Offside is easier to learn when you separate two questions: where was the attacker when a teammate played the ball, and did she then become involved? This is an introduction to the standard law, with original STAR examples. Youth formats can have different arrangements, so check the competition rules before applying it to a particular age group.
Position alone is not an offence
In the standard law, an attacker is in an offside position if a playable part of her head, body or feet is in the opponents’ half and nearer their goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. Hands and arms do not count. Being level is onside.
Position alone does not mean a whistle. The attacker must become involved, for example by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent. It is not always enough to say that she did not touch it.
Freeze the picture when the pass is played
Example: a midfielder prepares a through pass. The striker starts level with the second-last opponent, then accelerates beyond her after the ball is played. Receiving it behind the defence does not make that run offside.
Now reverse the timing. The striker starts beyond the offside line before the pass is played and comes back to collect it. Returning towards the ball does not erase her earlier position if she becomes involved in that phase.
Why counting defenders can be misleading
The law refers to opponents, including the goalkeeper, rather than requiring a particular number of outfield defenders. A keeper may have moved upfield. Remember the ball’s position too: an attacker level with or behind it is not in an offside position.
For a simple practice, use markers for the goalkeeper and another opponent. Move the goalkeeper away and ask which opponent now determines the line. Keep the task about reading the arrangement rather than memorising shirt numbers.
Three direct-receipt exceptions
There is no offside offence when receiving directly from a throw-in, goal kick or corner kick. A later teammate’s touch creates a new moment to assess. Free kicks do not share this exemption.
Example: a player receives a throw-in beyond the defenders and passes to a teammate. Judge that teammate’s position at the new pass; the whole attack is not permanently exempt.
Deflections and involvement need care
A rebound or deflection does not automatically reset offside. An opponent’s deliberate play is treated differently, with deliberate saves an exception. These judgements have detailed conditions in IFAB Law 11.
For players, the useful habit is to keep playing until the whistle and leave the decision to the officials. From the sideline, avoid teaching that any defender’s touch makes a player onside. A short introductory guide cannot cover every unusual incident.
Practise the timing without an argument
Use a passer, runner and a marked defensive line. Begin with walking movements and pause as the passer contacts the ball. Ask the runner to check her starting position, then try a curved or delayed run.
Progress to a defender who can move. The runner needs to watch both the passer and the line. Celebrate good timing even if the eventual pass is inaccurate; the two actions can be reviewed separately.
Common questions
Can she be offside in her own half? Not under the standard position definition. Does running past the defender always mean offside? No: timing and the ball’s position matter. Does being far from the ball guarantee she cannot offend? No: involvement can include interference.
Does every children’s match use offside? Check the actual format and league. Teach the rule that applies to her match and introduce the wider law gradually, without making a beginner afraid to run forwards.
FROM READING TO PLAYING
Something to try
Lay out a small pitch using counters or cones. Create three moments: a well-timed run, an early run and direct receipt from a throw-in. Ask the player to explain which moment matters before moving into a gentle passing practice.
Take it into your football
- Judge position when a teammate plays the ball.
- An offside position and an offside offence are different.
- Check youth competition rules and respect the officials.
Further reading
Explore related guidance from these primary sources. Practice examples and suggested conversations on this page are STAR’s own guidance.
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