Assist (football) facts for kids
In association football, an assist is when a player helps their teammate score a goal. It's usually a pass or a cross that leads directly to the goal.
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What is an Assist in Football?
An assist happens when a player makes a key play that directly helps another player score a goal. Think of it as setting up the perfect shot for your teammate.
How Players Get an Assist
Most often, a player gets an assist for passing or crossing the ball right to the person who scores. This means they deliver the ball in a way that makes it easy for their teammate to put it into the net.
Other Ways to Earn an Assist
Sometimes, an assist can be given in other situations:
- Rebounds: If a player shoots, and the ball bounces off a defender, goalkeeper, or the goalpost, and a teammate then scores from that rebound, the original shooter might get an assist.
- Winning a Penalty or Free Kick: In some football systems, a player who is fouled and wins a penalty kick or a free kick might get an assist if a teammate scores directly from that kick.
- Contributing to an Own Goal: If an attacking player's action causes a defender to accidentally score an own goal, the attacking player might be credited with an assist.
How Many Assists Per Goal?
Usually, a goal has one assist. This means only one player is credited with setting up the goal. However, in some football leagues or competitions, it's possible for two players to get an assist for the same goal if both contributed significantly to the scoring play.
