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Soccer Terminology | G - H - I

G

Goal

A ball that crosses the goal line between the goalposts and below the crossbar for which a point is awarded; also, the 8-foot high, 24-foot wide structure consisting of two posts, a crossbar and a net into which all goals are scored.

Goal area

The rectangular area 20 yards wide by 6 yards deep in front of each goal from which all goal kicks are taken; inside this area, it is illegal for opposing players to charge a goalie not holding the ball.

Goal kick

A type of restart where the ball is kicked from inside the goal area away from the goal; awarded to the defending team when a ball that crossed the goal line was last touched by a player on the attacking team.

Goal line

The field boundary running along its width at each end; also called the end line; runs right across the front of the goal; the line which a ball must completely cross for a goal to be scored.

Goalie

See Goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper

The player positioned directly in front of the goal who tries to prevent shots from getting into the net behind him; the only player allowed to use his hands and arms, though only within the penalty area.

Goalmouth

The front opening to each goal.

Goalposts

The two vertical beams located 24 feet apart which extend 8 feet high to form the sides of a goal and support the crossbar.

H

Hacking

Kicking an opponent's legs.

Halfback

See Midfielder.

Halftime

The intermission between the 2 periods or halves of a game.

Halves

See Periods.

Hand ball

A foul where a player touches the ball with his hand or arm; the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick.

Hat trick

3 or more goals scored in a game by a single player.

Header

The striking of a ball in the air by a player's head.

Hook

The curved trajectory of a ball due to spin imparted on it by a kicker, such as in a banana kick.

I

IFAB

International Football Association Board - the organization consisting of 4 British soccer organizations and FIFA that approves all changes in the official international rules of soccer called the 17 Laws.

In bounds

When a ball is within the boundaries of the field, having not completely crossed a sideline or goal line.

In play

When a ball is within the boundaries of the field and play has not been stopped by the referee.

Indirect free kick

A kick awarded to a player for a less-serious foul committed by the opposition; the player kicks a stationary ball without any opposing players within 10 yards of him; a goal can only be scored on this kick after the ball has touched another player.

Injury time

Time added to the end of any period according to the referee's judgment of time lost due to player injuries or intentional stalling by a team.

Instep drive

A straight shot taken with the instep of a player's foot; usually the most powerful and accurate of shots.

Intermission

The 5-minute rest period between periods of a game.