How to Distinguish Soccer Positions

The game of soccer consists of 11 players on one team, which includes a goalkeeper and 10 field players. The only player who really remains in one specific area of the field is the goalkeeper, and that's because he is the only one who can field the ball with his hands inside the box. The remaining 10 field players each have specific jobs as well, and we're going to distinguish their positions.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two other positions that some teams use: sweeper and stopper. The sweeper plays behind the defenders and in front of the goalie as a last person of defense. The stopper plays behind the midfielders and in front of the defenders, giving the midfield some defensive support.

• All three field positions have players on the left, right and middle. The players don't need to stay on the assigned side necessarily, but it helps especially on defense. Players on offense can be more creative and can overlap each other while on the attack.