These are the basic 4 different positions in youth soccer, goalkeepers, backs, mids, and forwards. Strikers tend to play in the middle and regular forwards may play anywhere along the front line, often designated as right wing or left wing.įinal thoughts on the different positions in youth soccer LOCATION ON THE FIELD: All forwards tend to push 'forward' on the field toward the opponents goal when possible. The stopper usually plays between the fullbacks and the midfielders.įorwards, strikers, and wings play most of their game on the opponent's side of the field. They are the first line of defense, whos job it is to stop the initial attacks in the middle of the field by the opposition. All midfielders have both both defensive and offensive duties. With larger formations of 7 or more players, midfielders can be deemed offensive midfielders or defensive midfielders. Generally they have excellent passing skills. MAIN DUTY: Midfielders connect the defenders and the forwards. Right backs play primarily on the right side of the defensive zone.Īs an Amazon associate, soccer-for-kids receives a small commission for qualifying purchases. Left backs play primarily on the left side of the defensive zone. LOCATION ON THE FIELD: Backs will spend the majority of time on their own half of the field, but sometimes support the offense by pressing forward, particularly on set plays like corner kicks in their opponents side of the field.

Usual position of defensive soccer players Sweepers are often the last line of defense in front of the goalie The sweeper got this name because their job is to 'sweep up' any attacking moves or clean the soccer ball out of the area. Depending on the game's situation defenders can press forward at times to support and participate offensively. They defend their own goal, preventing the opposition from scoring and breaking up dangerous scoring opportunities. This position is sometimes more precisely described as center-back for defending the middle and wingbacks who defend more toward the outside areas of the field. The exact size of the penalty area depends on the age group of the players and the size of the soccer field. Only out of desperation at the end of a game will a goalie possible stray far away from protecting the goal and try to support the offense. Goal keepers may leave the area occasionally to distribute the ball downfield with her feet. LOCATION ON THE FIELD: Almost always inside the rectangular area known as the penalty area. Goalkeeper's position themselves within the penalty area the large majority of the game

Soccer number positions