English Football Phrases Explained: From 'Brace' to 'Row Z'

A Beginner’s Guide to Key English Football Phrases

Football jargon can be a very niche language to understand, as us English football fans commonly refer to these phrases when talking about the beautiful game. Some are very straightforward to understand, whereas others can prove to be more difficult to grasp. This article will take you through some of the sports lexical and explain what these terms actually mean.

Against the run of play

An idiom that is used when a team scores a goal, but they haven’t been the side dominating the game. It’s usually said when the first goal of the game has been scored, as the other club in control of the game are yet to capitalise on their dominance.

Back of the net

A phrase commonly used amongst commentators and football fans alike is the term ‘back of the net’. One of the easier phrases on this list to understand, as it simply means that a goal has been scored.

Brace

A definition that isn’t as self-explanatory as the last one, as the expression is used when a player has scored two goals in the same game. To get a deeper understanding of a 'brace' make sure to check out our article for a detailed analysis.

Can they do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?

Arguably the most English football phrase on this list. The idiom came about in the 2010s and questions a player’s ability to perform in the English leagues. Stoke City during this time had a very physical and rough style of play, which is different compared to other European leagues. The phrase raises doubts over a player’s quality, and questions if they would still thrive under these non-optimal conditions.

Clean sheet

Another phrase that isn’t as literal as it sounds, with the expression being used when a goalkeeper doesn’t concede a goal in a match.

Fifty-fifty – 50/50

A fifty-fifty is a when two players from opposing teams challenge each other for a loose ball, often reaching the ball at the same time. Both players usually go into the tackle with a high level of force, intent and commitment to ensure the best possible chance of winning the ball.

Game of two halves

This is an idiom that is used when the game has seen a drastic change in quality, often meaning that one team has performed better in one half and then poorly in the other. It shows the contrast in the standard of the game, with a lack of consistency between the two halves.

Hairdryer treatment

The hairdryer treatment is when players get shouted at and criticised by their manager in the changing rooms at half time or full time. It was made famous by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, as he often employed this tactic over the years at his time with the Red Devils.

Hat-trick

This term follows on from the word ‘brace’ as a hat-trick is when a player scores three goals in the same game. To get an even deeper understanding of the phrase, a ‘perfect hat-trick' is when a player scores the hat-trick with their left foot, right foot and with their head.

Hospital ball

A hospital ball is an inaccurate pass to a teammate, with most cases resulting in possession being lost. As well as this, there’s a risk of injury due to the vulnerable position the receiver of the ball is in to retain possession. It’s a phrase that is used a lot in Sunday league football but has its place in professional football too.

In the hole

This idiom refers to the space between the midfield and the striker, with this pocket of space often being occupied by the ‘number 10’. It’s an effective way to break down defences as it usually draws players out of their position, creating space elsewhere for the attackers to exploit.

Row Z

When a player has put the ball into ‘row z’, it means that the ball had ended up in the upper tiers of the stadium. Ways the ball can end up there can be from a clearance, with shots sometimes finding their way into these parts of the ground as well. In amateur football where there might not be a stadium, the term can be warranted when the ball goes uncharacteristically high and out of play.

Off the woodwork

When the ball has come ‘off the woodwork’ it means that the ball has hit the frame of the goal in the form of one of the posts or the crossbar. It’s a saying that originates back from when goals were made from wood, therefore warranting the phrase ‘off the woodwork’.

Park the bus

When a team is ‘parking the bus’ it means that they are opting for an all-out defensive approach, with no attempt or thought on trying to score. Clubs usually deploy this approach when they are facing a far superior side and are looking to take a draw out of the game. It’s also common to see this tactic used at the end of a match, when the winning team is looking to defend the lead they already have.

Sitter

This term refers to a goalscoring opportunity that should be scored, but that isn’t always how it plays out. It seems unimaginable to miss the chance, as the player is either so close to the goal or has an open goal to aim at.

Target man

The ‘target man’ in football is the striker, whose main role is to hold up the ball so the team can progress up the pitch. These are often tall and strong players who are able to use their physique to allow teammates to come into the game.

Yo-yo club

A team that fluctuates between two leagues, unable to build a secure enough foundation to be an established side in the higher division is called a ‘yo-yo club’. The team then get relegated to the league below but easily get promoted the following season, therefore earning them the nickname ‘yo-yo club’ as they can’t stay in the same league for multiple seasons.