Breakdown of Soccer Positions

By
for SoccerMyLife.com

Published: September 2, 2010

Soccer is the most popular recreational sport among boys and girls in America. Professional soccer is also becoming more popular over the last decade. For these two reasons, it is important to understand the sport and the soccer positions on the field so that everyone can follow along. Both teams have eleven players on the field that are broken down into the following basic categories: forward, midfielder, fullback, sweeper & goalkeeper.

Forwards typically stay in the front of the team on the attacking third of the field. They are responsible for most of the scoring. There are three forwards in most formations: a left wing, a striker, and a right wing. The wings are the outside forwards and play on either side of the field. Their primary objective is to get into scoring position so when they receive the ball they can shoot at the goal. In the instance of a corner kick (when the opposing team knocks the ball out of play on the goal line), it is typically a forward who will kick-off, as they are known to have the most powerful and accurate aim on the field.

As their title suggests, midfielders are located in the middle of the field behind the forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses may vary, but usually there are three: a left midfielder, a center, and a right midfielder. This position blurs the boundaries between offence and defense. They must help the defense when the opposing team is attacking, but they are also required to set up plays and attack with the forwards.

Fullbacks play behind the midfielders. Their responsibility is to help the goalkeeper keep the opposition from scoring a goal. There are three of them – one on each side of the field (left and right, respectively), and one in the center. Fullbacks are often used for free kicks or penalties because they are known for their powerful foot that is used to clear the ball from the backfield.

The last two people between an opposing team and a goal are the sweeper and the goalkeeper. The sweeper is located behind the midfielders and guards the best scorer on the opposing team, often the attacking team’s striker. The goalkeeper is positioned right in front of the goal and prevents shots from crossing the goal line.

This is the classic formation of soccer positions on the field. However, different variations can be used for strategic reasons during a match. For example, some teams use four midfielders instead of a sweeper in order to increase the number of players on the attack.

You can find out more about soccer positions with the use of a soccer field diagram. If you are interested in soccer coaching you will find out more if you click on those resource links.

Author: Carl Barton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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