What does goal-side mean in soccer?
Goal-side in soccer means standing between an attacker and your own goal. A defender who is goal-side is in the way of the shot and of the run, and can step forward to win the ball.
Other names: goal side, goalside.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Goal-Side: diagram
How to get goal-side
- When your team loses the ball, run toward your own goal first, not toward the ball.
- Get between your opponent and the goal, then turn to face the play.
- Stay a step toward the middle of the field, where the danger is greatest.
- From there, move forward to challenge when the ball comes to your opponent.
Common mistakes
- Chasing the ball from behind the attacker instead of getting between them and the goal.
- Standing level with the attacker and losing a race to the ball.
- Dropping so deep that the attacker can receive and turn with no pressure.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
It is the first defending habit in 7v7 and futsal: stay between the ball and your goal. In 9v9 and 11v11 the whole back line gets goal-side together and shifts across as the ball moves.
Questions about the goal-side
Why do coaches shout “goal-side”?
To remind a defender to get between their opponent and the goal. It is the safest place to defend from.
What is the opposite of goal-side?
Being ball-side or on the wrong side: the attacker is closer to your goal than you are.
Do attackers need to know goal-side?
Yes. When the ball is lost, every player becomes a defender, and the first job is to get back between the ball and the goal.
Lessons that teach it
- Stay Between the Ball and Goal (7v7 lesson)Move with the attacker while keeping yourself between the ball and your goal.
- Lost It? Protect the Middle (7v7 lesson)After losing the ball, protect a route to goal; approach when a teammate can cover.
- Delay and Cover (Futsal lesson)One defender approaches under control while a teammate protects the dangerous pass.
- Lose It: Recover or Approach (9v9 lesson)Recover toward goal when pressure cannot arrive; approach when cover is ready.
Related soccer terms
- MarkStaying close to an opponent, between them and your goal, so they cannot receive the ball easily.
- PressRunning to close down the player with the ball so they have less time, while a teammate covers behind.
- TackleUsing your foot to take the ball away from an opponent.
- CounterattackA fast attack straight after winning the ball, before the other team can get back into shape.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.