Offside explained for parents
Offside in soccer is called when an attacker is beyond both the ball and the second-to-last defender at the moment a teammate plays the ball forward to them; it applies from U11 upward in US youth soccer and does not exist in U6-U10 formats.
The three parts of offside
- Position: An attacker is in an offside position if they are past both the ball and the second-to-last defender in the opponent's half.
- Moment: The position is judged when the ball is played by a teammate, not when the attacker receives it.
- Involvement: The whistle only blows if the player then touches the ball, blocks a defender, or gains an advantage.
When offside does NOT apply
- Any 4v4 or 7v7 youth match (U6-U10).
- When the attacker is in their own half.
- On a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick.
- When the ball comes off a defender's deliberate play (in most interpretations).
Common examples
Onside: Attacker sprints past the defender AFTER the ball is played. Onside because position is judged at the moment of the pass.
Offside: Attacker is already 5 yards past the last defender when the midfielder plays the ball forward. Even a great run is offside.
Passive offside: Attacker stands 10 yards past the defender but doesn't touch the ball and doesn't block anyone. No whistle.
Frequently asked questions
What is offside in soccer, in simple terms?+
A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball AND the second-to-last defender (usually the last defender plus the goalkeeper) at the moment a teammate passes the ball to them.
Can you be offside in your own half?+
No. A player cannot be offside in their own half of the field.
Can you be offside from a throw-in?+
No. There is no offside from a throw-in, a corner kick, or a goal kick.
At what age does offside apply in youth soccer?+
US Soccer applies offside from U11 (9v9) upward. In U6-U10 formats (4v4 and 7v7), offside is not called - the build-out line replaces it in 7v7.
Is it offside if you receive the ball level with the defender?+
No. Being exactly level with the second-to-last defender is onside. Offside requires the attacker to be beyond the defender.
What is passive offside?+
A player in an offside position is not penalized unless they become involved in play by touching the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage from the position.