| People often ask about the positions of players on a | | | | defense are at the back and spread across the pitch. |
| soccer field, so this article should prove an | | | | The line in front of the defense is the midfield, |
| appropriate response: I'll take you through all the | | | | normally consisting of a right midfielder, a left |
| different positions and let you know what each | | | | midfielder and two centre midfielders. As you might |
| position involves. If you're at all unsure about the | | | | guess from this information, they are aligned in the |
| soccer positions then let this guide start you off on | | | | middle across the width of the park. Usually the right |
| your way to increasing your sporting knowledge. It is | | | | and left midfielders move forwards to help the team |
| not the purpose here to give you a detailed | | | | attack, whilst one central midfielder also helps support |
| explanation, but to give a brief and simple description | | | | the attack and the other tracks back to help the |
| that will hopefully be ideal to set you off... | | | | defense. |
| The first position to mention is the goalkeeper. As | | | | In learning about the positions of players on a soccer |
| the name suggests, it is basically his job to stop the | | | | field, the final point is the strikers- normally two. |
| opposition from scoring in his goal. Inside his own | | | | Though they track back during the game, they are |
| penalty area, he may use his hands to help him | | | | positioned the furthest forwards towards the |
| prevent the other team scoring and this is the main | | | | opposition's goal as it is their job to score the goals |
| difference between the goalkeeper and the outfield | | | | and win matches for their team! |
| players: the goalie stays back to protect the goal by | | | | Hopefully it has been possible to give a short |
| saving shots and through dominating his goal area | | | | introduction to the names and roles of the different |
| (with the use of his hands). | | | | positions of players on a soccer field and to |
| In front of the keeper are the defenders and it is | | | | encourage you to read even more in detail about |
| also their job to stop the opposition from scoring, but | | | | what each position involves. Beyond the scope of |
| they may not use their hands. In most teams today | | | | this article, it is fascinating to know the roles of each |
| there are four defenders: a left back, two centre | | | | position and how each player moves around (from |
| backs and a right back. As you look at the soccer | | | | their natural position) in games to fulfill different |
| field, the right and left backs will line up just in front | | | | tasks- the actual line up is therefore just the |
| of the penalty area on their respective sides, with | | | | beginning! |
| the centre backs covering the middle. In short, the | | | | |