Are you a little perplexed by different soccer positions and the jargon you hear out on the field? Do you spend most of the game wondering exactly what every player is supposed to be doing? Here is a guide to the basic and more advanced positions of a soccer game as well as some of the more common nicknames for them. Because the best way to lose a soccer game is allowing the other team to score, defensive positions are very important to the game.
These are the basic defensive positions:
Defender – Also called a ‘back’, this defensive player works his magic in the defensive third of the soccer field, preventing the opposing team from making a goal.
Fullback – Plays the back most part of the defensive third, protecting the goal keeper.
Sweeper – A defensive player whose domain is directly in front of the goal, keeping the other team’s offensive players away from the goal. This position is not always used, but it can make a key difference in the quality of play.
Goal Keeper/Goalie/Keeper – Perhaps the best known position, this is the player who is directly in front of the goal to prevent the other team from scoring. It’s easy to identify the goalie, not just because of their position, but because they are the only player you will see using their hands and arms.
Defense is certainly important, but scoring goals is just as important as preventing the opponents from scoring them. On the other two-thirds of the field, you’ll find two basic types of soccer players:
Forward – As their title suggests, this player’s domain is the forward third of the field. The forwards have the important job of taking shots and making goals. The ‘striker’ is usually the key forward, who is the best at scoring.
Midfielder/Halfback – The midfielder is the multi-tasker of the game of soccer. From the middle third of the field, they move the ball between the forward and back thirds and can play offensively or defensively as needed.
But wait, you may be thinking. These aren’t all the terms I hear on the field. What about the ‘maestro’, or the ‘wingers’? There are other, more specialized roles that are sometimes assigned to players with special strengths and talents. Here are the most common advanced soccer positions you’ll hear about on the field.
Central Defender – This player, usually the best defender on the team, guards directly in front of their team’s goal.
Stopper – This position’s key duty is to guard the opposing team’s striker and stop them from making goals.
Defensive Midfielder – Also called a midfield anchor, this is a midfielder who plays near the defensive third of the field and, despite being a midfielder, plays primarily defense.
Central Midfielder – This midfielder is also called the Midfield General or the Midfield Maestro. They are the chief organizers of the midfielders and are responsible for keeping the ball on the offensive third of the field, where the forwards can work their magic.
Attacking Midfielder – This midfielder spends most of their time on the offensive end of the midfield, supporting the forwards.
Wingers – These are the speedy players who work the outsides of the field. Because they are responsible for getting the ball to the forwards, they are usually expert dribblers and make accurate passes.
Central Forward – This player is usually the best scorer, and thus works the middle section of the forward third. This position is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘Striker’. A related position is that of ‘Finisher’, which is the player who is almost guaranteed to score when given the opportunity.
Summary
Whether you are watching professional soccer or a preschool game, almost all positions will fall into one of the above categories. Each of these positions requires a specific set of skills and speed, and each is equally important to the game. This is what makes soccer a global favorite in sports; regardless of a player’s strengths and weaknesses, there is sure to be a position that is best for them.
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