The Number of Players
According to the official soccer rules, a team can bring in 10 outfield players and one goalkeeper on the field (pitch) and can have several substitutes on the bench.
The numbers of benched subs, as well as the actual number of substitutions, that are allowed in a single match vary with the type of the game played
For example, in professional league play and international matches only 3 substitutions are allowed, with 5, 7 or 9 players on the bench.
In friendlies however, a coach can have an unlimited number of players on the bench and can subsitute freely. In the past, the official soccer rules regarding substitutions were a lot stricter than this.
The numbers of benched subs, as well as the actual number of substitutions, that are allowed in a single match vary with the type of the game played
For example, in professional league play and international matches only 3 substitutions are allowed, with 5, 7 or 9 players on the bench.
In friendlies however, a coach can have an unlimited number of players on the bench and can subsitute freely. In the past, the official soccer rules regarding substitutions were a lot stricter than this.
Positions
The 11 players on each team are as follows:
- Goalkeeper
- Two fullbacks--Right & Left Fullbacks.
- Three mid-fielders--Right, Center & Left Half Backs.
- Five attackers--Center Forward, Right & Left Inside and Right & Left Outside.
Recent Terminology
The roles of many of the positions began changing in the 1970 and 1980's and are still evolving. The position names indicated in the diagram on the left reflect these changes.
A good summary of today's positions be viewed on Soccer Training Guide's web site. It explains each position's role during play. (Sorry for the advertising, but it would have been too cumbersome to post all the links here.
A good summary of today's positions be viewed on Soccer Training Guide's web site. It explains each position's role during play. (Sorry for the advertising, but it would have been too cumbersome to post all the links here.