A new soccer parent is often confused by what is happening on the field, and how they can help their young soccer player. Let's review a few of the terms quickly, to help you understand the game. In this brief article we will cover soccer positions.
It's important for a soccer parent to know the different positions, so they can understand their child's role in the game.
We will start with our defensive unit. The Goalie or Goalkeeper is the one we are all familiar with. This is the player who defends the goal, our last line of defense. The positions just in front of the goalkeeper are the Defenders. They try to keep the ball farther away from the goal, trying to keep their bodies between the ball and the goal, making shots on the goal from our opponent more difficult. They attempt to clear the ball to the center of the field.
The next position a soccer parent should know about is the Midfielder, they are the conductors of the game. The flow between defense and offense, controlling the center part of the field. They need to be great passers, and quick on their feet. When the defenders kick the ball out, the midfielder's job is to take over and through footwork and passing, move the ball into the offensive end of the field. When the opposing team has control of the ball, the midfielder will attempt to intercept the ball as it is coming down the field, and w
The primary players taking the shots, and scoring most of the goals are the forwards, also called the strikers. These are the players on our offensive side of the field. Ideally they are our most accurate and powerful kickers. The midfielders and the forwards will pass the ball, looking for a weakness in the defense and an opportunity to shoot at the goal for a score. A soccer parent usually wants their child to be a forward, since it is the position with the most recognition.
You may also encounter these positions. The fullback, a defensive player who plays near the goalie. The sweeper, another form of defensive player who play directly in front of the goalie, sweeping back and forth as the last defensive player before the goalie. These two positions are types of defenders, and may not always be used.
Hopefully you, the new soccer parent, will learn to appreciate the importance and skills needed for every position. Defense may be even more important than offense. Since soccer games are normally very low scoring, each goal prevented is a big advantage. I hope every soccer parent learns to cheer for every stop, every steal, and every great pass.
Knowing the soccer positions by name, will make it much easier for the soccer parent to discuss play with their youth soccer player, and the soccer coach.
Thank you for becoming a soccer parent, it will be a great time for you and your child. Enjoy the game!
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