Football as suggested by the name is a ball game normally played between two teams of eleven players each, each attempting to win by scoring more goals than their opponent. Football is played predominantly with the feet, but players may use any part of their body except their hands and arms to hit or move the ball; the exceptions to this are the goalkeepers of both the teams, who are the only players allowed to handle the ball in the field of play.THE GAME or THE BALL otherwise known as a soccer ball or futbol. Not to be confused with American football.

ADVANTAGE CLAUSE - The referee can, at his discretion, allow play to continue after a foul has occurred if he feels that the offended team would be punished further by stopping play. The referee signals this by yelling "Advantage" or "Play on".

BACK DOOR - The area on the opposite side of the goal mouth from where a cross or corner kick was taken, extremely tough for goalkeepers to cover.

BANANA KICK - A kick that curves.

BICYCLE KICK - A very athletic play where a player falls backward kicking the ball when upside down to a point behind him.

BREAKAWAY - When a player dribbling the ball breaks away from the other team and challenges the goalie one-on-one.

CAUTION - The lower form of two levels of sanction. The caution, also know as "The Booking" or the "Yellow Card", warns a player that his actions are not exemplary.

CENTER PASS - To pass the ball to the center of the field in front of the goal.

CENTER CIRCLE - A ten-yard radius circle in the middle of the field where play begins at the start of each half and after a goal is scored. Defenders cannot enter the circle until the ball is kicked.

CHALLENGE - An attempt to take the ball away from the opposing player.

CHANGE FIELDS - The offensive movement of the ball from one side of the field (across) to the other, to an open teammate in an effort to attack the opponent where their defense is weaker.

CHARGE - A shoulder to shoulder charge against a player with the ball is a legal play so long as the arm does not extend outward to push the opposing player. If it is done too hard, considered dangerous, against a player without the ball, or into the players back, the referee will award a free kick to the other team.

CHIP - A pass made by contacting the ball very low with the foot using a motion that jabs the foot into the ground (no follow through). The result is a pass that gains immediate height and backspin.

CENTER LINE - The line that divides the field in half, parallel to the goal lines.

CLEAR - A hard defensive kick or header, clearing the ball from the area in front of the goal. This is usually a desperation kick to no one in particular, when under pressure. Clearances should have height, width, and distance (in that order).

CORNER FLAGS - These are the flags that are placed at the four corners of the field marking the corners of the field. These flags stand at least 5 feet high. The corner flags are "in-play" so a ball that rebounds from a corner flag and back onto the field is in play.

CORNER KICK - Whenever the balls goes out of bounds past the goal line and was last touched by a defensive player, the opponent is given a corner kick. The ball is placed at the corner of the field closest to where the ball went out of bounds. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

CROSSBAR - This is the horizontal bar that is eight feet off the ground and connects the goal posts.

DEFENSE - see fullbacks (defenders). Also, the team that does not have possession of the ball.

DIRECT KICKS - A direct kick means that the kicker may score by shooting directly into the goal without another player touching the ball. Direct kicks are awarded for fouls such as kicking, jumping, striking, tripping, holding, pushing another player, and handball.

DROP BALL - The ball is dropped between two players while the other players stay ten yards away. This occurs when the referee does not know what team last touched the ball out of bounds, or after an injury during play. When this happens, play will begin again with a drop ball.

DROP KICK - A kick made by the goalie by dropping the ball and kicking it only after it has bounced off the ground.

FAKING - Making an opposing player think that you are going to move in a certain direction, therefore getting that player to move in that direction, while you go the opposite way.

FAR POST - This is the goal post that is farthest from the ball position.

FINISH - The ability to convert scoring chances into goals.

FORMATION - The way the player positions are arranged on the field. Formations are named with three numbers, which stand for the number of fullbacks, halfbacks, and forwards, in that order. Any formation assumes a goalie is present. The best formation for a team depends on the team's strength, speed, skill and need for a stronger offense or defense. At the youth level a 4-3-3 will usually provide the best field coverage and is easiest to teach so players understand their responsibilities.

FORWARDS - Offensive players. Shooters. Fast, skilled dribblers, who can shoot or pass while on the run. Teams may consist of wing forwards, center forwards, inside forwards, and strikers.

FOUR-FOUR-TWO (4-4-2) - A team formation that has a goalie, four fullbacks, four halfbacks and two forwards. In this formation extra demands are placed on the midfield players to assist in the attack. Not usually appropriate at the youth soccer level.

FOUR-THREE-THREE (4-3-3) - A team formation which has a goalie, four fullbacks, three half backs and three forwards. The fullbacks may play flat across the back or be setup in a diamond shape with a sweeper and stopper role.

FOUR-TWO-FOUR (4-2-4) - A team formation with a goalie, four fullbacks, two halfbacks and four forwards. With the halfbacks playing offense and defense, this formation gives the team the equivalent of six offensive and six defensive players. Halfbacks should be strong and skilled because they must control the game. Not usually appropriate at the youth soccer level.

