Offside Explained: Learn to Watch the Pass, Then the Runner

A forward races toward goal, receives a pass, and scores. Then the flag goes up.

To understand the decision, rewind to the pass. Looking only at where the scorer finished will not tell you enough.

Begin with position

For a pass played with the foot, judge position at the first instant the teammate contacts the ball. An attacker is in an offside position if any part of their head, body, or feet is in the opponents' half and nearer the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. Hands and arms do not count; level is onside.

Count opponents, including the goalkeeper. Position becomes an offense only through involvement in play. A goalkeeper's throw uses a different timing point: the last contact as the ball is released. IFAB's offside law sets out the conditions.

Three situations to watch

A well-timed run: level with the second-last opponent at the pass, beyond them when receiving it. Onside.

An early run: in an offside position at the teammate's pass, then receiving it. Offside.

An uninvolved attacker: standing in an offside position without playing the ball or affecting an opponent. No offense. The same offside law explains involvement.

Touching the ball is not the only kind of involvement

An offside-positioned player can affect an opponent without touching the ball, for example by clearly blocking the goalkeeper's view or challenging an opponent for it. The effect of the action matters.

You may also see an assistant wait before raising the flag during a close decision with a clear scoring opportunity. That delay allows the attacking action to finish before the decision is resolved. It does not mean offside has been ignored. The Premier League's officiating guidance explains interference and delayed flags.

Practice with a replay

On your next replay of a kicked pass, pause at the first instant the teammate's foot touches the ball. Find the ball, the runner, and the two opponents closest to their goal line. Make a prediction, then watch the whole sequence.

You will sometimes need a better camera angle. Give yourself permission to say you cannot tell from the picture.

There is no offside offense when receiving directly from a throw-in, goal kick, or corner. IFAB lists these exceptions.

Choose one example to remember, rather than trying to master every unusual situation. After a few matches, following the pass and the runner will feel much more natural.