Relegation
Moving down from a higher division to a lower one, usually as a penalty for finishing near the bottom of the table.
Definition
Relegation is the demotion of a team from its division to the one below for the next season, imposed on those that finish among the lowest-placed sides. It is the downward counterpart to promotion, and together the two create a system in which league position each season can change the level at which a club competes.
The threat of relegation gives meaning to matches at the foot of the table long after the title is settled, since dropping down usually means reduced status, weaker fixtures and, for professional clubs, a sharp loss of income. The number of relegated teams is fixed by the competition, and 'the relegation zone' refers to the bottom places that would go down if the season ended immediately.
Where you’ll hear “relegation”
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.
Cricket
A bat-and-ball team sport where sides take turns to bat and to bowl and field, scoring runs.
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Skills
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- Treading waterThe skill of staying afloat and upright in deep water without moving anywhere.
Positions
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- 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.
- Outside hitterThe outside hitter attacks from the left side of the net and is often a volleyball team’s main scoring option.
Sports communication
- Calling for the ballLetting a teammate know you are open and want the pass — usually a short, clear call made at the right moment.
- Coach-to-player feedbackHow a coach shares usable information with a player about what they did and what to try next — usually specific, well timed and focused on one thing at a time.
- Signalling availabilityShowing a teammate you are open and ready to receive — often through movement, body position or a gesture rather than a shout.
Rules
- Penalty kick awardA one-on-one kick against the goalkeeper awarded when a defending player commits a direct-free-kick foul inside their own penalty area.
- Volleyball rotationThe rule that players rotate one position clockwise each time their team wins back the serve.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
Player roles
- Utility playerA dependable, versatile player who can competently fill several different positions as the team needs, rather than specialising in just one.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Set-Piece SpecialistA player a team relies on to take or defend dead-ball restarts — free-kicks, corners, penalties, and serves — with practiced accuracy and composure.