, such as rugby and ice hockey, although the exact positioning that counts as offside is different in each. When an offside offence is called, play usually restarts with a free kick or equivalent to the defending team.
Where you’ll hear “offside”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Rugby
A physical team sport of carrying, passing and kicking an oval ball toward the opposing line.
Ice Hockey
A fast team sport on ice that combines skating skill with quick passing and goal-scoring.
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Rules
- OffsideA rule that prevents an attacker from gaining an advantage by being positioned too close to the opponents' goal ahead of the ball and the last defenders.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
Tactics
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
Positions
- Full-backA full-back is a defender who plays on the left or right side of the defence, defending the flank while also supporting attacks down the wing.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- WingerA winger is an attacking player who operates in the wide areas of the pitch, using pace and dribbling to beat defenders and create chances.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- HookerThe hooker is a front-row forward in rugby who wins the ball in the scrum and typically throws the ball into the line-out.
Strategies
- Possession vs Direct PlayThe strategic choice between retaining the ball to build attacks patiently and moving it forward quickly and directly toward the goal.
- Using Width and SpaceA side's plan to stretch the playing area and open gaps when attacking, then shrink and control that space when defending.
- Set-Piece StrategyThe deliberate plan for turning dead-ball restarts — corners, free-kicks, throw-ins, serves — into chances to score or to defend.
Player roles
- Target playerA target player is a focal attacker who receives, holds up and links play for others, often physically strong and good in the air or with the hands.
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
- Utility playerA dependable, versatile player who can competently fill several different positions as the team needs, rather than specialising in just one.