Positions

Forwards: play closest to opposing team’s goal; primarily charged with scoring or assisting.  Forwards who play closest to the end lines are called wings; those in the middle are called strikers.

Midfielders: all-purpose players who have both offensive and defensive responsibilities and help transition the ball between Defenders and Forwards.

Defenders: play closest to own team’s goal and are charged with stopping the opposing team from shooting on the goal. Defenders often play on their team’s side of the field, however Defenders sometimes go up into their opponent’s side of the field when balls are cleared from the opponent’s goal. Taller defenders should move up to the other teams penalty area on corner kicks.

Goalkeeper: your team’s last defender, the Goalkeeper is responsible for stopping opposing team’s shots on goal. The Goalkeeper is the only player permitted to play a ball with their hands in the field of play.

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