For intermediate learners — build richer sports vocabulary around tactics, performance, and the structure of competitions.
Free Sports & Competition vocabulary flashcards at the B1 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and recognize and use these words confidently in real conversations.
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endurance
the ability to keep doing a hard physical activity for a long time
qualify
to achieve the standard needed to take part in a competition
opponent
a person or team you compete against in a sport
strategy
a plan made before a game to help your team win
substitute
a player who replaces another player during a game
eliminate
to remove a team or player from a competition after a loss
performance
how well a player or team plays in a game or competition
spectator
a person who watches a sporting event without taking part
momentum
the energy and confidence a team builds during a game
formation
the arrangement of players in their positions on the field
discipline
the ability to control your behaviour and follow a training routine
stamina
the physical energy to keep going through a long effort
league
a group of teams that play against each other over a season
overtime
extra time played at the end of a game when the score is tied
teammate
a person who plays on the same team as you
comeback
a return to winning after being behind or having lost
seed
a ranking given to a player or team before a tournament
foul play
unfair or illegal action taken during a sport
knockout
a stage of a competition where losing means you leave
underdog
a competitor who is expected to lose against a stronger opponent
pace
the speed at which a player or race progresses
transfer
the move of a player from one team to another
aggregate
the total combined score from two matches played between the same teams
penalty shootout
a series of penalty kicks used to decide a tied match
sprint finish
a fast final burst of speed near the end of a race
possession
the state of controlling the ball during a game
milestone
an important stage or achievement in a player's career or a competition
disqualify
to officially remove someone from a competition for breaking rules
tackle
to stop an opponent by taking the ball or blocking their path
concede
to allow the opposing team to score a goal or point
consistent
performing at the same good level over many games
physically demanding
requiring a lot of strength and energy from the body
warm-up routine
a set of exercises done regularly before a game or training
bronze medal
the third-place prize awarded at a major competition
fitness level
a measure of how physically prepared an athlete is