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Glossary

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1-2
Pass between two players in defensive or attacking areas. Usually performed with one touch and to go around an opponent.
3rd man run
Player not in possession, but previously involved in setting up the situation, making a forward run to receive the ball.
Absolute Strength
The maximum amount a person can lift in one repetition.
Abuse
The action of a person towards another with the intention of physically, psychologically and emotionally damaging or impairing their development. The area of Child Abuse covers the ways in which children are treated usually by adults (but not always) and this abuse may be the direct result of inflicting harm or failing to prevent the harmful act.
Acceleration
Time taken to go from current pace (or stationary), to a speed sufficient to perform the required selected task.
Accuracy
Precision of attempted pass or shot. Distance between the desired placement of the ball and actual placement of the ball.
Active recovery
Performing slow, less intensive movements to allow the body to recover from higher intensive exercises.
Adduction
Is the movement of a limb towards the middle of body.
Advantage
The Referee has the ability to allow play to continue after a foul has been committed if stopping play would unfairly punish the fouled team. If there is no advantage to be gained then they can still punish the original foul (depending on time elapsed since foul).
Aerobic Exercise
Exercise that is performed with the use of oxygen.
Aggression
Psychological state where players exhaust a willingness to challenge and compete to succeed.
Agility
Ability of a player to be able to twist and turn.
Anaerobic Exercise
Short bursts of exercise or activity that are undertaken without the use of oxygen.
Anaerobic threshold
The threshold that when crossed the muscles begin to work without oxygen.
Anticipation
Ability to predict when and where the ball or player will end up.
Antiseptic cream
Cream that can be applied to a small wound to prevent infection.
Anxiety
Level of which nerves, concerns and uneasiness all reach before undergoing participation within a competitive environment.
Approach
Angle of players movement when trying to get into an appropriate position.
Assist
A pass that leads to a goal.
Assistant referees (also see Linesmen)
Officials found along the touchlines by both left backs. Their role is to assist the referee with controlling the game in accordance with the laws of the game.
Attacking
Process of play that leads to a goal scoring opportunity.
Attacking 3rd
The third of the field where the opposing goal is situated. Roughly 35 yard out from the goal line. (also see middle and defending third)
Awareness
Ability to know what is going on around you, both team mates and opponents.
Balance
Ability for a player to maintain bodily equilibrium and stability.
Ball watching
When a players’ concentration drops and they no longer are attentive towards their man or role, they watch the play / ball instead.
Bar Bell
Long bar used during weight training exercises. Weights can be added to each end.
Best Practice / Good practice
Is carrying out your role as a coach following the guidelines issued in footballs code of practice. Football should be fun and safe for youngsters and should include actions that are planned to create a safe, fun and encouraging learning environment.
Biomechanics
The study of the mechanics of a living body, focusing upon the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure.
Bleep test
See multi stage fitness test.
Blindside
Outside the line of vision of the effected player.
Blindside run
Run made by an attacker that is not in the line of vision of the defending player.
Body Composition
The percentage of fat, muscle and bone in an individuals body.
Body shape
Positioning of body, dependant on ball, team mates, goals and opposition.
Bodybuilding
Performing exercises with the intention and desire to increase muscle size.
Bones
Dense, solid connective tissue that comprise the skeleton.
Break (injuries)
When a bone is fractured.
Breathing
Process of inhaling and exhaling, so that the body can obtain oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
Bullying
Deliberate action or behaviour directed towards another person which may take many forms and can often occur over a long period of time. Bullying is the use of any action that has the intent of causing pain and distress to the victim and can be either emotional, physical, racist, sexual, homophobic or verbal.
By-line
Perimeter line of a football pitch that runs from the goal post out towards the corner flag.
Calorie (kilocalorie)
A unit of energy, which the body obtains from food. 1 kilocalorie of energy is required to rise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1°C, at 1 atmosphere pressure.
Carbohydrate
Nutrient found in foods. Responsible for supplying the body with energy for exercise.
Carbohydrate loading
Based around the concept of consuming a low carbohydrate prior to competition and then loading up on carbohydrates the day before.
Cardiovascular Training
Exercises designed to improve and strengthen the bodies cardiovascular system (heart, lungs and blood flow), so that the oxygen can be more efficiently delivered to the cells.
Cartilage
Firm, elastic, tough and flexible connective tissues found in joints.
Caution
An official disciplinary action taken by the referee towards a player (or coaching staff), where they are shown a yellow card.
