Positions And Their Roles

Oct. 2, 2001

Positions and their roles

One of the most important aspects of soccer is to understand your position fully, and to know what role your team expects of you. Practice the different aspects of your position on the field, and use your preperation to make you an effective player on the field.

The Goalkeeper

“The Interceptor” Organizes the defense with short, concise commands The last passing station for securing the ball in extreme pressure situations Handles back passes and initiates attack building

Right and Left Defenders

Stay on their own side to cover the opposition’s forwards Strong 1 v. 1 players Move with the ball when it’s played to the opposite side or into the opposition’s half Build a solid attack, even under pressure Switch to the attack for specific plays in specific situations

Center defensive midfielder

The most important player, tactically: the “switching station” between attack and defense Directs team movement Interplay of pressing and cover Directs the attack as it moves from defense to midfield to the front Looks for holes in the opposition’s defense and uses them

Central defender

Organizes the defense formation Strong 1 v. 1 player Builds the attack with safe passes Switches to the attack as necessary Interplay with the center defensive midfielder

Right and left midfielders

Travel with the ball as required Stay in their half and skillfully cover opponents Bring in the forward and outside forwards Cover either side during attack building and/or push forward, depending on the situation

Center attacking midfielder

Directs the attack as it relates to the defense Moves with the ball Looks for holes in own defense and closes them Passing station in the front Brings the forwards into position with passes or dribbling Moves into holes as they open and tries to finish

Right outside forward

Early interference with the opposition’s attack building Travels with the ball Holds outside positions but moves in on the goal when possible Strong 1 v. 1 player and crosser

Center forward

Early interference with the opposition’s attack building Travels with the ball Moves into spaces as they open up Initiates 1 v. 1 action and tries to finish Drops the ball to teammates as they move forward

Left outside forward

Early interference with the opposition’s attack building Moves with the ball Holds outside positions but moves in on the goal when possible Strong 1 v. 1 player and crosser