Defenders
Defenders do everything they can to make sure that the ball does not get past them. If there is not a sweeper in play, defenders are the last position the opposing team will encounter on their way to scoring a goal, besides the goalkeeper. This position typically starts the game close to their own goal box. During the game, they can typically be found anywhere on their teams half of the field. This is between their goal line and the midfield line.
Defenders are often expected to perform throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks on their own side of the field.
Types of Defenders
Centre-back
The job of this position, also known as a central defender, is to stop players such as the opposing striker from shooting on the goal. It is common to see two centre-backs play on the pitch. They can either cover a specific portion of the field or cover a specific player.
Sweeper
Sweepers are not always a position that is utilized. Sometimes, a coach will use four defenders instead of including a sweeper. However, when one is used on the field, they can be an essential player to assist the goalkeeper. Sweepers can be the last defensive measure before the ball reaches a goalkeeper.
The position usually starts behind the defenders and in front of the goalie. They don't typically go past the midfield line and can go as far back as their own goal line. They will often cover the entire field from left to right, wherever extra assistance is needed. A sweeper will often take goal kicks or corner kicks. They can also be expected to perform throw-ins when the opposing team kicks the ball out of bounds. This is the only time a player other than the goalie can touch the ball with their hands.
Full-back
This position can be divided into a left or right-back. They are positioned on either side of the centre-back. They defend against opposing wingers in the flanks who try to drive the ball past them or pass to other attackers. They do not traditionally support attacking plays.
Wing-back
These are defenders who are more involved in offensive plays. They typically cover more width on the field, especially if the team lacks traditional wingers. They usually support the midfield when on the attack. This position usually covers the opposing wing-backs when on defense.
Goalkeeper
The goalie is typically the only player that is allowed to touch the ball with their hands while on the field and during the game. Their sole purpose is to keep the ball from making it into the net.
They always stay close to the goal to prevent the opposing team from scoring. They will typically not leave the area of the goal box (the lines that form a box closest to their own goal). This is because they may not touch the ball if they are outside of their goal box. Goalkeepers are responsible for blocking the ball during penalty kicks and getting the ball out of the area of the goal and to a player on their team further down the field. They often use a dropkick to get the ball as far away from their own goal as possible.