Checking
Is a movement that takes the player away from the ball so that space is created in front of them to move back into and receive the ball.
Child Away Cards
Cards distributed to individual children when on football tours or trips abroad. They should have the teams name and accommodation address and phone number, there is debate as to whether the child’s name should be included but that should be left up to the person in charge of the party.
Child Protection
The actions taken by adults and children to ensure that children under 18 are protected from harm, specifically the 5 areas of abuse – Physical, Sexual, Emotional, Neglect and Bullying.
Chip, pass
A pass executed through a stabbing action (no follow through) into the bottom half of the ball. Ball then is projected into the air with a sharp trajectory.
Cholesterol
Fatty lipid found in the body. Almost insoluble in water. A build up in the blood stream can lead to health issues as it reduces and blocks the blood flow.
Circuit Training
Form of training that utilizes many pieces of equipment (or stations). A set time is spent completing each exercise before moving on to the next.
Circulation
The continuing process of transporting blood around the body, maintained by the heart.
Clean Sheet
A team keeps a clean sheet when they do not concede any goals during a match.
Closed-skill
Skill that is independent of the environment and variables around its execution (free throw in basketball).
Closing down
Ability to apply pressure, individually or collectively, as to benefit the team and restrict the opposition.
Club
Group of people organised for one purpose. Who meet frequently to achieve this common aim.
Coach
An individual who trains a team or individual to be able to perform effectively when faced in a situation of competition.
Coaching
A process by which someone trains teams or individuals in order to prepare and improve them for competitive games.
Cohesion
The act or process of sticking together tightly and displaying unity.
Command (style of communication)
The coach tells the players what to do.
Command of area
Presence and domination a goalkeeper has within their goal area.
Comminuted fracture
A fracture where the bone is in 2 or more places or has been crushed.
Committing the defender
Encouraging a defender to undertake an action which puts them at a disadvantage.
Communication
Instructions and information passed on between team mates.
Complete fracture
Fracture where the bone is broken into 2 pieces.
Composure
Ability to calmly react and complete a task successfully in a high pressurised situation.
Compound exercise
A time saving exercise that works more than one muscle group during its execution.
Compression
Act of applying pressure. In the case of injuries compression is applied to an injured body part to ease pain (cold compression) or to stop blood flow.
Concentration
Ability for a player to maintain focus and direction within an environment of constant variation.
Concentric contraction
Occurs when the muscle shortens and tension is created in that muscle.
Concussion
Injury to the head caused by a sudden shake or impact. The brain collides with the wall of the skull.
Conditioned play
Restricting the rules of a game to force players to work on a certain area (one touch play encourages quick passing and heightens the need to support quickly).
Confidence
The level of belief in ones ability to successfully complete the tasks being asked of them.
Continual skill
No distinct beginning or end, i.e. cycling
Cool down (aka Warm down)
Final phase of exercise during which the rate of bodily activity is gradually decreased.
Corner arc
A quarter-circle with a radius of 1 yard located at each of the 4 corners of the field.
Corner flag
The flag located at each of the 4 corners of the playing field. Must be at least 5 foot in height, with a non-pointed top. Some pitches also have corner flags at the halfway line.
Corner kick
A direct free kick taken by the attacking team from inside the one yard quadrant at the corner of the playing field.
Courage
Spirit and attitude that enables a player to attempt to get ball or challenge in situations where they could get hurt or experience pain.
Covering player
Player reading the situation and offering either support or balance to team mates.
Cramp
Sudden, painful, involuntary spasm of a muscle, that usually occurs due to excessive use. Pain eases once the affected area has been stretched.
Creativity
Ability for a player to perform the unexpected and generate openings.
Criticism
Is the often repeated damaging action of condemning or showing public disapproval of a person (s) attempts at success. Constructive criticism will highlight the concerns and then offer possible solutions in a sensitive and understanding way.
Cross far post
Cross aimed towards the area of the goal furthest away from the side of the cross.
Cross field run
Movement with or without the ball across the field.
Cross near post
Cross aimed towards the area of the goal nearest to the side of the cross.
Cross, depth of
How ‘deep’ into the area a cross is delivered.
Cross-over
Movement between 2 or more players, with or without the ball, to gain an advantage (time, space, unsettle markers or organised units).
Crossbar
The horizontal beam that forms the top of a goal and is situated on top of the two posts. It is 24 feet in length, on a full size goal.
