Rules

Positions

The chart to the right shows the different positions that are available on a soccer field. All positions have a number associated with them, as well as an acronym that is often used to abbreviate the position. You will need to know these 11 positions used in soccer. The video below will give some more information on soccer positions.

Positions on the Field

To the right is an image that shows where these positions are on the field. Blue abbreviations are DEFENSIVE positions, red belongs to the MIDFIELD (people responsible for both offense and defense), and yellow is FORWARDS. RW and LW can also fall into the FORWARD category. Not included in this picture is RM and LM. They are a part of the MIDFIELD, and would be between the Wingers and Wing Backs on their respective sides.

Remember there can only be 11 players on the field at a time!!

Phases of the Game

The game of soccer is played in phases. The image to the left shows the four basic phases of the game, and how they relate to each other. One phase will always lead to the next, regardless of how good a team is. Even the best teams will eventually lose the ball on attack, have to transition to defending, attempt to win the ball back, and move in to attack all over again. This cycle will only temporarily end when a goal is scored, and will start all over again at the next kickoff.

Offsides

One of the biggest rules in the attacking phase of the game is the OFFSIDES rule. This rule is difficult to explain in writing or with a certain picture, so instead watch the video below to get a very good explanation of this rule and how it applies to soccer.

Important Terminology

These are some of the words commonly used during the game

Clear (as in “clear the ball”)- kick the ball forward as far as you can, or forward and out of bounds on the side
- 1. Clearing the ball is important, because it takes some of the pressure off of your defense and gives them the opportunity to catch their breath
Send (as in “send the ball”)- pass the ball forward, on the ground or in the air, into open space in front of your teammate
- 1. This gives your defense the opportunity to catch their breath while the offense chases the ball down. You are not sending the ball directly to the feet of your player, instead having them run after the ball
Cover (as in “cover me”)- used to ask a teammate to help you with an opposing player or to cover your position
Push up- move higher up the field towards the opposing net
Drop/drop back- move down the field, back towards your own net to defend it
Step up- come towards the member of the other team that is in possession of the ball
Show (as in “show for your teammate”)- used to tell someone to get open for a pass

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