Fixture
A scheduled match between two teams, or the arrangement of such a match within a season's programme.
Definition
A fixture is a match that has been arranged to take place — a specific game between named opponents at a set date, time and venue. The full list of a team's or competition's arranged games is the fixture list, and 'fixture congestion' describes a period when many matches are packed close together.
The word is standard in British and Commonwealth sport, where 'a fixture against City' simply means the scheduled game. Fixtures are typically released before a season begins and may be rearranged because of weather, cup progress or television scheduling. A team's run of upcoming fixtures — how hard or easy the opponents are — is often analysed when assessing its prospects.
Scope: Chiefly British and Commonwealth usage; American English usually says 'game' or 'matchup'.
Where you’ll hear “fixture”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Cricket
A bat-and-ball team sport where sides take turns to bat and to bowl and field, scoring runs.
Rugby
A physical team sport of carrying, passing and kicking an oval ball toward the opposing line.
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Fixture to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Rules
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
- Lane disciplineThe rule that competitors must stay within their assigned lane in lane-based races.
- Yellow and red cardsThe disciplinary cards a football referee shows to caution or send off a player for misconduct.
Decision making
- Transition decisionsThe choices made at the moment a situation flips — winning or losing the ball, and switching between attack and defence.
- Option recognitionSeeing what actions are actually available in a moment — the passes, shots or moves on offer — before choosing between them.
- Reading spaceSeeing where space is — and is not — on the field or court, and using it to decide where to move, pass or play.
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.