Soccer is the most popular game in the world, with nearly five billion fans enjoying the sport. And while the pros make it look easy, soccer demands a ton of skill, endurance, and teamwork to be successful.
Like other team sports, soccer has defensive and offensive-minded positions with the goal of putting the ball behind the opponent’s goalkeeper.
While many players want the glory of scoring goals, everybody plays a vital role. Coaches distribute players in three basic positions, plus a goalie. These positions are defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Minute differences in each position define players’ roles on the team, such as playmaking, fullback, or striker. Some players occupy one position and develop their abilities to the max. In contrast, others have the skill to hop between positions.
Successful players understand their role in-depth, and as you progress from novice to pro, you’ll also want to hone your skills. To get started on that journey, review this complete guide to soccer positions, partner with TOCA to decide on a position, and start training!
A successful soccer team requires players who execute their roles on the team in highly effective ways. While some soccer formations need unique positions, like half-backs, wing-backs, or wide midfielders, the average group has three main components:
To really understand how the different positions impact the team’s success, let’s look at the various types of forwards, midfielders, and defenders.
The goalie is arguably the most critical position, and keepers have certain benefits other players don’t have, such as being the only player allowed to use their hands. Goalkeepers must have quick reflexes, outstanding eye-hand coordination, and the ability to assert their dominance in penalty areas.
Goalkeepers also engage in coach-like communication, coordinating defensive strategies and break-out plays to bring the ball up and out of the zone. Popular goalies to emulate include Manuel Neuer from the German national team, Iker Casillas from Real Madrid, Gordon Banks from England’s national team, and Yev Nashin from the Soviet Union.
Sitting outside the penalty box are the defensive players, starting with the right fullback. The right fullback is responsible for supporting right-wingers while defending attacks from the opposing player’s left side.
Although fullbacks aren’t goal scorers, they play an essential role in defending the team’s goal. They must be quick with plenty of stamina to keep up with the wingers. Fullbacks must also read the game well to execute counter-attacks. Popular right fullbacks include Reece James of Chelsea, Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, and Achraf Hakim as part of Morocco’s national team.
The left fullback is the mirror opposite of the right fullback. Left fullbacks support the lift winger while defending against the opposition’s right side. Like their defensive partner, they also require decent stamina and solid game IQ.
Popular left fullback players include Paolo Maldini from AV Milan, Roberto Carlos playing for Brazil, and Nilton Santos, who also plays for Brazil.
The center back, or central defender, is the heart of the defensive core. Center backs must exhibit excellent strength, stamina, and solid organizational and leadership skills. Team captains frequently occupy this position, and the center-back often partners with the goalie to coordinate the defensive players.
The best center-backs have an excellent grasp of the game and understand how to execute safe yet aggressive plays in their defensive half of the field. Without a strong center-back, it’s almost impossible for teams to be successful. Model your center-back game off players like David Alaba from Real Madrid, Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain, or Ruben Dias from Manchester City.
A sweeper is a center-back that plays more of a flexible game. Some recognize sweepers as a stopper center-back that helps wrangle soccer balls that make it past defensive lines. They keep goalkeepers safe while contributing to forward break-out.
Center-back sweepers must be fast and agile, with the ability to execute quick decision-making in order to cover the position while creating open space for defenders to pass up the field. While it’s not a popular position, many professional teams are reintroducing the sweeper position to remain more mobile on the back end.
A holding midfielder is a defensive midfielder positioned in front of the center backs. They make interceptions to break up plays and passing formations, helping the defense and goalkeeper.
In order to assist the offense, defending midfielders make short, crisp passing plays that help create break-out opportunities. Famous holding midfielders include Casemiro of Manchester United, Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich, and Rodi from Manchester City.
A right midfielder or winger is responsible for attacking and defending. During offensive plays, they send cross passes into the box and execute rush plays down the right wing of the soccer field. While on the defensive side, they track players moving through to the defense and attempt to break up passing plays.
