Football Rules
Offside after a defender’s touch: deliberate play is different from a deflection
A defender’s touch does not automatically reset offside. Read the difference between deliberate play, a deflection and a deliberate save in the Laws.
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offside
Football Rules
Three Restarts Where Receiving the Ball Directly Is Not Offside
Goal kicks, throw-ins and corners have a direct-reception offside exception. Follow the next touch to see when the normal offside question returns.
Understanding Football
Watching Offside: Follow the Pass Before You Follow the Replay
Learn to separate offside position from an offside offence, and use a simple viewing routine to understand what a replay can and cannot show.