<P> At a professional level, most matches produce only a few goals . For example, the 2005--06 season of the English Premier League produced an average of 2.48 goals per match . The Laws of the Game do not specify any player positions other than goalkeeper, but a number of specialised roles have evolved . Broadly, these include three main categories: strikers, or forwards, whose main task is to score goals; defenders, who specialise in preventing their opponents from scoring; and midfielders, who dispossess the opposition and keep possession of the ball to pass it to the forwards on their team . Players in these positions are referred to as outfield players, to distinguish them from the goalkeeper . These positions are further subdivided according to the area of the field in which the player spends most time . For example, there are central defenders, and left and right midfielders . The ten outfield players may be arranged in any combination . The number of players in each position determines the style of the team's play; more forwards and fewer defenders creates a more aggressive and offensive - minded game, while the reverse creates a slower, more defensive style of play . While players typically spend most of the game in a specific position, there are few restrictions on player movement, and players can switch positions at any time . The layout of a team's players is known as a formation . Defining the team's formation and tactics is usually the prerogative of the team's manager . </P> <P> There are 17 laws in the official Laws of the Game, each containing a collection of stipulation and guidelines . The same laws are designed to apply to all levels of football, although certain modifications for groups such as juniors, seniors, women and people with physical disabilities are permitted . The laws are often framed in broad terms, which allow flexibility in their application depending on the nature of the game . The Laws of the Game are published by FIFA, but are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). In addition to the seventeen laws, numerous IFAB decisions and other directives contribute to the regulation of football . </P> <P> Each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper . Competition rules may state a minimum number of players required to constitute a team, which is usually seven . Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to play the ball with their hands or arms, provided they do so within the penalty area in front of their own goal . Though there are a variety of positions in which the outfield (non-goalkeeper) players are strategically placed by a coach, these positions are not defined or required by the Laws . </P> <P> The basic equipment or kit players are required to wear includes a shirt, shorts, socks, footwear and adequate shin guards . An athletic supporter and protective cup is highly recommended for male players by medical experts and professionals . Headgear is not a required piece of basic equipment, but players today may choose to wear it to protect themselves from head injury . Players are forbidden to wear or use anything that is dangerous to themselves or another player, such as jewellery or watches . The goalkeeper must wear clothing that is easily distinguishable from that worn by the other players and the match officials . </P>

How many players are on a team in soccer