Soccer Positions-Striker, Goalkeeper, Fullbacks Centerbacks, Wingers, Central Midfield

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the last line of defense and must communicate consistently with the backline in front of him. When the opposition crosses halfway with the ball the goalkeeper should begin communication with the backline. Check centrally to see if the forwards are covered by the centre backs, the look to the fullbacks. Ensure all defenders are goal side and within touching distance of the attacker they are marking. After the backline is in place a goalkeeper should look ahead to the midfielders for any untracked runs and communicate the defenders. When the ball reaches the attacking zone all communication should be done as the keeper must be ready to save shots or deal with crosses in the air.

To position themselves a goalkeeper should imagine triangle. The ball is the point of the triangle and the imaginary shape runs to both goalposts. The positioning of the goalkeeper should adjust with the ball and remain in the middle of the triangle. At all times the goalkeeper should be on her toes and ready to come and get a through ball, or to save a shot or cross.

Fullbacks

The full back is the wide defender on the left and right hand side. Full backs must possess quick feet, speed and solid 1 v 1 defensive ability. Speed is important as a full back will often find themselves in a 1 v 1 defensive situation out wide with no cover and must not let a winger in behind. A full back must not dive in and miss tackles as the back line will be exposed, instead should look to block crosses coming into the area. Full backs should also look to support the wide midfielder in attack and overlap to get a cross into the area and outnumber their opposite full back 2 v 1.

Center backs

The heart of the defensive backline, a centre back must possess solid positional awareness. A central defender must also be strong in the tackle and able to win headed balls. Central defenders must cover forwards and pass them on to full backs if they go out to the sidelines. If forwards check back to midfield forwards must pass them on to midfield players if they do not wish to get sucked high out of position. When their team is in possession a central defender must provide a back option in order for his team to keep possession if no side or forward options are available.

Wingers

Wingers are the wide midfield players on the left and right sidelines. The job of the winger is to provide width of the attack and cover the wide attacks of the opposition. When the ball is central, a winger should be out wide with his heels on the sideline. This both gives him the opportunity to receive the ball in space or et a 1 v 1 where the full back has no cover, or to spread the defenders wide if he does not receive the ball. A winger should have the ability to beat players off the dribble and provide quality crossed balls into the penalty area for teammates. When defending, the full back will take responsibility for the highest wide attacker. The winger must track runs back and ensure no additional runners give the opposition a 2 v 1 advantage in this area.

Center Midfield

Center midfield is one of the most vital positions on a soccer team. The central midfield area is referred to as the engine room, and is responsible for attacking as well as shielding the back four. Defensively, a central midfield player must always track the runs of their opposite player, otherwise the opposition will have a numerical advantage in behind them. Also if a central defender is sucked wide to cover for the full back, the center midfielder should drop back and provide cover in the area. When attacking the center midfield player should have the vision and ability to switch sides of the field or to pick a dangerous forward pass. Center midfield incorporates a huge workload and for this reason central midfield players are often among the best athletes on a soccer team. Some teams pair a solid defensive midfielder to sit and hold, along with a more attack minded player in this department.

Forward

The forward is responsible for scoring goals or providing assists on a soccer team. A good forward should be able to put pressure on opposition defenders when they have the ball, hold up possession of the ball for his team, as well as provide a scoring threat. When defending a forward should close down defenders to cut opposition attacks off at the root. Winning possession off a defender is an instant scoring opportunity, and pressure could lead to a long pass that results in a turnover down the field. If a forward receives a pass in a non scoring position or is outnumbered, he should pass to a teammate and make a secondary run. This means the second pass received he could be in space, or it will give teammates time to join the attack and provide numbers. When in and around the penalty box a forward should have an aggressive mentality and look to shoot at goal, when a teammate shoots the forward should follow in the shot and look for rebound goals. When the ball is out wide the forward should make runs and look to be on the end of crosses. It is important that whenever a teammate is in possession in the midfield area, the forward is always open to receive a pass to feet or a through ball. (images designed with Coachfx)

ACTION PLAN

As a coach you should make all players aware of the roles and responsibilities of their position. Pull them aside individually during a scrimmage and at the end of practice to run through the details. Run 10 to 20 minutes of practice in a half field game and focus coaching on the job of one specific position. Rotate through all the positions so by the end of the season all are covered. Produce a bullet point sheet for players to summarize the roles and responsibilities of their position and ask them to pin it to their bedroom wall.