Whether it is watching or playing, soccer can sometimes come off as a bit of organized chaos. Even those who have casually followed the sport might not exactly know how many players are on each team. Understanding lineups, and how they can change in the middle of a match, is also a big step towards understanding soccer in general.
How many players on a soccer team? Traditional soccer matches are played with 11 players on each side. Each team will have ten field players each, and one goalie. Teams also carry a set amount of substitutes to use if they wish. The number of substitutes varies, but usually, it is a minimum of three, and a maximum of 12.
How Many Substitutions Are Allowed During a Game?
The rules for the highest levels of soccer allow for three substitutions per contest. Any player can be subbed out, and that player is officially out for the rest of the contest. There are certain scenarios where teams might decide to later use another substitute opportunity on that person who came in midway through the contest, but that rarely happens.
Where leagues and competitions differ is whether or not a fourth substitution is allowed in extra time. Some give this bonus, while others stick with just three substitutions.
Why Do Teams Have So Many Substitutes?
With the rules stating that a team can only sub out three players in a match, or four if it goes in the extra time, why do teams have as many as 12 players on the sidelines? This is a tactical decision made by management, as they want to make sure that they have several replacements available if needed.
Depending on the opponent, there might be a need to use one substitute player over another. For example, if the team is not moving as quickly as they should on offense, it might be the perfect time to bring in a faster offensive-minded player to help out. If a team has a leave, they might go with a sub who is a better defender than who is currently playing in the game.
Some teams also use substitutions as a way to monitor the minutes of particular star players. Maybe there is a bigger match coming up in a few days, so subbing them out and giving them time off allows them to rest. There are also star players who are getting up there in age, so they might not be able to provide a full 90 minutes of value. They can either start the game and come out later, or be used as a finisher late.
In important competitions, there are some substitutes who never get to enter any of the matches. However, they are right there for the manager to use if they wish. It is better to be over-prepared for any scenario than to have limited options. They also still contribute to the team in other ways, such as during practice sessions.
Can Soccer Be Played Without 11 Players On Each Side?
Every match starts with 11 players on each side, but numbers can dwindle all the way down to seven for one reason or another. One way this happens is if players are injured, and a team does not have a way to replace that player.
Another reason for playing down as many as four players comes down to cards issued. If a player receives two yellow cards, or one direct red card, they can’t continue playing. A team does not have the opportunity to sub that player out and must play without one player for the rest of the game.
Rarely does a match get to the point where it is 7 vs 11. However, it is not that uncommon to see a team have to play a significant part of the match down a player. Teams practice for these scenarios, and hope to minimize the damage as much as possible.
Alternatives To The Regular 11 vs 11
The traditional 11-on-11 format of soccer is typically seen in leagues for teenagers and professionals. However, soccer doesn’t always have to adhere to this format, and there are scenarios where reducing the team size makes sense.
Soccer teams at a young age sometimes play with smaller lineups on the pitch at all times. This is because the field is smaller, and no one wants to have to clutter up everything for no reason. It allows for a bit more spacing and learning the game in general. So, how many players are on a soccer team will depend on the age group in youth soccer. You may see 9 v 9 or 7 v 7.
Indoor soccer is another popular form of the game that does not always 11 players on the field for each team. It can sometimes be as small as six players per team. This is again due to smaller playing areas. Indoor soccer is also a game meant to be played at a faster pace in general.
Finally, adult recreational leagues might use different combinations depending on field size and competitive level. Adults who are just trying to casually stay in shape and have some fun while playing soccer do not need to suit up and play 11-on-11. In some of these leagues, teams might not even have a single substitute, meaning that everyone has to play the entire match.
Along with different team sizes, there are other variations in soccer to consider. Some leagues play without a goalkeeper and use a smaller goal to add variety to the sport. They may still have ten field players but no dedicated goalkeeper.
Soccer does not always have to be played by the book. People are becoming more and more creative, depending on the scenario.
A Final Look At Soccer Roster Construction
Having a strong starting 11 is crucial for every team, but it is the entire team roster that truly makes a remarkable squad. Teams often switch up their lineups for strategic purposes and use substitutes at the right moments to gain an advantage.
Even if a player doesn’t make a noticeable impact on the field, they still contribute in other ways. This is why teams are deep in almost every sport, because any player on the roster could end up being the hero.
