Player Positions
選手のポジション
選手のポジション
This player guards the goal and tries to prevent the opponents from scoring. They are the only player allowed to use their hands, and they may "sweep" which means making defensive plays away from the goal.
Goalkeeper / Goalie
This area is where the players must shoot the ball to score. Each team's areas is guarded by the opposite team's goalie. This area has a goal made of a net, crossbar, and two poles.
The Goal
This pass is also known as a loft or chip pass. To do this pass, you'll hit the ball into the air and over opponents to your target. This pass is good for long distances but not for crowded areas.
Fly Pass
If a player makes a foul in the penalty zone, the referee awards this kind of kick. Only the goalkeeper can defend this shot.
Penalty Kick
This spot is a small area on the penalty box. If a player receives a penalty kick, they kick the ball from this mark.
Penalty Mark
This defensive position player usually blocks shots and intercepts passes on their team's side of the field. They may also tackle opponents to steal the ball, or they may clear the ball out of dangerous areas.
Back
This area is in the middle of the field and is split in half by the halfway line. It is a large circle that all players must stay outside of during a kickoff until the ball is touched.
Center Circle
This pass is also known as a grounder. To do this pass, you'll use an instep kick to roll the ball across the ground to your target. This pass is good for short and medium distances as well as tight plays.
Ground Pass
When a player deliberately handles the ball with their hand or arm, it is considered this foul. However, if the contact is unintentional, then the foul may not be given.
Handball
This area is in the middle of the field. It marks the exact center of the field and is used for kickoffs.
Center Mark
These players are a team's main offensive tactic. They play on the opponent's side of the field and get close to the goal to score. They are usually good at trapping the ball and using infront and instep kicks.
Forward / Striker
These areas are located at each of the four corners of the field. All corner kicks happen in these areas, and during a corner kick, the player must place the ball somewhere on this arc for the kick to be legal.
Corner Arcs
This pass helps a teammate score a goal. Timing is crucial since the teammate will be in a dangerous area, and you will need to pass the ball through defenders.
Assist Pass
This foul is given when a player has persistent bad behavior such as arguing with the referee, delaying the game, or heckling.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
This pass is also known as a simple pass. This pass is used to give a teammate the ball and build a tactic to score.
Connect Pass
These players usually stick to the flanks of the field. They play on both sides of the field and are usually fast, agile, and good at dribbling. They may also duel with opposing back players and try to steal the ball for their team.
Wing
This small rectangular area is located on both sides of the field. This area designates where the goalie may kick the soccer ball back into play from when it goes out-of-bounds.
Goal Area
This pass is also known as a long pass. The player will kick the ball over a long distance, usually from one side of the field to the other. Accuracy is also important so that you don't pass to an opponent on accident.
Outside Pass
This kick is awarded when a player makes illegal physical contact. They can kick the ball immediately without it touching another player first. Some reasons include dangerous play, opponent contact, and opponent blocking.
Direct Free Kick
To do this kick:
- approach the ball from a slight diagonal
- plant your foot next to, but slightly behind, the ball
- swing your kicking leg while locking your ankle
- hit the ball with the inside of your foot
Instep Kick
This player is versatile and plays in both defensive and offensive tactics. They are important for controlling the tempo of a game by initiating plays, breaking up opposing strategies, and creating opportunities to score.
Midfielder
This area is a large rectangle on both sides of the field. The goalie is allowed to use their hands while inside this area, and penalty kicks are made from the penalty mark located in this area.
Penalty Area
This pass is also known as a short pass and uses a quick and accurate kick to pass the ball. It is best for tight plays and requires good precision and prediction.
Inside Pass
This kick is awarded for technical mistakes. When shooting the ball, it must first touch another player before touching the goal for the score to be legal. Some reasons include dangerous play, unsportsmanlike conduct, and offsides.
Indirect Free Kick
To do this kick:
- approach the ball directly
- plant your non-kicking foot near to the ball
- use the top of your foot to hit the lower half of the ball
- don't lock your ankle to cushion the impact
Infront Kick