The term "offside" in soccer refers to a violation that occurs when an attacking player positions themselves closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is played to them. This rule aims to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by "goal-hanging." When an offside infraction is called, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick, which can significantly impact the flow of a game. Understanding offside positioning is crucial for both attacking and defensive strategies in soccer.