The World Cup kicks off today!

Here are some more tips for your football vocabulary!

To kick To hit something, or somebody, with your foot. In football, the players kick the ball. To shoot To kick the ball towards the net at one end of the pitch (the goal) in an attempt to score a goal. The kick-off The first kick of the game when two players from the same team in the centre circle play the ball and start the match. Also the first kick after half-time or after a goal has been scored. A goal-kick A kick taken from the 6-yard line by the defending team after the ball has been put over the goal line by the attacking team. A free-kick The kick awarded to a team by the referee after a foul has been committed against it. A penalty A free shot at goal from 12 yards (11 metres or the penalty spot) awarded by the referee to a team after a foul has been committed in the penalty area A corner A kick from the corner flag awarded to the attacking team when the ball has crossed the goal-line (or byline) after last being touched by a player of the defending team. A throw-in A throw is taken from the sideline (or touchline) after the ball has gone out of play. The only time a player can handle the ball without committing a foul. A pass A kick of the ball from one player to another. Can also be used as a verb, e.g. the defender passed the ball to the midfielder. A cross A pass from the side of the pitch into the penalty area in an attempt to find an attacker and score a goal. Can also be used as a verb, e.g. the defender crossed the ball into the penalty area. A one-two A passing move in which player 1 passes the football to player 2, who immediately passes it back to player 1. Aheader The "shot" that occurs when a player touches and guides the ball with his or her head. A backheel A kick where the ball is hit with the heel (or the back) of the foot. To volley To kick a moving ball from the air before it hits the ground. A clearance A defensive kick that is intended to put the ball out of danger.

Now, all you have to do is cheer for your team! :-)