Team Soccer Formation - Player Positions
One of the key roles of a soccer coach is to maximize the strength’s of their players, and minimize their weaknesses. One of the main factors in doing this is deciding which position is best for a player to play in. The physical attributes, playing habits and personal preference of a player should be taken into account when deciding which position a player plays. Every coach treads a line between asking a player to perform a role within the team, and allowing a player to do what they favor, usually scoring goals in the younger age groups!
It is fine, and in fact beneficial for players to play a number of positions at the younger age groups. However, to truly develop a player they must have a primary position and be allowed to study and practice the intricacies and responsibilities of a given position on the field.
Avoid giving players positions based purely on physical size and attributes. It is a bad habit of some coaches to play the strong players as forwards and ‘hide’ weaker players on defense. Doing this exposes weaker players to 1 v 1 defensive situations which they may be poor at.
Also do not assume a tall player is necessarily a goalkeeper, or a big strong player a central defender. A youth coach who did this could have stopped the career of 6 foot 7 inch tall England national team forward Peter Crouch. The best way to assign positions is to think of the primary attributes of each position and decide which role each player fits best.Goalkeeper
A goalkeeper is the last line of defense, a goalkeeper must have confidence and bravery to enjoy playing the position. Many young players will be scared to keep goal for fear of conceding a goal and it being their fault. Attributes needed by a goalkeeper are;
- Agility and quickness – Diving and reflex saves are often required of a goalkeeper.
- Courage – A goalkeeper must not fear failure and may often have to dive into crowds to get a loose ball.
- Handling – The goalkeeper must have good catching ability.
Central Defender
The heart of the back line. A central defender must be able to provide a solid presence in the core of your defense;
- Awareness – A central defender must recognize open players and cover them or have the ability to communicate to teammates to do so.
- Heading ability – A central defender will have to deal with high balls on a regular basis, whether they are crosses from out wide, or attempted balls over the top for forwards to chase.
Full back
Full backs provide width on the defense and require the following attributes;
- Speed – A wide defender will often be isolated out wide in a 1 v 1 defensive situation.
- Tackling – A fullback must possess good 1 v 1 defensive ability to not be beaten easily off the dribble and cut off crosses.
- Fitness – A fullback who overlaps covers huge distances during a game and must possess a good level of stamina.
Central Midfield
This position is the quarterback of a soccer team. It is very common for teams to put their best all around players in central midfield;
- Stamina – A central midfield player is required to contribute in both attack and defense.
- Ball winning – A central midfielder must be good at winning possession through tackles or winning loose balls.
- Passing – A central midfielder must be able to keep possession for their team, or to play a penetrating pass forward. Central midfielders should be able to switch play if a defensive team crowds one side of the field.
Wingers
Wingers provide width to the attack and support the full backs on defense;
- Pace – Wingers should have the ability to beat a full back and penetrate the opposition back line.
- Dribbling – Wingers will see many 1 v 1 situations and should have the ability to beat a defender off the dribble.
- Crossing – Putting quality deliveries into the penalty area for the forwards to get on the end of.
- Stamina – Wingers must join attacks, and support the full back on defense avoiding 2 v 1 mismatches.
Strikers
Strikers are the spearhead of an attacking team, and responsible for penetrating the opposition and scoring goals;
- Shooting – Strikers will get the most shots on goal and the team will benefit from them being converted.
- Heading – Strikers must be able to convert crosses, or flick on long balls.
- Pace – A through ball is a common attack method and a striker faster than the opposition defense is a dangerous asset.
- Control – Strikers will usually be under pressure when they receive the ball, they need to possess good control to deal with balls, whether passed on ground or high, and keep possession for their team.
Action Plan
- Try players in a number of positions before deciding their best.
- Take into account the desires of a player when deciding their role.
- Dedicate time to teaching individuals the roles and responsibilities of their position.
