Soccer 101

By Position

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Posted: Friday June 04, 1999 04:32 PM

Scurry is clutch in goal for the U.S. Al Tielemans

GOALKEEPER
a.k.a. goalie, keeper
Primary responsibility: Stop the ball from going into the net.
Necessary skills: Quick hands; strong, explosive legs for quick jumps; a powerful foot; a willingness to sacrifice one's body; the ability to stay focused (one can't be reading billboards while the action is on the other half of the field).

DEFENDER
a.k.a. sweeper (plays closest to the goal)
stopper (plays farthest from the goal)
fullback or marking back (plays closest to the sidelines)
Primary responsibility: Stop the ball before it gets to the goalie.
Necessary skills: A calm, cool head; a leg powerful enough to clear the ball to the offensive end; an intimidating physical presence; solid tackling skills.

MIDFIELDER
a.k.a. halfback
Primary responsibility: Relay the ball between the offense and defense.
Necessary skills: Excellent field vision; solid playmaking and passing skills; the ability (and stamina) to both attack and defend; a dexterous foot that can hold on to the ball.

FORWARD
a.k.a. striker
Primary responsibility: Score goals.
Necessary skills: A quick, powerful shot; nifty footwork to dribble past defenders; the ability to head the ball powerfully and accurately, even in traffic; speed (for breakaways).

 

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