In soccer, the term "off the line" typically refers to a situation where a defending player is positioned on or near the goal line to prevent the opposing team from scoring. This is often seen when the goalkeeper is out of position or has been beaten by an attacking player, and a defending player must step in to cover the goal.
An example of this would be a scenario where an attacking player shoots the ball towards the goal, but the goalkeeper is unable to reach it. In this case, a defending player who is "off the line" may step in to block the shot or clear the ball away from the goal to prevent a goal from being scored.
Being "off the line" can also refer to a situation where a player is in an offside position, meaning they are closer to the opposing team's goal than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is played. In this case, the player is considered offside and play is stopped, with a free kick awarded to the defending team.
An example of this would be a scenario where an attacking player shoots the ball towards the goal, but the goalkeeper is unable to reach it. In this case, a defending player who is "off the line" may step in to block the shot or clear the ball away from the goal to prevent a goal from being scored.
Being "off the line" can also refer to a situation where a player is in an offside position, meaning they are closer to the opposing team's goal than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is played. In this case, the player is considered offside and play is stopped, with a free kick awarded to the defending team.