Crossing
The delivery of the ball from wide areas into the penalty area, to create a goal scoring opportunity.
Dangerous Play
When a player attempts a movement or motion that is considered by the referee to be dangerous to that player or others, such as trying to kick the ball out of the goalie's hands, even if no contact is made.
Dead leg
Occurs with impact. Muscle is crushed against the bone and some fibres are torn.
Deceleration
Reduction of speed to meet the needs of the situation.
Decision making ability
Ability to decide the better, correct or more appropriate option when faced with one or more choices.
Defending
Process of play when your team is not in possession of the ball and are attempting to stop the opposition from scoring.
Defending 3rd
The third of the pitch that is closest to your own goal. (Also see attacking and middle third).
Deflect
Goalkeeper deliberately deflects a goal bound shot away from their 6 yard box and into a safer area.
Deflection
Occurs when the balls path is altered due to hitting another player.
Dehydration
The abnormal fluid loss from the body.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DMOS)
Is a term used to describe the pain felt within a muscle or group of muscles, a day or two after strenuous exercise.
Determination
Intention and desire to be successful.
Diagonal run
A run of varying length that is angled diagonally.
Diet
The food consumed by an individual on a daily basis.
Disability
Is defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as ‘a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
Disclosure
The process where a child passes on information of possible harmful behaviour towards them or others. A disclosure will come from a child whereas adults may raise their concerns through reporting their suspicions or allegations of possible abuse.
Discreet skill
Has an identifiable beginning and end.
Disguise (also see Dummy)
Pretending to carry out one move to hide true intentions and gain advantage over an opponent.
Dislocation
Temporary displacement of a bone from its normal position within a joint.
Dissent
Answering or arguing back to a match official.
Distribution
Type and style of pass chosen by the goalkeeper. Can include rolling, throwing or kicking.
DR. ABC
Process to undertake when first approaching or assessing an injured individual. D – Danger, R – Response, A – Airways, B – Breathing, C – Circulation.
Dribbling
The ability for an attacker to take the ball around or past an opponent to gain an advantage.
Drop ball
A method of restarting a game where the referee drops the ball, usually between two opposing players. The ball must hit the ground before either can touch it.
Dumbbell
Short bar used during weight training exercises. Can be a set weight or be variable.
Dummy
Pretending to perform one technique when actually performing another.
Dynamic stretch
Stretching a desired muscle or muscle group by undergoing motion until it reaches its capable limit.
Eccentric Contraction
Occurs when the muscle is lengthening and there is still tension applied to that muscle.
Ectomorph
Body shape where the individual is long, lean, with narrow shoulders and hips, and have little body fat or muscles.
Elevate
To raise. When told to elevate an injured body part, that part should be raised above the level of the heart.
Emergency Aid
First aid given in an emergency, while medical personnel are on route.
Emotional Abuse
The persistent lack of love, affection or attention, or constantly threatening or undermining a child’s efforts.
Encroachment
When a member of the defending team is not the required distance from the ball at any dead ball situations. Persistent encroachment may result in a caution.
Endomorph
Body shape of individuals that are short, with wide hips and are of large proportions. They can gain weight easily and have a more rounded shape.
Endurance
Ability for the body to withstand stressful exercise and the onset of fatigue.
Every Child Matters
A recent development to ensure the well being of all children and young people. The aim of the Government is far every child to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.
Exercise
Activity that requires mental or physical exertion, with the desire to maintain or improve fitness.
Extension
The act of straightening a limb.
Eye wash
Solution used to dislodge or clean foreign objects from the eye region.
Far post
Term used to describe area of the goal furthest away from the player in possession.
Fartlek training
Similar to interval training, yet less structured and planned. It is based around alternating between high and low intensities of training.
Fast Twitch fibre
Fibres that take less time to shorten a given length. A high proportion of fast twitch fibres in the muscles allows the limb (or body) to move quicker and explosive.
Fat
Nutrient found in food. A certain amount is required in the diet, any extra is stored within the body as fatty deposits. Too much fat in the body leads to increase body weight and an increase in the risk of some diseases.
Fatigue
Tiredness of the muscles which have undergone physical exertion.
Favouritism
This may involve the obvious selection of certain children / players for certain responsibilities when there may be equally suited team members who are regularly ignored or over looked.
Feint to pass
Pretending to pass to trick or confuse a defender, thus gaining an advantage.
Feint to tackle
Pretending to tackle so that the player in possession feels added pressure and must therefore focus on ball and not options around them.
