Soccer 101: The positions

Alexander Sabadash is all about soccer. He watches games, follow leagues, plays pick-up games, teaches kids, and just lives and breathes the beautiful game. He’s even blogged about soccer for everyone to learn more about the sport.

In today’s blog, Alexander Sabadash revisits the three basic soccer positions everyone should know before they start playing the game.

Forward

The forward position is the offensive position. Forwards attack the defense of the opposing team in hopes to get the ball past the goalie and score a goal. The striker is the main forward, usually positioned in the middle. He is supported by other forwards either at the sides or directly behind him or her, and midfielders. Some teams, however, have only one forward, while others have four.

Midfield

Midfielders can and should play both offense and defense, but they are primarily there to set up forwards to score. They transition the ball from defense to offense. One of the greatest strengths of midfielders is their ability to make amazing passes. Some midfielders are even known to score goals.

Defenders

Behind the midfielders, there are the defenders. Defenders make sure the forwards of the opposing don’t get to score or don’t get too close to the goal. But if opposing forwards somehow make it past defenders, it’s the goalie’s task to keep the ball from entering the goal. The goalie is the only player who can touch the ball and is the team’s last line of defense.