Soccer Rules Practice Exam

What is the primary objective in the middle third of the field for the midfielders?

1. attacking and scoring

2. defending

3. maintaining possession and distributing the ball

4. throw-in

The correct answer is: maintaining possession and distributing the ball

The primary objective for midfielders in the middle third of the field is to maintain possession and distribute the ball. Midfielders play a crucial role in linking the defense and attack, ensuring that their team retains control of the game. They often receive the ball from defenders and look to keep possession while making strategic passes to forwards or overlapping players. This transition is vital as it helps in setting up attacks while also maintaining a balanced defensive posture. While attacking and scoring is important, it is generally more relevant in the final third of the field. Defending is primarily the responsibility of the defenders and may occur in the midfield, but it’s not the primary role of midfielders in that area. A throw-in is a method of restarting play after the ball goes out of bounds and does not relate to the primary role of midfielders in the context of game strategy.