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In a game of soccer, there are two teams of eleven players that move the ball around the field, making quick passes and hard kicks. There are four basic groups that you can categorize each player into. These four groups are the forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeeper. As you can probably tell, there are multiple formations to put the players on the field. Each position on the soccer field is associated with a specific range of tasks. |
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First, we will start with the forwards, the first line of offense. The main job of a forward player, just like most sports, is to shoot and score goals. Therefore, forwards are generally known for scoring goals. Forwards are a very important contribution to the team on the field. They move to open spaces, make good passes, dribble past opposing defenders to get in position to shoot on net, and to support their teammates. |
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The next line of players would be the midfielders. They pass the soccer ball accurately to their teammates during the game. A midfielder’s job is different from a forward or a defender. Midfielders have to play both offense and defense. They help the forwards bring the ball down the field and into scoring position. Midfielders then have to hustle quickly back to help their defenders defend the goal. |
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The last line of soccer players in front of the goal keeper are the defenders. A defender's main job is to keep the opponents out of the area in front of the goal. Defenders mark players on the opposing team and try to force them to make a bad pass or dribble. Also, defenders should be able to take the opposing players and claim the soccer ball. |
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The last line of defense on a soccer field is the goal keeper. The goal keeper’s main job is to stop the soccer ball from going into the net. They are allowed to use their hands. A goal keeper usually wears a long-sleeved, patterned shirt over their uniform. They also wear gloves to help protect their hands as they save the ball. The gloves have a flexible, plastic covering to help protect each finger. |
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