Last Updated on March 17, 2021 by
There are some popular metaphors, terms, and slang used more in standard soccer to describe strategy and tactics, such as a wall pass, or an overlap, or a through ball. And then there are some used more to describe the style of play, as the “Tiki Taka of Barcelona”. Also, in English soccer, a brace means when a player scores two goals. In this article, we have compiled a list of commonly used metaphors, terms, and slang in soccer. However, if there’s a term about soccer that we didn’t include in this list, please let us know!
Here is a summary of soccer / football metaphors, terms as well as slang used to refer to particular facets of the game as well as things that occur in football/soccer. Some terms tend to be more typical compared to others, while some are just used in a few countries. We’ll show you some of the various kinds of soccer or football metaphors and lingo that is used around the globe to refer to as well as discuss the gorgeous game of football.
| Popular Soccer Metaphors | Meaning |
| Advantage | If an offensive team still has the possession of the ball after one of its player is fouled, the referee allows the play to continue since the offensive team has a good attack going. |
| Back Heel | When a player hits the ball with his heels, either to score or to pass to his teammate who had made a run in behind him. |
| Closing down | When a team is trying to put pressure on an offensive player to make them lose the position of the ball. |
| Handbagging | When a game gets heated and players start fighting one another on the field, throwing soft slaps and punches, like old lady’s throwing their handbags. |
| Hospital ball | When a player receives a poor pass from his teammate that leads to an howler or error, or perhaps puts the player in danger of being hurt. |
| Build up | When a team decides to play possessive playing pattern from the back, in a way that the players play short passes from the defenders up to the forward, it is called a build up play. |
Popular Soccer Terms And Metaphor
Advantage
If an offensive team still has the possession of the ball after one of its player is fouled, the referee allows the play to continue since the offensive team has a good attack going. However, if the play is interrupted few seconds after the foul, the referee will then recall the foul.
Area Chica
It is the six yard box in front of the goal, the word “chica” is a Spanish word.
Back Heel
When a player hits the ball with his heels, either to score or to pass to his teammate who had made a run in behind him.
Ballon d’Or
It is a yearly award given to the best European footballer
Booking Or Booked
A player has been booked or has received booking when the referee decides to give him a yellow card. You would notice the referee writing something down in a small notebook. The notebook contains the name of players who have received yellow card in that game.
Brace
It is commonly used in English football, meaning that the player scores two goals
Build Up
When a team decides to play possessive playing pattern from the back, in a way that the players play short passes from the defenders up to the forward, it is called a build up play. It is a more methodical and slower way to play from the defense up to the attack, where the defenders make shorts passes to keep the possession of the ball.
Check
It’s a move by a player to ask for a pass from his teammate, where he makes a makes a run checking back to get the ball.
Chilena
It is a common Latin America word used in football to describe a bicycle kick or an over head kick.
Clasico
When two local rivals meets in a football game, it is called Clasico, a Spanish term.
Clean sheet
When an opposing team couldn’t score a goal throughout a match. It is a glory normally accredited to the defenders and the goalkeeper.
Closing Down
When a team is trying to put pressure on an offensive player to make them lose the position of the ball.
Capocannoniere
It is a nickname for the top scorer in the Italian professional football league.
Cover – supporting the player closing down an opponent (the second and third defenders who cover the first player to help win the ball)
Crack
Slang term often used in Spain for a soccer / football star; someone who has amazing talent, skills and potential in the game
Dead ball
A direct free kick
Derby
When a cross town rival meets in a football game.
Galáctico
A football or soccer star is normally described as a Galactico. For instance, when Real Madrid tried to sign some famous soccer superstars like Figo, Robinho, Zidane, Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Get Stuck In
When a team is trying to send a message during a tough game to the opposition with a no nonsense game play.
Goalaso
When an incredible goal on scored in Spanish football, the commentators say “Goalaso”.
Golden Goal
A goal scored in the extra time of a match which ends the game.
Half Volley
When a player strikes the ball just after it hits the ground.
Handbagging
When a game gets heated and players start fighting one another on the field, throwing soft slaps and punches, like old lady’s throwing their handbags.
Hat-Trick
It happens in football when a player scores three goals in one game
Header
When a player hits the ball with his head to score, pass, or clear out the ball.
Hospital Ball
When a player receives a poor pass from his teammate that leads to an howler or error, or perhaps puts the player in danger of being hurt.
Howler
It happens in football when a player makes a costly mistake that will costs his entire team. For instance, when a goalkeeper misjudges a shot that he should save
Closing Thoughts
We’ve come to the end of this informative article. We hope you were able to find resources in your quest to know some popular soccer metaphors. Please do not hesitate to contact us for questions or comments. Thanks!
