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Step 1
Guard the net. That's the primary job of the goalkeeper. Only one of these players is on the field at a time per team. Distinguish the goalkeeper by the different-colored shirt worn. He is the only player allowed to touch the ball in the field of play, as long as the keeper stays inside the penalty box.
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Step 2
Defend the goal, and mark the opposition's forwards. Those are just a few of the jobs of the defenders, or fullbacks—usually three or four on a team positioned in front of the goalie. They make sure that the other team's forwards don't score, and they pass the ball up the field to their teammates to begin an offensive attack.
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Step 3
Run the length of the field, and help the defense and offense. The midfielders have the most responsibility of anyone on the team, seeing as they play both offense and defense. Sometimes two, three or four midfielders play in the middle third of the field, in front of the defenders, and behind the forwards.
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Step 4
Score goals, and help teammates score goals. The forwards have one primary goal, and that is to score goals. They sometimes assist in defense, but their job is to score goals or help other teammates score goals. Depending on the team, and how many midfielders are playing, there can be two or three forwards, who play in front of the midfielders.