FREE KICKS - These include goal kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks, and direct and indirect kicks. The main idea in any free kick is to move quickly in order to catch the defense off guard. (Exact definitions can be found under each type of kick.)

FULLBACKS - Defensive, aggressive players. Teams consist of wing fullbacks, center fullbacks, sweepers, and stoppers. These players play back and prevent opposing players from getting into scoring positions and protect their own goal.

GIVE AND GO - A short pass to a teammate and a quick pass back as the first player sprints past the defender. This is also called a wall pass.

GOAL - The net at each end of the field into which the ball is kicked. Also, the point that is scored when the ball goes completely over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar.

GOAL DIFFERENCE - The difference between the number of goals a team scores and conceded.

GOALKEEPER - (Goalie, Keeper) Defensive player who's role it is to defend the goal using his entire body. This is the only player who can use his hands while in the penalty area.

GOAL LINE - The marked lines, 50-100 yards long that define the ends of the field.

GOAL POST - The 8 foot high vertical posts that mark the goals at each end of the field.

HANDBALL - Intentionally touching the ball with any part of the arm or hand. A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team when this occurs.

HALFBACKS - Play the middle of the field. Players possess good skills and are endurance runners. There are wing or side halfbacks, center halfbacks, midfielders, and linkmen.

HALF VOLLEY - Kicking the ball just after it has touched the ground.

HAT TRICK - Three goals scored by the same player in a single match.

HEADING - Using the player's upper forehead to move the ball, either to another team member or to the goal, when the ball comes towards them high through the air.

INDIRECT KICKS - A type of free kick that is awarded for minor offenses. These include obstruction, dangerous play, ungentlemanly conduct, inappropriate language, or kicking a ball which is held by the goalkeeper. When the kicker kicks the ball on an indirect kick, another player must touch the ball before a goal can be scored.

INJURY - When a player is injured and sitting or lying on the ground, the referee may stop play after allowing the opponent full advantage of a possession. The referee will then allow the injured player to be examined and allow for substitution.

INJURY TIME - Time sometimes added to the end of either half by the referee to allow for time lost due to injuries or other stoppages. The referee decides how much time to add.

INSWINGER - This refers to a ball that has been kicked from a corner kick or a centering pass and swerves in towards the goal.

JUGGLING - Keeping the ball in the air using the head or the legs without letting the ball touch the ground.

KICKOFF - The opening movement of each soccer half and after each goal. During the kickoff, the ball must be played forward and the opposing players must stay outside the center circle until the ball has moved.

LINESMAN - Officials that travel the sidelines with a small flag in their hand to signal the referee when the ball goes out of bounds, or when they see an offside or any other violation of a rule. The final call is always up to the referee.

MARK - To defend against an opposing player; to stay close by him and therefore making if difficult for him to get away from you or for one of his team-mates to pass the ball to him.

MIDFIELD - The middle third portion of the soccer field.

MYSA - Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. The state organization that Pembroke Youth Soccer is affiliated with.

NEAR POST - The goal post nearest to the ball position.

NUTMEG - When a player who possesses the ball dribbles or passes the ball between the legs of a defensive player.

OBSTRUCTION - This is a foul that is called on a player who does not have the ball and uses his body to block a player on the other team. An indirect kick is awarded to the other team. Also referred to as Impeeding the opponent.

OFFENSE - (also see forwards and midfielders) The team having possession of the ball.

OFFSIDE - A player is offside if, at the moment the ball is passed by a teammate, he is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent and, in the opinion of the referee, the player is gaining and advantage by being in that position or is interfering with play or an opponent. Players are not offside if they are on their own half of the field or if they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, or drop ball.

OFFSIDE TRAP - A defense tactic where a (defensive) player, or players intentionally moves forward to put an attacking player offside.

OPEN SPACE - Any large gap between two opponents. (Allows your team to play the ball safely to that area while undefended.)

OPPONENT - The competition.

OUT OF BOUNDS - When the ball passes over the sidelines or endline (but does not result in a goal).

OUTSWINGER - This refers to a ball that has been kicked from a corner kick or a centering pass and swerves away from the goal. It is used to keep the ball away from the goalie so that it can be set up for a shot on goal.

OVERHEAD VOLLEY (see bicycle kick) - A volley kick which is used to clear or shoot the ball behind a player and which is made with both feet off the ground. This is also known as a bicycle kick.

OVERLAP - Movement of players, normally a full back, past other teammates to receive a pass and take up an attacking position.

PASS - To move the ball from one team member to another.

PENALTY AREA - 18 yard area around the goal, from the posts to the left and right and towards the center. The goalkeeper may touch the ball with his hands within the penalty area. Fouls within the area may result in a penalty-kick.

PENALTY KICK - Awarded against a team which commits a direct free kick foul in its own penalty area. Results in a one-on-one kick from the 12-yd. penalty spot with only the goalkeeper defending. The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked. Tie matches are sometimes broken with a penalty kick shoot-out.

PENALTY MARK - A spot that is located 12 yards out in front of the goal where penalty kicks are taken from.

