Football rules
What is offside?
Offside is one of the most confusing rules for new fans. Use the picture below, then ask FootyPlain anything about offside during a match.
An attacker is offside if they are nearer the goal than the ball and the second-last defender when a teammate plays the ball.
Learn in 3 steps
Where is the ball?
Offside only matters when a teammate plays the ball toward the opponent’s goal — not on throw-ins, corners, or goal kicks.
Count the defenders
Find the second-last defender (usually the last outfield player before the goalkeeper). The attacker must not be past that line when the ball is played.
Are they involved?
If the player is offside but does not touch the ball or affect the play, the referee may let the game continue.
For teachers & parents
Show the diagram first, then read the three steps aloud. Ask kids: “Is the yellow player past the blue defender?” Finish with a live match moment on FootyPlain’s live companion.
Tip: turn on child-friendly mode in chat settings for simpler words and picture-style answers.