Ball control and technique:

Inside touch: A player uses the space on the inside of the foot between the big toe and the heel to turn or dribble the ball across the body. Used for tight controlled left and right movement close to the body.

Outside touch: A player uses the space on the outside of the foot between the pinky toe and the heel to touch the ball left or right away from the body. This is used for explosive movement into space typically as the last part of a move against an opponent.

Sole touch: A player uses the bottom of their foot to control the ball with a rolling motion and release. This is used for the tightest most controlled movement but comes with the loss of overall speed of movement. Best used in real tight spaces.

Laces touch: A Player uses the top of the foot commonly where the laces are to push the ball forward. This is best utilized to dribble in a straight line with speed.

Pass: A player uses what we describe as the "Fat part" of the inside of the foot between the heel and toe box to strike the ball intentionally to a team mate that is ready to receive the ball. This is the most accurate and reliable way to distribute the ball to a team mate.

Lay off: A player uses an available part of the foot to push the ball into the path of a team mate running by them.

Shoot: A player strikes the ball with their laces with the intention of scoring a goal.

Finish: A player uses any part of the body to score a goal,

Field Positioning:

Offensive/Attacking third: The part of the field in which we can engage in attacking the goal. This space can grow and shrink depending on where the ball is and the type of attack happening.

Midfield: The possession part of the field where the ball, this is also called the transition zone as it is crucial in launching a successful attack or defense.

Defensive third: The opposite of the attacking third and matches it in scope and size for the defending team. This space grows or shrinks depending on where the ball is and the type of attack coming in.

Near side: The area from the middle line of the field to the sideline of the side where the ball is located.

Far side: The area from the middle line of the field to the sideline of the opposite side of where the ball is located.

Near post: The goal post on the same side of the field as the ball.

Far post: The goal post on the opposite side of the field as the ball.

The 18: This is a common reference to the large box around the goal, which on the full field is 18 yards from end line to line. This is used for all field sizes when referencing the area that a keeper can use their hands.

Channels\Lanes: These are as described and they run from a starting point to an end point. They change the directions of travel based on how they are used. There can be passing lanes, channels players will work their position from and channels that will be primary defensive responsibilities of players as well as many other uses. These are the primary terms used for any length of field that is narrow and long with a specific reason for existing and being used.

Tactics (note that "Spread out" is not added to the glossary):

Position: This is the general place a player will be in relation to the rest of the team. They are not restricted to this location at all times, but are generally responsible for fufilling the job requirements of the position they have been assigned.

Formation: This is the considered lineup, it is comprised of 3 lines, Defense, midfield and offense. Stated in that order. The goalie is assumed so it is not considered when talking about your formation. This does not mean a player is restricted to their position in a formation, but it is the basis to describe what our positional roles are on the field.

Shape: This is a general term that is used to define the general spacing players should maintain in regards to both their position and which third they are in and whether they are on offense or defense.

Getting open\Finding Space: This involves find a lane that is achievable by the team mate with a ball to pass the ball so it can be received. At younger ages this is typically achieved by finding a lane that is both a connectable distance from and visible to the team mate with the ball.

Make a run: This is the action of achieving getting open\finding space. Typically done with an explosion of speed to potentially escape a defender to create time to receive the ball from the pass. This in no way has to be forward towards the goal, and the majority of the time should not be if we have an aim to keep possession of the ball.

Transition: The act of switching quickly and in coordination with the rest of the team to either defense or offense. This should be done quickly. At the younger ages this will be done at the time of turn over of the ball. As they advance there will be periods of anticipation and balance that will determine how and when a player transitions.

Drop: Passing the ball backwards away from the attacking goal. This is a pass that can relieve pressure in the offensive or midfield third, and create lanes that can be taken advantage of as the defensive team has to press forward to get the ball.

Drop Back: This is an action where we do not step to the ball but rather drop back towards our own goal to either create space for possession or create time on defense for more players to get back during transition.