Fibre
Nutrient found in food. Required for an effective and efficient digestive system.
FIFA
(Federation Internationale de Football Association) Official governing body of international football, established in 1904.
Fine skill
Skill that involves one muscle for its execution.
First Aid
Treatment given to an injured individual until they are capable of seeking further medical assistance.
First Aid Kit
Bag or box that contains (at least) the basic essentials to help handle first aid and emergency aid situations.
First touch
Ability to get the ball under control and to a place of optimal playing potential within 1 touch of receiving.
Fitness training methods
Term given to be able to categorize and group all the different training methods, such as fartlek, interval and continuous.
Flank
Wide areas of the pitch. Usually between side of penalty area and touchline.
Flex
Movement to tighten a muscle through contraction.
Flexibility
The amount the bodies muscles can stretch without any harm caused.
Flexion
Bending a limb.
Flight of ball
Trajectory, angle and speed of ball while in the air.
Formation
Positional set of a team for tactical reasons.
Foul
Intentionally or accidentally breaking one of the laws of the game. Resulting in a free kick or penalty being awarded.
Fracture
Break in a bone can be; complete, greenstick, single, comminuted or open.
Free kick
Awarded when a team commits an offence against the Laws of the Game
Free play
Time during small sided games when the coach does not stop the session at all and allows the players to play.
Front of feet
Heels are off the floor so that the individual’s body weight is on the front of their feet, making moving easier and reaction time quicker.
Functional practice (FP)
Sessions that operate in a designated area of the pitch to increase realism and positional knowledge.
Game intelligence
The understanding of the game as a whole and not just individual and isolated areas.
Get set position
Position adopted by a goalkeeper so that they are ready for an attack on their goal or area.
Glycogen
One of the forms that the body stores energy. Stored in the liver and broken down into glucose when exercise is undertaken.
Goal
When the ball passes completely over the goal line and under cross bar. one goal is awarded for every time the ball legally crosses the line.
Goal area
The rectangular area 20 yards wide by 6 yards in front of each goal.
Goal kick
A type of restart where the ball is kicked from anywhere inside the goal area; awarded to the defending team when a ball that crossed the by-line was last touched by a player on the attacking team
Goal line
Line between the two goal posts.
Goal scoring opportunity
A situation where the attacking player has a better than average chance of scoring.
Goal side
Being closer to your goal than that attacker you are marking.
Greenstick fracture
Bone is fractured on one side only.
Gross skill
Skill that involves a group of muscles for its execution.
Guided discovery (style of communication)
The coach involves the player in their learning by guiding them through what they are required to do.
Half chance
A situation where the attacking player may have a less then average chance of scoring a goal.
Half turn
A body shape adopted so that the player can see as much of the pitch as possible and create a longer barrier to their opponent.
Half volley
Contact with the ball once it has hit the ground, and the ball is, usually, back on the rise.
Halftime
Period that separates the two halves of the match.
Hand ball
Occurs when any player (or the goalkeeper outside their area) deliberately handles the ball. A direct free kick is awarded if outside the penalty area, a penalty is awarded if it occurs inside the area.
Handling
Measure of a goal keepers ability to handle the ball.
Harassment
An action or comment that causes persistent offence to a person or group. An example of racial harassment would be racially motivated behaviour that causes distress or discomfort to people from ethnic minority communities.
Heading
Ability to use the head to send the ball to its desired destination.
Ice Pack (instant)
Ice pack that can become instantly cold so that it can be used as a cold compression for an injury to ease pain and reduce swelling.
Ice Spray (cooling spray)
Spray that is applied to joints to numb the area, so the pain is reduced.
Impede
See obstruction
Influence
Level of which you can control or manipulate what is happening around you.
Inside of foot
Surface on the inside of the foot.
Inside-to-outside
A run taking the player from a more central area to a wider area.
Instep
The upper surface of the foot. Where the laces of a boot are, therefore also known as laces.
Inswinging
A ball delivered into the goal area that bends towards the goal.
Interval training
Short, high-intensity exercise periods alternated with periods of rest.
Invasion sport
A sport that involves invading another teams area in the attempt to score.
Involvement
The level of participation made over the duration of the game.
Isokinetic Exercise
An individual exercise designed muscular strength, power and endurance by working against a resistance at a constant speed.
Isometric Exercise
Exercise that seeks to strengthen a desired muscle by using another muscle or a stable object as the resistance. The exercise is held in place and not moved. For example holding a press up 2 inches from the floor.