Right-wingers must have a high level of stamina as they cover massive portions of the playing field. Throughout an entire soccer game, midfielders can run anywhere from six to seven miles. Popular right midfielders to emulate include Serge Gnabry from the German national team, George Best from Manchester United, and Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United fame.
A central midfielder, or box-to-box midfielder, plays both sides of the field—offense and defense. Because of their position on the field, central midfielders need to have high levels of stamina to support high-energy plays through the center of the field.
These box-to-box midfielders must also be capable of falling back when play pushes back into the defensive end. Popular central midfielders include Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona, N’Golo Kanté of Chelsea, and Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City.
Strikers are the center forwards who set up shop nearest the opponent’s goal to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. They are offensive-minded players whose primary role is to score goals.
Strikers must be quick on their feet, accurate with their shots, and possess strong decision-making skills under pressure. They also have excellent ball control and dribbling skills to get around the opponent’s defensive players. The most prolific names in soccer are strikers, including Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The attacking midfielder is an offensive player that is the crucial link in the chain between defense and offense. As playmakers, attacking midfielders are responsible for executing offensive strategies that help create scoring opportunities. Playmakers can also pass well and use speed to create open space.
Attacking midfielders need high endurance, creativity, situational awareness, and game IQ to pull off complicated plays. Famous playmakers to study include Phil Foden from Manchester City, Bernardo Silva from Portugal’s national team, and Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich.
Much like the right midfielder, the left midfielder covers the left wing of the field during attacking and defending situations. They prevent rushes down the wing and perform passing plays. They also frequently execute corner kicks and throw-ins as the strongest crossers on the team.
Popular left-wingers include Ryan Giggs from Manchester United, Leroy Sané from Germany’s national team, and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool.
Understanding the various positions on a soccer team helps determine where you fit best. Whether defending your goalie as a fullback or executing plays up the middle as a central midfielder, your role is critical to a team’s success.
And to take your success to the next level, partner with TOCA Football, whose programs and leagues for all ages support natural growth in any position. Select a location near you and discover the path that’s right for you. Plus, book a free kickoff to see how our proprietary tech and world-class coaches can help you build confidence and ability!
Soccer is the most popular game in the world, with nearly five billion fans enjoying the sport. And while the pros make it look easy, soccer demands a ton of skill, endurance, and teamwork to be successful.
Like other team sports, soccer has defensive and offensive-minded positions with the goal of putting the ball behind the opponent’s goalkeeper.
While many players want the glory of scoring goals, everybody plays a vital role. Coaches distribute players in three basic positions, plus a goalie. These positions are defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Minute differences in each position define players’ roles on the team, such as playmaking, fullback, or striker. Some players occupy one position and develop their abilities to the max. In contrast, others have the skill to hop between positions.
Successful players understand their role in-depth, and as you progress from novice to pro, you’ll also want to hone your skills. To get started on that journey, review this complete guide to soccer positions, partner with TOCA to decide on a position, and start training!
A successful soccer team requires players who execute their roles on the team in highly effective ways. While some soccer formations need unique positions, like half-backs, wing-backs, or wide midfielders, the average group has three main components:
To really understand how the different positions impact the team’s success, let’s look at the various types of forwards, midfielders, and defenders.
The goalie is arguably the most critical position, and keepers have certain benefits other players don’t have, such as being the only player allowed to use their hands. Goalkeepers must have quick reflexes, outstanding eye-hand coordination, and the ability to assert their dominance in penalty areas.
Goalkeepers also engage in coach-like communication, coordinating defensive strategies and break-out plays to bring the ball up and out of the zone. Popular goalies to emulate include Manuel Neuer from the German national team, Iker Casillas from Real Madrid, Gordon Banks from England’s national team, and Yev Nashin from the Soviet Union.
Sitting outside the penalty box are the defensive players, starting with the right fullback. The right fullback is responsible for supporting right-wingers while defending attacks from the opposing player’s left side.
Although fullbacks aren’t goal scorers, they play an essential role in defending the team’s goal. They must be quick with plenty of stamina to keep up with the wingers. Fullbacks must also read the game well to execute counter-attacks. Popular right fullbacks include Reece James of Chelsea, Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, and Achraf Hakim as part of Morocco’s national team.
