Basic Soccer Positions  

Fullback/Defender – A player who plays in the rear defensive third of the field. Focus is on stopping the opposing teams attackers from scoring.

Forward – A player who is responsible for most of a team's scoring. They play in the attaching third of the field, where they have the most opportunities for shots on goal.

Goalie/Goalkeeper – This player is positioned in front of the goal net. The focus is to try to prevent shots from crossing the goal line into the net; this is the only player allowed to use their hands and arms in soccer, but only within the 18-yard penalty area.

Halfback/Midfielder – A player who plays in the middle third of the field between the forwards and defenders. Their focus to play both defense and the offense through ball control and passing.