Futbol Island

7v7 lesson · Beginner

Which Line Matters?

In many 7v7 leagues (like AYSO), you can't be called offside until you pass the far build-out line. Past it, offside counts, so time your run.

What the coach says

  1. This is an AYSO example. In open play, the far build-out line changes where offside can apply.
  2. Our forward is between halfway and that line. In this area, the forward cannot be penalized for offside.
  3. Must the forward come behind halfway to receive?
  4. Keep a useful angle in this area. Our midfielders and defenders follow the attack.
  5. The pass reaches the forward legally in this AYSO example.
  6. Return the ball. This time the forward goes beyond the far line, ahead of the ball and the second-last opponent.
  7. Before the next pass, which move avoids an offside reception?
  8. Come back before the pass. The painted line does not make every position beyond it illegal; the ball and opponents matter too.
  9. The runner moved into a permitted position before the pass. Check the rules your competition uses for its offside boundary.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    Must the forward come behind halfway to receive?

    • No, receive ahead
    • Yes, come behind halfway

    Coach’s explanation: AYSO allows you to receive between halfway and the far build-out line, even beyond the second-last opponent.

  2. Question 2

    Before the next pass, which move avoids an offside reception?

    • Come back before the pass
    • Move farther ahead

    Coach’s explanation: The forward returns behind the second-last opponent before the teammate passes. The timing of the pass matters, not just where the run ends.

  3. Question 3

    Tap a spot where our forward cannot be called offside.

    • Between halfway and the far line
    • Past the far line, on the left
    • Past the far line, on the right

    Coach’s explanation: Between halfway and the far line, offside cannot apply.

  4. Question 4

    Put these moments in order, first to last.

    • First pass reaches the forward
    • Forward comes back before the next pass
    • Forward then runs past the line
    • Forward waits before the far line

    Coach’s explanation: First the forward waits short of the line, where offside cannot apply.

  5. Question 5

    Our right midfielder went past the far line. Where should they go?

    • Across the middle, still past the line
    • Back, short of the far line
    • Farther ahead toward goal

    Coach’s explanation: Short of the far line, offside cannot apply, so the pass is safe.

Play it on the island