The very first contact a player makes when receiving the ball. A good first touch moves the ball into space, away from opponents, and sets up the next action (a pass, dribble, or shot).
The flat, inner side of the foot – the most common surface used for short, accurate passes and controlled finishes.
The top of the foot where the laces of the boot sit. Used for powerful shots and long passes. The player strikes through the middle of the ball for maximum power.
A player’s less dominant foot. Coaches encourage children to practise with both feet so they become comfortable using either side.
The outer edge of the foot, used for disguised passes, quick flicks, and bending the ball with spin.
How hard or soft a pass is played. The right weight means the ball arrives at the perfect pace for the receiver – not too fast, not too slow.
A quick passing combination between two players: Player A passes to Player B and immediately runs forward; Player B returns the ball first time into Player A’s path. A great way to get past a defender.
A deceptive body movement designed to trick a defender into moving the wrong way. A feint might be a shoulder drop, a step-over, or pretending to pass in one direction before going the other.
Short, quick passes between two or more players to move the ball through a tight area. Includes one-twos, overlaps, and third-man runs.
Using the body to protect the ball from a defender by keeping the body between the opponent and the ball. Requires good balance and strength.
Taking a first touch while turning the body sideways, so the player can see both the ball and the pitch ahead. This saves time and allows quicker forward play.
A rehearsed move from a dead ball – such as a corner kick, free kick, or throw-in. Teams practise set-piece routines to create scoring opportunities.
How players move when they don’t have the ball. Good movement creates space, offers passing options, and pulls defenders out of position. One of the most important things coaches work on.
Move into a position where your teammate can pass to you. This means finding space, showing for the ball, and giving the person on the ball an option.
The position a supporting player takes relative to the ball carrier. The best angle means the pass is easy to play and the receiver can see the pitch ahead when they get it.
A short, sharp movement where a player moves towards the ball (checking in) or away from the ball (checking out) to create space and lose their marker.
Getting into a position near the player on the ball so they have someone to pass to. Good support means being at a helpful angle and distance – not too close, not too far.
When a player runs around the outside of a teammate who has the ball, usually down the wing. This creates a 2v1 situation and stretches the defence.
When a player runs inside (towards the middle) of a teammate on the ball, pulling a defender inward and opening up space wide
An advanced movement where a third player makes a run to receive from the second player in a quick passing sequence. Player A passes to Player B; Player C has already started running to receive from Player B.
Coaches ask players to spread out across the pitch to create space. If everyone bunches around the ball, there is no room to pass or dribble.
A forward run into the space behind the opposition’s defence, usually timed to receive a through ball. Requires pace and good timing to stay onside.
The moment a team switches from attack to defence (or the other way around). Quick transition is about reacting fast when the ball is won or lost.
The opposite of spreading out. When defending, the team squeezes together to make the pitch small, closing gaps and making it hard for the opposition to play through.
Closing down the player on the ball quickly to stop them playing forward comfortably. Pressing can be done individually or as a team to force mistakes.
Staying on your feet and guiding the attacker into a less dangerous area (towards the touchline or onto their weaker foot) instead of diving in for a tackle. A patient, controlled way to defend.
Positioning a defender behind and to the side of the teammate who is pressing the ball, ready to step in if the first defender is beaten.
Moving quickly towards the opponent with the ball to reduce their time and space. The defender approaches at speed but slows down near the attacker to avoid being beaten.
Slowing down an opponent’s attack to give teammates time to get back into defensive positions. Often the first job of the nearest defender.
Following the run of an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball in a dangerous position. Applies especially to following runners into the penalty area.
Staying close to an assigned opponent to prevent them from receiving or playing the ball comfortably. Can be tight (very close) or loose (keeping a short distance).
The defensive line moving up the pitch together to reduce the space for the opposition. Squeezing makes the pitch compact and can catch attackers offside.
Getting a body part (usually a foot or shin) in the way of a shot or pass to prevent it reaching its target.
The team’s defensive structure and organisation on the pitch. Good shape means players are in the right positions relative to each other, making it difficult for the opposition to find gaps.
Moving backward as a unit to create distance between the defence and the ball, usually when the opposition is advancing. The opposite of squeezing.
A general instruction to regain possession. Coaches use it to encourage a determined, positive attitude to defending after losing the ball.