Isotonic Exercise
An individual exercise designed muscular strength, power and endurance by working against a resistance at variable speeds.
Jockey
Slowing players down, thus preventing from reaching their objective.
Joint
A place where two bones meet.
Joint Support
Specially designed support to add or increase stability to an injured or weak joint.
Jumping
Ability to leap vertically in the air, both challenged and unchallenged.
Key factors (KF)
A technique, skill or strategy broken down into manageable areas to make understanding and coaching easier.
Kick off
Manner by which a match is started or restart, after a goal or at the beginning of each half.
Kinesiology
The scientific study of analysing the interrelationship of physiological processes and the human body with respect to movement.
Lactic Acid
A liquid produced in muscles during prolonged exercise as the muscle contractions begin to weaken and the carbohydrates are only partially broken down. Too much can lead to soreness and cramp.
Laws of the Game
Name given to the official rules for soccer, it is the referees role to ensure none are broken during a match. Annually analysed and updated by FIFA.
Ligaments
Bands of tough fibres that connect bones or cartilage at a joint or organ.
Line of recovery
Route taken by a player to regain a goal side or advantageous defensive position.
Linesmen (also see assistant referee)
Officials found along the touchlines by both left backs. Their role is to assist the referee with controlling the game in accordance with the laws of the game.
Lofted pass
Pass stuck through the bottom half of the ball with the inside or outside of the foot, so that it the ball travels to its intended destination through the air.
Low drive
Pass stuck through the middle half of the ball with the instep (or laces) of the foot, so that it the ball travels to its intended destination along the ground.
Man marking
Defenders allocating themselves opposition player’s to mark continually until their team regains possession of the ball.
Marking
Position taken up my defenders to restrict the attackers options and space.
Mesomorph
Body shape of people with wide shoulders, narrow waist and a muscular build. They body forms a triangle shape.
Metabolic rate
Rate at which metabolism occurs.
Metabolism
Process where substances are broken down to extract energy.
Middle 3rd
Area of the third between a teams defending and attacking thirds.
Mono-unsaturated fat
A fat that is liquid at low temperatures. Often viewed as the ‘healthy’ fat.
Motivation
Direction and intensity of an individual’s effort.
Motor Fitness
Refers to factors such as agility, balance, reaction time, co-ordination, power and speed.
Mouth-to-Mouth (or Mouth-to-nose)
Process of one individual breathing for another when they are unconscious.
Multi stage fitness test (aka bleep test)
Test designed to measure an individual’s aerobic capacity.
Muscle
A tissue that is composed of cells and fibres. When a muscle contracts movement occurs.
Narrowing the angle
Attempt to limit the space available to the opponent. Mainly used by the goalkeeper when faced by an attacker, they attempt to reduce the amount of goal available to score in.
Near post
Term used to describe area of the goal closest to the player in possession.
Neglect
A situation where adults consistently or regularly fail to meet a child’s basic human needs (food, clothes, shelter) . These may be physical needs which may result in serious damage to long term development or psychological needs.
Non kicking foot (NKF)
Foot placed next to the ball and not being used during a pass or shot.
Notational analysis
The gathering and analysing of information that has been gained from observing an individuals or teams performance.
Nutmeg
The ball is played by the attacker, intentionally, through the legs of a defender.
Nutrition
The study of food and their benefits. Or. Consuming the correct dietary intake so all required nutrients are provided to the body.
Obstruction
When a defensive player, instead of going after the ball, uses his body to prevent an offensive player from playing it.
Offside
Occurs when an attacking player is closer to the goal than the defensive team’s 2nd last defender, (1 is usually the goalkeeper) and is actively involved with the play when the ball is played forward by another attacking player.
On toes (also see front of feet)
Heels are off the floor so that the individuals body weight is on the front of their feet, making moving easier and reaction time quicker.
One touch play
A passing sequence where each player only uses one touch to pass the ball onto the next player.
Open body shape
A body shape that allows the player to observe as much of the field as possible.
Open-skill
A skill that is affected by and dependant on the environment around them, so is very rarely the same.
Osgood-Schlatters
Injury caused by performing a kicking motion too often, especially in developing bodies (children). Injury occurs just below the knee where the tendons of the quadriceps meet the tibia.
Outside of foot
Surface of foot that is on the outer region.
Outside-to-inside
A run taking the player from a wider area to a more central area.
Outswinging
A ball delivered into the goal area that bends away from the goal.
