The Basic Positions In Soccer On The Field

There is no doubt that soccer is the most popular sport around the world. However, many in the United States don’t know the essentials of the sport. Knowing the basic player positions is one element of understanding what the sport of soccer is all about.

The goal keeper is the most easily recognized player on the field. The keeper’s duty is to remain near the goal to block the other team’s shots. Keepers usually wear a different color shirt than the other players. They also wear thick gloves on each hand for protection. They are the only players on the field allowed to handle the ball during live play.

Each soccer team has three to five defenders depending on the formation being played. In most instances, four defenders are used with a defender on the left and right side of the field along with two central defenders.

There are usually four midfield players. They have the same arrangement as defenders except in offensive formations when a midfielder may play directly behind the forwards.

The forwards are a soccer team’s main offensive weapons. Two forwards are normally used. However, it is not uncommon to see a single forward used in defensive formations.