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15 Frequently Heard Soccer Terms Beginners Should Know

Healthy Lifestyle | 02 June 2025

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15 Frequently Heard Soccer Terms Beginners Should Know

In addition to learning the different types of moves, there are some soccer terms you may have heard before, especially if you play it often.

Aside from being a popular sport in Indonesia, soccer offers various health benefits.

You may often hear some soccer terms, such as kickoff, offside, and so on, but don't quite understand what they mean. To expand your sports horizon, learn the popular soccer terms here!

Terms in Soccer Games

In addition to dribbling, there are other soccer terms you must have heard of. Here's an explanation of each:

1. Free Kick

A free kick refers to a foul by an opposing player outside the penalty box.

The free kick is done without any interference or obstruction from the players, but the opposing side can form a fence lined up 10 meters from the point of the foul.  

2. Offside

In a soccer game, offside occurs when the ball touches a player or a player receives the ball from his team as he precedes the backmost player of the opposing team. 

3. Penalty

Penalties are among the most frequently heard soccer terms by ordinary people. The referee will award a penalty for a team that intentionally commits a dangerous foul in the 16-area box.

When a penalty occurs, the opposing team can take a penalty kick as far as 11 meters from the goalpost without any interference or a line of players. 

In addition, penalties apply when time runs out and the score is still even, and then each team will be allowed to take a penalty kick to determine the winner. 

4. Corner Kick 

A corner kick occurs when the opponent intentionally or unintentionally releases the ball toward the back of their goalpost.

As the name suggests, players can do corner kicks from the corner of the field on the signal. 

5. Red & Yellow Card

In a soccer game, you'll encounter two types of cards: yellow and red.

The referee can give these two types of cards depending on the offense committed by a player.

A yellow card indicates a tolerable offense, while a red card forces a player to leave the field.

Two yellow cards are equal to one red card. A player who receives two yellow cards cannot continue the game and should leave the field. 

6. Clean Sheet

A clean sheet refers to when a soccer team does not concede in a full match.

7. Hat Trick

A hat trick happens when one player manages to score 3 goals during a match. 

8. Own Goal

An own goal occurs when a player accidentally kicks the ball into his team's net, directly adding points for the opposing team. 

9. Midfielder

Midfielders are the axis of the team's attack when defending or attacking. This position is divided into attack, defense, and wing sections.

Midfielders are tasked with dribbling the ball from back to front and scoring goals from a distance.

A midfielder should have good vision and high stamina. 

10. Striker

A striker leads the attack. The main goal is to score as many goals as possible as an attacker in the front row. Someone who plays as a striker also serves as the protector in this case. 

11. Defender

Conversely to a striker, a defender is in charge of defense. A defender stands at the back and in front of the goalkeeper.

A defender needs to have a good defense. It's also why defenders are selected by their height. 

12. Heading

Heading means controlling a ball using the head. To head correctly, the ball should touch the forehead. Heading can be done to pass the ball or even score a goal.

13. Injury Time

Injury time refers to the additional time at the end of the match to replace the time wasted due to injuries or fouls committed by the players. 

14. Parking the Bus

Parking the bus is a defensive formation strategy. It's done by piling up players in the defense area or close to the goal; even strikers contribute to defense.

15. Tackling

Tackling means grabbing the ball from the opponent. Tackling is one of the basic soccer techniques that soccer players need to master. 

Tips for Mastering Soccer Techniques

After knowing the soccer terms above, you can start applying them in the real game. As you know, understanding theory without direct practice will not make a good player.

To play soccer well, you can try the tips to master soccer techniques below:

  • Practice regularly.
  • Find a mentor in playing
  • Find a suitable partner.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Control food intake
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Focus and prioritize skill upgrades.

 

Well, that's all about frequently heard soccer terms you may have heard during a match, along with tips on mastering the techniques.

Aside from sharpening your skills and understanding its terms, don't forget to pay attention to your body when playing soccer.

To keep your body fit while exercising, make sure to drink enough healthy drinking water.

To do so, you can pack AQUA to accompany you during your sports activities. 

AQUA water is from 100% authentic mountain mineral water that has passed up to 400 quality checks.

AQUA is available in 600 ml and 1500 ml sizes, making it easier to carry. You can choose which package fits your needs. Don't forget to #AQUADULU no matter what you do!

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