Overlap
Movement where a supporting player runs around, or outside of, the player in possession to receive the ball.
Overload (weight training)
The moment of training that the muscle becomes fatigued.
Overload Principle
Using more weight than the muscles can take. By overloading the body rebuilds and adapts to be able to cope with a higher demand next time.
Overloading attackers
Session where the attackers have a numerical advantage.
Overloading defenders
Session where the defenders have a numerical advantage
Parent / Carers
Throughout the articles this term refers to parents, carers and legal guardians of the children we deal with.
Parry
A goalkeeper parries a shot when they block it but are unable to keep hold of it. The goalkeeper usually has little control over where the ball will end up.
Participation orientated
Individuals that undertake playing football for enjoyment and social reasons.
Pass back
Pass from a defender back to their goalkeeper.
Pass back law
Rule to stop goalkeepers from using their hands when a ball has been passed back to them by a team mate who used their feet.
Passing, longer
Ability to deliver the ball to a team mate over a relatively longer distance.
Passing, short
Ability to deliver the ball to a team mate over a relatively short distance.
Penalty area
At each end of the soccer field two lines are drawn at right angles to the by-line, 18 yards from each goal post. Lines also extend into the field of play for a distance of 18 yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal post. It is within this area that the goalkeeper can handle the ball.
Penalty box arc
Arc on edge of penalty area to ensure all players are 10 yards from the penalty spot when a penalty kick is awarded.
Penalty kick
Awarded to the attacking team when a foul is committed by the defending team within the 18 yard (penalty) area. One player allowed inside the area (the player taker) and they have a strike at goal against the goalkeeper.
Penalty spot
Place from where a penalty kick must be taken. It is located 12 yards from the goal.
Performance orientated
Coaching approach that focuses on a player’s or teams ability to successfully perform in a match situation.
Petroleum Jelly
Colourless, semisolid that can be used as ‘second skin’ to protect a sensitive area (blisters) or reduce bleeding at open wounds.
Phase of play (POP)
Sessions performed using the full width of the pitch and 2/3 of its length, so that complete units and positional / tactical exercises can be focussed upon.
Physical Abuse
The action of pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any type of violent action (including poisoning and drowning) towards another person.
Physical Contact
This relates to the movement of a player manually to position them to perform the technique properly and safely. This may in some cases be required for very young players who cannot yet conceptualise the technique, it is good practice for the coach to inform the parent / carers of the possibility and always be carried out in public with witnesses present and aware of the situation.
Physical fitness
The capability of the heart, lungs, muscles and blood vessels to work at optimal efficiency.
Physio (physiotherapist)
Individual trained to deal with injuries when they occur and aid in the rehabilitation process.
Physiology
A branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved. Planes of movement (anatomical planes): Axis which are used to describe an anatomical motion.
Plasters
Used to cover a small, open wound to stop bleeding and prevent infection.
Plyometric exercise
Exercises that use explosive movements to develop muscle strength.
Poly-unsaturated
A fat that is liquid at low temperatures. Healthier for the body than saturated but not a healthy as mono-unsaturated.
Poor Practice
These are any actions that adults or children take that fail to meet with the philosophy of best practice or child protection.
Positioning
A players’ ability to take up an appropriate position when team is attacking and defending.
Positions
Players adopting responsibilities for areas of the field and/or opposition player’s. The player’s in these positions are responsible for aiding with both the defensive and attacking sides of their teams performance.
Possession
Length of time a team keeps hold of the ball for.
Power
Strength multiplied by speed. It is the ability to perform the same number of reps of a given exercise within a shorter time frame.
Praise
Expressing approval and admiration towards someone.
Present surface
Surface that is used to control the ball.
Pressing (in football)
Restricting the opponents time and space on the ball.
Pressing (in weight training)
Movements that involve pushing the weight away from the body.
Pressurising player
Closest defender to the player in possession.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Stretching conducted with the help of another individual who resists the stretch.
Protein
Nutrient found in foods. Required by the body to fight infection and rebuild muscles and organs after exercise, illness or injury.
Psychology
Branch of science focussed on the mental processes and behaviour.
Pulling (in weights)
Movements that involve pulling the weight closer to the body.
Push pass
Pass made using the inside of the foot.
Pyramid training
A form of weight training where the individual begins with lifting lighter weights for more repetitions then progressing to heavier weights but decreasing the amount of repetitions each time. Until they reach their max 1 repetition lift.
