What is the offside rule?

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So, what is the offside rule? It can seem to be very confusing at the best of times but we'll try and explain it for you.




(Image source: The Soccer Store)

What does the FA say?

IFAB Laws of the Game 2020-21

A player is in an offside position if:

  • Any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents’ half (excluding the halfway line) and any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent
  • The hands and arms of all players, including the goalkeepers, are not considered.

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A more basic explanation from The Soccer Store

They try to sum up the offside rule. Do they succeed?

  • Being offside occurs when a player goes behind the line of opposing defenders before the ball has been kicked to them.
  • Of course, there are a lot more elements to the rule, but that is a good place to start!

There are three conditions that must be met before a player is classed as offside, so it may be worth writing these down on a board:

  • The attacking player must be in the opponents’ half of the playing field.
  • The attacking player must be closer to the goal line than any defending player.
  • The attacking player must be ‘in play’ – so either playing the ball or interfering with the goalkeeper.

Still confused? Don't worry you're not the only one...

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