The left fullback is the mirror opposite of the right fullback. Left fullbacks support the lift winger while defending against the opposition’s right side. Like their defensive partner, they also require decent stamina and solid game IQ.
Popular left fullback players include Paolo Maldini from AV Milan, Roberto Carlos playing for Brazil, and Nilton Santos, who also plays for Brazil.
The center back, or central defender, is the heart of the defensive core. Center backs must exhibit excellent strength, stamina, and solid organizational and leadership skills. Team captains frequently occupy this position, and the center-back often partners with the goalie to coordinate the defensive players.
The best center-backs have an excellent grasp of the game and understand how to execute safe yet aggressive plays in their defensive half of the field. Without a strong center-back, it’s almost impossible for teams to be successful. Model your center-back game off players like David Alaba from Real Madrid, Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain, or Ruben Dias from Manchester City.
A sweeper is a center-back that plays more of a flexible game. Some recognize sweepers as a stopper center-back that helps wrangle soccer balls that make it past defensive lines. They keep goalkeepers safe while contributing to forward break-out.
Center-back sweepers must be fast and agile, with the ability to execute quick decision-making in order to cover the position while creating open space for defenders to pass up the field. While it’s not a popular position, many professional teams are reintroducing the sweeper position to remain more mobile on the back end.
A holding midfielder is a defensive midfielder positioned in front of the center backs. They make interceptions to break up plays and passing formations, helping the defense and goalkeeper.
In order to assist the offense, defending midfielders make short, crisp passing plays that help create break-out opportunities. Famous holding midfielders include Casemiro of Manchester United, Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich, and Rodi from Manchester City.
A right midfielder or winger is responsible for attacking and defending. During offensive plays, they send cross passes into the box and execute rush plays down the right wing of the soccer field. While on the defensive side, they track players moving through to the defense and attempt to break up passing plays.
Right-wingers must have a high level of stamina as they cover massive portions of the playing field. Throughout an entire soccer game, midfielders can run anywhere from six to seven miles. Popular right midfielders to emulate include Serge Gnabry from the German national team, George Best from Manchester United, and Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United fame.
A central midfielder, or box-to-box midfielder, plays both sides of the field—offense and defense. Because of their position on the field, central midfielders need to have high levels of stamina to support high-energy plays through the center of the field.
These box-to-box midfielders must also be capable of falling back when play pushes back into the defensive end. Popular central midfielders include Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona, N’Golo Kanté of Chelsea, and Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City.
Strikers are the center forwards who set up shop nearest the opponent’s goal to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. They are offensive-minded players whose primary role is to score goals.
Strikers must be quick on their feet, accurate with their shots, and possess strong decision-making skills under pressure. They also have excellent ball control and dribbling skills to get around the opponent’s defensive players. The most prolific names in soccer are strikers, including Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The attacking midfielder is an offensive player that is the crucial link in the chain between defense and offense. As playmakers, attacking midfielders are responsible for executing offensive strategies that help create scoring opportunities. Playmakers can also pass well and use speed to create open space.
Attacking midfielders need high endurance, creativity, situational awareness, and game IQ to pull off complicated plays. Famous playmakers to study include Phil Foden from Manchester City, Bernardo Silva from Portugal’s national team, and Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich.
Much like the right midfielder, the left midfielder covers the left wing of the field during attacking and defending situations. They prevent rushes down the wing and perform passing plays. They also frequently execute corner kicks and throw-ins as the strongest crossers on the team.
Popular left-wingers include Ryan Giggs from Manchester United, Leroy Sané from Germany’s national team, and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool.
Understanding the various positions on a soccer team helps determine where you fit best. Whether defending your goalie as a fullback or executing plays up the middle as a central midfielder, your role is critical to a team’s success.
And to take your success to the next level, partner with TOCA Football, whose programs and leagues for all ages support natural growth in any position. Select a location near you and discover the path that’s right for you. Plus, book a free kickoff to see how our proprietary tech and world-class coaches can help you build confidence and ability!
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