There are many positions in soccer, but we will just discuss the main positions that you might play in recreational league. Standard soccer is played with 11 players on each side of the field, but these numbers can be adjusted according to age and field size. Younger children often start out playing 5 v 5 and gradually transition to more players as they get older. With smaller fields, having few players allows for more touches on the ball, more experience, and more fun.
keeper
The keeper, or goalie, is the last line of defense on the soccer field. The main job of the keeper is to protect the goal and keep the ball from entering it. Keepers are the only players on the field that are allowed to use their hands, as long as they remain in the goal box.
Forwards/Striker
A Forward's primary job is to score goals or to create opportunities for other players on the team to score goals. On the field, forwards play closest to the opponent's goal. Strikers, who are the center forwards, are the primary shot takers and are often the team's leading goal scorer and the most dangerous player on the attacking part of the field.
Midfielders
Midfielders are the link between the defense and offense. Midfielders should be the most physically fit players on the field because they need to run the most in a game. They need to protect the goal should the other team gain possession of the ball and then quickly penetrate the defense of the opposing team to make an attack and assist the forwards.
Defenders
Defenders play in front of the goalkeeper. The main task of the defensive players is to keep the opposition from scoring. Outside defenders (fullbacks) play on the left and right sides of the field and rarely move past the center of the field. Central defenders play in the middle of the field and usually cover the opposition’s leading goal scorer or center forward(s).
For a diagram of the where the players line up on the field, please see the Players page.