Question & answer (style of communication)
The coach asks questions to the players until they have achieved the correct answer on their own.
Recovery position (coaching)
Positions of optimum advantage to the defending team.
Recovery position (injuries)
The position badly injured and unconscious individuals are placed in while medical assistance in on route.
Recovery run
Run made by a player to regain a goal side or advantageous defensive position.
Red card
Awarded to a player when either a) they have received 2 yellow cards, or b) they commit a serious breach of the laws of the game. When a red card is shown to a player they can take no further part in the match. A substitute can not be introduced to replace them.
Referee
Enforces the laws of the game and is in overall control of the game.
Reflexes
Time taken to respond to a situation.
Rehabilitation
Programme to undertake to restore an injured body part back to fully healed and functional state.
Repetition (number of)
The amount of repetitions to be completed consecutively, in order to complete a set.
Repetition (single)
The completion of one exercise or lift.
Respect
The key principle on which the football club should be run. The principle by which a club values all its members, parent / carers, opposition, officials etc and takes measures to ensure that all are treated equally and fairly.
Restrictions (Small sided game)
Restraints placed on players freedom so that the game focuses on one particular technique/s.
Resuscitation
Procedure used to revive an unconscious and non-breathing individual.
Reverse ball
A disguised ball that is played backwards or sideways.
RICE
Process to handle a minor injury. R - rest, I – ice, C – compression, E - elevation
Run with the ball
Technique of moving the ball.
Rupture
When a ligament or tendon (can also be a muscle or organ) breaks or bursts.
SALTAPS
Process to asses the extent of an injury to a limb.
Saturated fat
Solid at low temperatures. The ‘bad’ fat. Too much in the body can lead to health issues.
Save
Occurs when the goalkeeper blocks or stops a ball from entering into the net.
Scouting
Observing a players or team’s performance to be better informed about their strengths and weaknesses.
Second 6 yard box
Area similar to the 6 yard box but which begins 3 or 4 yards from the goal line and finishes almost by the penalty spot.
Serial skill
Series of discreet skills.
Set (in football)
Placing the ball to the optimum benefit of a team mate.
Set (in weight training)
Group of repetitions.
Set pieces:
A dead ball situation, corner/ throw on/ free kick, where the team in possession can perform a rehearsed or pre-planned practice.
Sexism
The systematic discrimination against one sex (usually by the other).
Sexual Abuse
Adults or other young people using children to meet their own sexual needs.
Sexually Suggestive
Often seen as humour when sexually suggestive behaviour is directed towards a person. It is offensive because it demeans him or her on the basis of his or her sex, or because it involves inappropriate and unwelcome sexual advances. Such behaviour can range from innuendo or lewd, objectionable comments to serious sexual offences. It can be physical, written, or spoken or the displaying sexually explicit material or pornography.
Shadow play
Unopposed session where plays are walked through their positional and tactical responsibilities as the ball moves.
Shinguards (aka Shinpads)
Pads that strap onto a player's lower leg or slip onto a player’s sock, to provide protection to the shins (fronts of the lower leg).
Shooting through someone
A shot that is taken to surprise the goalkeeper as they may be unsighted. The shot usually goes through the legs of a defender and may take a deflection on route to goal.
Shot off target
A shot that would not end up in the goal if no other external force interacts with it. The goal frame counts as off target.
Shot on target
A shot that would end up inside the goal if no other external force stops it.
Shot stopping
Usually associated with a goalkeeper’s ability to block shots at goal.
Shuttles
Travelling to and from as desired target(s), a determined number of times.
Side step
Movement to one side to avoid a tackle, create space or allow the defender (or goalkeeper) a better sight of the ball in a crowded area.
Single fracture
A fracture where the bone has been broken in only one place.
Skeleton
Collection of bones that provides the framework for the muscles to attach, to create the body. Also acts as protection for the organs.
Skill
Performance of a technique in a competitive environment.
Skipping
Form of movement where the arms are swung and height is gained. Looks like bouncing off alternate feet.
Slow Twitch fibres
Fibres in muscles that take longer to shorten a given distance. Employed more in longer, slower movements than explosive ones.
Small sided game (SSG)
Match situation where the number of players are less than 11-a-side and the pitch size is smaller than that of a full pitch.
Sociology
Study of human behaviour. Sports sociology looks at human behaviour in sporting situations.
Space, creating
Can be achieved individually and collectively, and involved removing players from areas so that someone else can gain an advantage.
Space, exploiting
The optimum use of the space created.