PLAY ON - A call made by the referee during play to indicate that he/she has seen a foul but has decided not to stop the game because of the advantage clause.

PENETRATION - Getting deep into the defense in preparation for an attack on goal.

PITCH - An English term for a soccer field.

PUNTING - A kick made by the goalie by dropping the ball and kicking it before it reaches the ground. A punt generally sends the ball a greater distance than a drop kick or a throw.

PUSHING - A foul called when one player uses his hands or arms to shove a player on the other team. The penalty for this foul is a direct free kick.

PRESSURE - When the defender pressures the ball carrier in any and every way allowable to either pass the ball in error or kick it out of bounds.

RAINBOW - A manuever where a player flips the ball from behind them over their heads in front of them.

RED CARD - A red card indicates that a player is being ejected from the game. Red cards often carry a suspension for an additional game or games.

REFEREE - The individuals who supervises the game. Referees are responsible for deciding disputes and making sure the rules of the game are followed. They have the ability to stop the game, call fouls, caution players, coaches and even parents, and eject players or coaches from the game. There are two types of referee systems: the dual system and the three-person system. The system employed in a game will be determined by which soccer organization's rules are being followed.

RUNNING TIME - The length of time that has passed in a soccer game.

RUN OFF THE BALL - Getting into position to help your team when one does not have possession of the ball. To try and run to or create open space.

SAVE - Stopping a goal from being scored. Saves are usually made by the goalkeeper who catches the ball, punches it away, or deflects it out of bounds. Other defenders can make saves by blocking shots on goal with their bodies or heading or kicking a shot away.

SCISSOR KICK - A volley kick used to send the ball forward and which is made with both feet off the ground.

SCORE - The total number of goals made by each team in a game, or the act of making a goal.

SCORER - The player who makes a goal.

DUMMY - Intentionally faking a shot, dribble, or pass in such a way that it appears that you misplayed the ball. Usually done in a manner which allows the ball to continue on to a teammate.

SERVE - To pass the ball.

SHINGUARDS - Protective gear used to protect the shins from injury.

PENALTY KICK SHOOTOUT - (Tie-breaker) sometimes, when a game ends in a tie, five players are selected from each team on the field at the end of the game to alternate taking penalty kicks to determine the winner. If teams are still tied after the five shots, each team takes additional shots until one team scores and the other team misses or has their shot blocked by the goalkeeper.

SHOULDER CHARGE - Legal shoulder-to-shoulder body contact. See Charge.

SLIDE TACKLE - A sliding move used to stop the ball. The player carrying out the slide must touch the ball first and not the player. This play cannot be executed from behind or it will be considered dangerous and a free kick will be given to the other team.

SMALL-SIDED GAME - Usually played sideways on a field, with three to six players on each side. These games allow each player to get more touches on the ball.

SOCCER BALL - Soccer balls come in three sizes; 5, 4, and 3. The largest ball is the size 5 and is the regulation size. It is typically 27-28 inches in circumference, about 1 inch smaller than a basketball. It usually weighs between 14-16 ounces. The size 4 is smaller than the 5 by a few inches and weighs a few ounces less. It is the size used in our U10 and U12 groups. The size 3 is what younger children in our U8 and U6 groups use and is several inches smaller than the size 4 and weighs less. The best ball is one that is stitched, not glued. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a ball for children but a good rule of thumb is around $20.

SQUARE - A lateral position (directly to the side).

SUPPORT ("with you") - A call made to a teammate who has the ball. It lets the ball handler know you are close and open and available to be passed to if he/she gets into trouble or takes pressure from the opponents.

SWEEPER - The defender who plays behind the last line of defenders. The sweeper usually is not assigned to mark anyone but has the responsibility to pick up lose players. The sweeper is also responsible to clear out (or "sweep out") though balls played behind the defense.

TACKLE - To steal the ball from another player.

THROUGH BALL - A pass made through the opposing teams defense into open space for a teammate to run on to.

THROW-IN - a two-handed overhead throw used to put the ball back in to play after it has gone out of bounds.

TOE - In soccer this refers to a kick made with the point of the foot.

TOUCHLINE - The lines that mark the side boundaries of the field and are considered part of the field.

TRIANGLE - This is an offensive formation with three players positioned like a triangle and passing the ball between themselves. It is used to pass the ball around the opponent while moving the ball down the field or to kill time.

TOUCH - Contact with the ball. One-touch means you receive and pass in the same single contact. Two-touch means you trap the ball and immediately pass it with the next touch.

TRAP - To receive a pass or meet a moving ball.

VOLLEY - Kicking a ball that is in midair.

WALL - A line of defenders standing shoulder to shoulder to attempt to divert a free kick. The wall must line up a minimum of 10 yards from where the kick is taken.

WALL PASS - see Give and Go.

WITH YOU ("support") - A call made to a teammate who has the ball. It lets the ball handler know you are close and open and available to be passed to if he/she gets into trouble or takes pressure from the opponents.

YELLOW CARD - A card that is waived in the air by the referee to warn a player, coach, and sometimes a parent. Two yellow cards are equal to a red card.