Soccer Positions - A Basic Guide
An Introduction to Soccer Positions
Every soccer team has eleven players on the field: the goalkeeper and ten outfielders. The outfielders are divided into three sections. There are the forwards or attacking positions. In professional soccer, they are usually the best known of the players. Then there are the midfield players who are the most well-rounded, and finally the defense, who must be strong and able to deflect attacks from the opposing team. Each position defines the player’s job on the team and where they can move on the field.
The goalkeeper or goalie has one main job… to defend the goal from any shots from the other team. If a ball gets by the goalie, the other team scores. In soccer, the goalie is the only player on the entire team that is allowed to touch the ball with their hands. However, there are restrictions. Handling of the ball can only happen within their penalty areas. Goalies therefore wear jerseys that make them stand out from the other players and the referees. Goalkeepers should be agile and quick, and good jumping skills and the ability to make quick judgments are a requirement for this position.
The defensive players (also known as defenders, fullbacks or goalie guards) provide support to the goal keeper. They may include the centerback, the sweeper, the fullback and the wingback. They usually remain near their team’s goal. The defensive players’ job is to stop the members of the opposing team from scoring, and to get the ball away from their own penalty area. The sweeper has a lot more freedom on the field… they can literally "sweep" up the ball if the opposing team breaches the defensive line. Not all teams utilize the sweeper position. The rest of the defense may support the strikers and be more aggressive in attacking the opposing team. Defensive players should be able to tackle and begin attacks against the opposing team.
The midfield players must be the most versatile players, and they occupy the part of the field between the defensive line and the forwards. The midfield players may include a center, a defensive, an attacking or a side midfielder. Their jobs encompass taking the ball from the defense and relaying it to the forwards. The other part of their job entails gaining control of the ball from the opposing team. Midfielders cross between the jobs of defense and attack… helping both the forwards and the defensive players. Midfielders need to have good passing skills and be able to read what the opposing team is trying to accomplish.
The forwards (also known as strikers) play closest to the opposing team’s goal, and will score most frequently, although it is not uncommon for midfield players, and sometimes even defensive players, to score. The forwards may play the following positions: center, striker, deep-lying forward or winger. The job of the forwards is to score against the opposition. Strikers may distract the opponents while the center tries to score a goal. Forwards should be fast, accurate and tall. All the forwards can work together to create goal opportunities while distracting the opposing teams.
Perhaps the best way to master soccer positions is with the use of soccer drill software