Speed
Level of top speed.
Splint
Thin, rigid material that is used to stabilize and support a broken bone, or to keep a body part in a fixed position.
Sports scientist
An individual who aids the performance of sports people by applying knowledge and techniques adapted from all the aspects of conventional science.
Spotting
Safety technique that is employed during free-weight based exercises. The spotter is there to give support and assistance should the performer require it.
Sprain
Painful laceration of a ligament or muscle due to over stretching.
Square, pass
Pass played that neither goes forward or backwards.
Stamina
Physical ability to withstand the onset of fatigue.
Starting position (exercise)
Position from where the exercise begins, and where it must be returned to for one repetition to be considered complete.
Starting position (goalkeeper)
The positioning of the goalkeeper to best deal with the situation they are in.
Static Stretch
Sitting or standing in a stationary position while performing slow and sustained movement that progressively places the muscles into its fully lengthened position.
Sterile
A product (wipe, plaster etc) that is free from living germs or micro organisms, therefore perfect for cleaning an open wound.
Strain
Painful laceration of a ligament or muscle due to over stretching.
Strength
Physical attribute.
Stretching
The process of extending muscles to a longer length in preparation for exercise or activity. Type of stretching can be static, dynamic or PNF.
Super-set
2 types commonly used; 1 – Exercises for same body part but concentrating on different muscles. 2 – Using several exercises for same body part with limited (if any) rest in between.
Support
Positions taken up by team mates to help the player in possession.
Supporting player
Defending player closest to the pressuring player or the attacking player closest to the player in possession.
Switch
Changing the emphasis of attack by switching the play from one side of the pitch to the other.
Tackling
Ability to challenge an opponent in order to recover possession
Take
Attacking movement that requires one player taking the ball from a team mate who is moving in the opposite direction.
Team
Collection of individuals with a collective common goal.
Tear
The pulling apart of fibres so that the muscle or ligament is weakened. Can also be a complete tear, where the muscle/ligament is then unusable until healed.
Technique
Performing a skill unopposed.
Tendons
Tough, flexible connective tissue that connects the muscles to bones.
Threatening the back of the defender
Movement by a player into the space behind an opponent to force a reaction.
Throw in
A process to restart play when the ball has gone over the touchline.
Timing of pass
Timing the release of a pass to gain maximum advantage.
Timing of run
Timing a run to gain maximum advantage.
Total fitness
Includes physical, nutritional, mental, emotional, medical and social fitness – to meet the demands required of the situation, with some in reserve if required.
Touch tight
Being within arms reach of the attacker so that pressure can be applied.
Touchline
Longer boundary lines that run down the side of the pitch.
Tracking
Staying close to an opponent would is moving into a position to receive a pass.
Training frequency
The number of training sessions undertaken within a seven-day period.
Training programme
A pre-determined schedule of exercises designed to progressively improve an aspect of an individuals’ fitness.
Training to Failure
Performing repetitions until the muscles are physically unable to lift anymore.
Turning
Can be performed with or without the ball and is the process of shifting the body so it is facing the opposite direction to what it previously was.
Unsaturated fat
Fat that is liquid at room temperature. Healthier than saturated fat. Unsaturated fat comes in two forms; mono- unsaturated and poly- unsaturated.
Upper body strength
Ability to use the upper body to hold off challenges from a defender.
Vision
Ability to see the movement of team mates.
VO2 max
The maximum amount of oxygen that an individuals lungs can consume during exercise.
Volley
Making contact with the ball, using the feet, before the ball hits the ground.
Vulnerable
This refers to a child under 18 who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. They may or may not be in care due to a disability, mental illness, age or inability to care for themselves. They may be emotionally vulnerable due to their present circumstances which presents them as a possible target for exploitation by others.
Wall pass (aka 1-2)
Playing a pass to a team mate and moving into a position to receive an immediate pass back, usually occurs around an opponent and with one touch passing.
Warm up
The preparation for physical activity. To prepare the body physically and mentally for what will be undertaken.
Weaker foot
Ability of weaker foot compared to that of the more dominant one.
Weight of pass
Power or speed the pass is played with.
Work rate
Level of effort sustained over the duration of a game.
Wound
An injury to tissues caused by impact with a foreign object.
Yellow card
Is awarded to a player as a punishment for a cautionable offence. Two yellow cards received in one game results in a red card.
Zonal marking
Defenders and responsible for an area or region of the field instead of an individual player.
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