This player can use their hands inside of the 18-yard box and is their team’s last line of defense against goal-scoring attempts. Each player on the field has a specific position and traditionally these positions can be aligned with a corresponding number, which are essential to the teams overall strategy and structure. Now that you’ve seen what a 4-4-2 looks like, let’s examine each of the positions. Here is what a 4-4-2 looks like for a team: The formation a team will play is always announced before the match begins, however, it will change throughout the game. This means, for example, running backs and wide receivers will be allowed to wear single-digit numbers for the first time since before 1973. Goalkeepers: Every team is allowed one goalkeeper on the pitch. Soccer, or Fottball,as it is better known around the world, features two teams of 11 players each. The first number refers to defenders, the second to midfielders, and the third to forwards. In 2021, the NFL relaxed its jersey numbering rules to allow a wider range of numbers for most positions. Their main role is to defend against wingers trying to pass the ball to their team’s attackers or getting the ball into the penalty area, this adds width to their game. What is the history of soccer numbers Although historians give different accounts of its origin, the English Football League first introduced the traditional football position numbers in 1928 at the club level. Originally, the following positions were matched to the respective jerseys: 1 Goalkeeper. There are two fullbacks (left/right), on either side of the centre backs. The ritual of soccer position numbers can be traced back to the 1960s when the numbering of jerseys correlated with the 2-3-5 formation that was popular during the decades. They will always play closer to the goal and attempt to stop the other team from scoring more than they will help try and score for their own team. This is one of the most intense positions on the pitch.
![numbers of soccer positions numbers of soccer positions](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f2/0a/d9/f20ad975568ef6c43f329fa25a210b6d.jpg)
![numbers of soccer positions numbers of soccer positions](https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/t_share/MTc1NDU0MjY3MDg2NTQ2NTAw/positions-in-soccer-and-their-roles.png)
They are asked to both create offense and stop the opposing offense before reaching the defenders.ĭefenders: These players usually stay back on defense to help prevent goal-scoring. They can be asked to support defensively or attack on offense. This is due to their historical relation to a specific position or role in a team. Regardless of the formation played, the position numbers will always be numbers 1 to 11, with each number referring to a player’s position or role on the field. The goalie is the only player who can legally use his or her hands to touch the ball on the field. Many numbers in soccer have developed an almost cult-like following, especially numbers 10 and 7. Midfielders: This is the player asked to do a little bit of everything. Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 1. They are the ones to finish off offensive chances set up by their teammates and are typically some of the most popular players in their league due to their propensity to score goals. While these positions can be further broken down for use in different formations and strategies, the four main positions are:įorwards: These players score the most goals and are positioned closest to the opponent’s goal. Traditionally, soccer teams used jersey numbers to denote the position of each player. The GK is often referred to as a Keeper or Goalie, the only player who can handle the ball with his hands and arms to make sure a goal does not enter.What Are the Main Positions on a Soccer Team?įour integral positions are featured in each soccer game. The Goalkeeper is the last line of defense to stop an offensive player from scoring a goal. Defensive Soccer Positions Goalkeeper (GK) 5 Center Back (or Sweeper, if used) 6 Defending/Holding Midfielder. Official soccer position numbers will always be 1 to 11. READ: How Many Soccer Teams Are In London? 1. Soccer position numbers can be incredibly confusing because the number on a players back does not always match their position on the field. Having said that, let’s look at what the defensive, midfield, and offensive soccer positions mean. For the feeders (younger players), knowing what soccer positions represent is ideal as knowing the role you’re assigned to play or the role that suits you.Īs you develop your skill in your soccer career, your soccer position will shift a bit till you have a standardized number, which is not always certain. After that, clubs and managers have the freedom to play players in any opposition. Every position a footballer is representing has a unique job to keep the team playing squarely. Each soccer team consists of 11 players - one of whom has to be a goalkeeper.