Soccer Positions
Author: Gavin Sanderson

As with basketball, soccer is a game with players who perform a
specific role. A team is comprised of eleven positions. There is
one goalkeeper or goalie, and ten others who have to defend
attack or take up midfield positions. Each role has a specific
set of skills and a specific area to deal with.

Goalie or Goalkeeper

It is the goalie's who has to prevent the opponents from
scoring a goal. This person is the only one who can touch the
ball with their hands and they can only move within a certain
area of the field.

Defenders or Defensive Positions

These positions help the goalie prevent opponents from scoring
a goal. Like the goalie, they are restricted to a certain area
of the field.

*Centerback-the centerbacks try to stop the opponents
particularly the strikers of the opposing team from scoring.
They try to keep to ball out of the penalty areas.

*Sweepers- sweepers go after anyone from the opposing team who
breaks through the defense line. A sweeper should be able to
control the ball and pass it well and counter any moves that
the attacking team brings.

*Fullback- These players try to prevent the ball from entering
the penalty areas

Midfielders

These players are located between the strikers and the
defenders. They try to get the ball from the defenders on the
opposing team and pass it to their strikers. This is a position
that requires a lot of energy because they have to keep an eye
on many things at once. They can be switched from a defensive
stance to attacking pose at any time during the game.

*Defensive midfield- the purpose of this role is to get the
ball from the attackers on the opposing team

*Attack midfield- these players must try to open avenues for
their team to score goals

Strikers or Attackers or Forward

These team members are located close to the opposing team's
goal. They are the ones who score goals. Another role they play
is to try and help others on their team score a goal. Most
familiar soccer players are found in this position because they
score the most goals.


About The Author: Gavin Sanderson provides articles on
http://www.online-atv.com. Visit http://www.soccer-kick.com/a>
to find more of his work.