As someone who played soccer for Parks and Rec from 2019 to 2023, I have some experience with the sport. On a normal field, there will be nine players on each team, three offensive players, three defensive players, two midfielders, and a goalie. The offensive players typically should be on the opposing team’s side of the field, ready to get the ball, and score. Defensive players stay on their side of the field, ready to stop any attempts on the goal, but they can move up to the half-line to force an offsides pass. Midfielders run the length of the entire field, playing either offense or defense, depending on the situation. The goalie can technically move to anywhere on the field, although it’s recommended to stay in the goal box, so that they can stop the opposing team from scoring, should the defense fail to stop them. Every quarter, they switch sides of the field.
In my experience, having at least one defender charging the oncoming offenders is beneficial. They’d either have to pass to someone else, allowing other players to take the ball, or, go around. In that case, having a defender running alongside the offender with the ball on their side closest to the goal is a good strategy, they can’t shoot through you, after all. They’ll have to pass, so make sure the other defenders are pressuring the other offenders.
As an offensive player, your job is to be open to passing, receiving, and being in the right place. You have to make sure you watch the ball, in case your teammate needs assistance or if they’re passing. You also have to watch out for offsides, for example, if you have the ball, and pass to a teammate behind the opposing defenders, that’s offsides, and if they touch the ball, the defenders can kick it away from where on the field they touched it, per the rules.
Midfielders have to do all of it, defending, attacking the goal, and running the length of the field. Normally kids that have been playing for a long time take this position. It’s a difficult position, but if the running doesn’t wear you down, it’s a fun position.
Being a goalie is my least favorite position. You stay in the goal box, waiting till the offenders get closer, and depending on the offense, they could potentially hit you in the face, which is not fun. I speak from experience.
In conclusion, soccer is a great sport, for me at least. I enjoy the fast pace of it, the running and physical activity. However, there are downsides, like the injuries, I have hurt my leg a few times, have been hit upside the head twice, and have fallen countless times.
