A player can’t be offside in a few common situations: from a goal kick , throw-in , corner kick , or when they are in their own half when the ball is played. They also can’t be offside if they are level with the second- last defender or level with the ball.

The main exceptions

  • Goal kick.
  • Throw-in.
  • Corner kick.
  • Player in their own half when the pass is made.
  • Player level with the second-last defender or the ball.

Quick example

If a teammate passes from open play and you’re standing beyond the last defender in the attacking half, that can be offside. But if the same ball comes from a corner or throw-in, offside does not apply.

One nuance

Offside is judged at the moment the ball is played, not when the attacker receives it.

TL;DR: You cannot be offside directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick, and you also can’t be offside while in your own half.