In most of the world, nearly everyone is familiar with the words that depict all the different facets of soccer; however, it is not as unusual for an individual to be totally clueless about soccer terminology.  Thus, the following is a general reference guideline of soccer terminology. 

When the game of soccer is played, it is done so on a pitch.  In other words, the pitch is the field of play.  The lines around the pitch are the form a rectangular shape with the regulation dimensions of 120 yards in length and 80 yards in width.  The lines that run the length of the pitch are called side-lines; the lines that run the width are called the end-lines.  This rectangular shape represents out of bounds lines.  Thus, anything within these lines is in bounds, any ball kicked out of their perimeter is out of bounds.

Within this rectangle drawn on the pitch, there are two goals - one in the middle of each end-line - and three lines of general importance.  The first line is the line that runs horizontally across the pitch.  This line is called the halfway line.  This line effectively separates the offensive and defensive halves of the pitch.  The other two general lines are those rectangular lines that encompass each respective goal.  These are referred to as the goal area lines, or goal boxes. 

In each corner of the pitch are flags.  These flags are called the corner flags.  In front of each flag there is a semi-circle that is called the corner area.  This serves the purpose of marking the boundary wherein an offensive player must stand when delivering a corner kick.

Offense v. Defense

In soccer everyone plays both offense and defense simultaneously.  This mode is determined by whether or not a team has possession of the ball.  If a team has the ball, then they are an offense.  If the other team has the ball, they are on defense.

Player Titles & Three Basics Levels on the Pitch:

The first type of player is a goalie.  The responsibility of the goalie is to defend the other team from kicking the ball into the goal he or she is defending. Unlike other players a goalie may use his or her hands in order to defend; furthermore, the goalie is stationary where as the other members of the team are fluid throughout the pitch.         

On a soccer team there are three levels, or pitch positions, that define the area and the type of player.  Beginning with the level closest to the goalie, this level is called the defensive unit.  Just because the name suggests that they are the only defenders on a team, does not mean this is the case because as everyone on the pitch is responsible for playing defense.  Nonetheless, there are usually two defenders on the pitch that regulate the back 1/3 of the pitch.  Their main objective is to serve as the last line of defense between the goalie and the opposition.

The second level of a soccer unit is called the midfielder.  As the name suggests, these are the players responsible for the middle 2/3 of the pitch.  On defense, the midfielders main objective is to serve as a buffer between the defensive unit and the opposition.  On offense a midfielders main objective is to serve as the offensive conductors by setting up the forwards and slowing down the opposition before they can attack the defenders.

The third level who play a majority of the match on the offensive 1/3 of the pitch are the forwards.   

Their main objective is to serve as main the offensive unit, or attackers.

Out of Bounds: Corner Kicks, Goal Kicks, and Throw Ins 

On offense whenever the team kicks the ball out of bounds and across an end-line the defense will get a goal kick.  A goal kick takes place at one of the upper corners of the goal area box.  When a defense kicks the ball out of bounds and across an end-line, then the offence will get a corner kick.  These take place within the corner areas depending on which half of the goal the ball went out.  When ever the defense or offense kicks the ball out of bound across the side-line, then opposition will get a throw-in.

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