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The offside rule, explained with a diagram you can drag

The offside rule is one of the most misunderstood rules in football, mostly because the important parts are invisible in a still image. Where was the attacker when the pass was played? Where was the second-last defender? This page lets you move both and see the answer.

Drag the players, then press Play the pass to see whether the attacker is in an offside position.

How to read this

  • The offside line is drawn at the second-last defender, not the last one. The goalkeeper is normally the last defender, so the line sits on the outfield defender nearest the goal.
  • Everything is judged at the moment the pass is played — not when the ball arrives. That is why the line appears only after you press play.
  • An attacker in their own half cannot be offside. Drag the attacker left of the halfway line to see it.
  • Being in an offside position is not an offence on its own. It only becomes one if the player then becomes involved in play. This diagram stops at the position test.

Frequently asked questions

What is the offside rule in simple terms?
A player is in an offside position if, at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, they are nearer the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. It only becomes an offence if they then become involved in active play.
Why is it the second-last defender and not the last?
Because the last opponent is almost always the goalkeeper. Counting from the goal line, the goalkeeper is the first opponent you meet, so the last outfield defender is the second one. The line is drawn there. If the goalkeeper has advanced up the pitch, the second-last opponent may be a different player.
Can you be offside from a throw-in or a goal kick?
No. You cannot be offside from a throw-in, a goal kick, or a corner kick. This is why teams defending a corner can safely push a forward high up the pitch.
Can you be offside in your own half?
No. A player in their own half cannot be in an offside position, regardless of where the defenders are.
Is being in an offside position an offence?
No. Standing in an offside position is legal. It only becomes an offence if the player interferes with play, interferes with an opponent, or gains an advantage from that position.
Does the arm count for offside?
No. Only parts of the body that can legally play the ball count — head, body, and feet. The arms and hands are ignored, which is why an attacker level with a defender's outstretched arm can still be onside.

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