The Players
The Defenders
The defenders’ job is to stop the other team from scoring. They do this by staying close to the other team’s players, making it difficult for them to get a chance to score. Defenders also play an important role in the team’s offense, as they are often the first players the goalie gives the ball to.
The Midfielders
Midfielders must be versatile and physically fit because midfield is the most demanding position in soccer. It’s demanding because midfield players must help the defenders defend, and the forwards attack. Midfielders are often called the ‘generals’, because they control the flow of the game. Midfielders act as a link between the defense and the forwards. The defenders give the ball to the midfielders who give the ball to the forwards who try to score.
The Forwards
Forwards, or strikers as they are sometimes called, are the players responsible for offense. They try to score on the opponent’s goal. Forwards need to be fast to outrun the other team’s defense, and be good at moving with the ball so they can get past the defenders to take a shot.
