Football School

Rules

What is offside?

Offside isn't about where you stand — it's about when the ball is played.

Rules

What is handball?

Handball isn't just 'ball hit hand' — arm position matters.

Rules

When does a player get a yellow card?

Yellow cards punish recklessness — not every foul earns one.

Rules

When does a player get a red card?

A red card changes the entire match — and often the next one too.

Rules

What counts as a foul?

Not all contact is a foul — intent and force decide it.

Rules

Why are two-footed tackles so dangerous?

Winning the ball doesn't excuse a dangerous two-footed tackle.

Rules

Can the goalkeeper handle the ball outside the box?

Goalkeeper hands only work inside the penalty area.

Rules

What are the throw-in rules?

A legal throw-in needs two hands, two feet, and both over the head.

Rules

What is an indirect free kick?

One arm up means the ball needs a second touch to score.

Rules

What is the advantage rule?

Advantage keeps the game flowing when the fouled team benefits.

Rules

Why can't defenders pass back to the keeper to pick up?

Deliberate backpasses mean the keeper can't use their hands.

Rules

What happens inside the penalty area?

Inside the box, defensive fouls become penalties.

VAR & reviews

Why did VAR intervene?

VAR only steps in for clear errors on big decisions.

VAR & reviews

Why was that goal disallowed?

VAR can cancel a goal for an offence you missed in the buildup.

VAR & reviews

Why wasn't that a penalty?

No penalty doesn't mean no contact — it means no clear offence.

VAR & reviews

How does VAR check offside?

VAR offside is measured to the millimetre at the pass.

VAR & reviews

How does VAR review handball?

VAR handball checks arm position, not just ball contact.

VAR & reviews

Can VAR upgrade a tackle to a red card?

VAR can turn a yellow into a red after a monitor review.

VAR & reviews

How does goal-line technology work?

Goal-line tech knows if the whole ball crossed — instantly.

VAR & reviews

What does 'clear and obvious' mean in VAR?

VAR doesn't fix close calls — only clear mistakes.

VAR & reviews

How does VAR check penalty decisions?

VAR penalty checks look at location and contact — not just the fall.

VAR & reviews

Why do VAR decisions take so long?

VAR delays come from getting the big call right — not from replays alone.

Tactics

What is a false nine?

A false nine drops deep to pull defenders out of shape.

Tactics

What is pressing?

Pressing wins the ball back before the opponent can breathe.

Tactics

What is the 4-3-3 formation?

4-3-3 is the modern default — width up top, three in the middle.

Tactics

What is the 4-4-2 formation?

4-4-2 is classic — two up front, but often outnumbered in midfield.

Tactics

What is a counter-attack?

Counter-attacks punish teams before they can recover their shape.

Tactics

What is a high defensive line?

A high line squeezes the pitch — but speed in behind kills it.

Tactics

What is a low block?

A low block trades space for density — hard to break down.

Tactics

What is gegenpressing?

Gegenpressing wins the ball back the second you lose it.

Tactics

What is an inverted winger?

Inverted wingers cut inside — full-backs provide the width.

Tactics

What does a wing-back do?

Wing-backs are defenders who run like wingers — all game long.

Tactics

What is a target man striker?

Target men hold the ball up and bring the team forward.

Tactics

What is tiki-taka?

Tiki-taka passes opponents into exhaustion — then strikes.

Stats

What is xG?

xG tells you the quality of chances — not just the scoreline.

Stats

What is PPDA?

Low PPDA = intense pressing. High PPDA = letting them pass.

Stats

Does possession percentage matter?

Possession doesn't win games — what you do with it does.

Stats

What does pass completion rate tell us?

High pass completion isn't always good — it depends what passes you attempt.

Stats

What are expected assists (xA)?

xA rewards the pass before the finish — not just the assist.

Stats

What do player heat maps show?

Heat maps show where players spend their time — not what they do there.

Match play

Why do teams waste time?

Time wasting is cynical — but winning teams have every incentive to do it.

Match play

How is stoppage time calculated?

Stoppage time now accounts for every goal, sub, and VAR check.

Match play

What is a concussion substitute?

Concussion subs protect players — no team should rush a head injury.

Match play

How do substitutions work?

Five subs in three windows — modern football rotates more than ever.

Match play

Why are set pieces so important?

A third of goals come from set pieces — rehearsed routines win tight games.

Match play

How do penalty shootouts work?

Penalty shootouts are nerve games — five each, then sudden death.

Match play

When does extra time happen?

Extra time is 30 minutes to avoid penalties — or not.

Match play

What is the offside trap?

The offside trap — step up together or pay the price.

Match play

Why do players feign injury?

Feigning injury is cheating — but the rewards keep players trying.

Match play

What does the captain do?

The captain is the only player who can talk to the referee.