In 9v9, you will not have an attacking midfielder, you’ll simply have a forward or striker. This is where the positions start to overlap more depending on the type of soccer formation you run and how many players you have. Generally, your midfielders should be fast as well but if they have a high soccer IQ and are good at finding open players, their speed isn’t as important. Midfielders have the best technique and the focus on the minor details of their fundamentals.

These are likely the most fit players on the field, they can handle running the entire game, and they are the strongest dribblers you have. Your midfielders are your endurance players. The goal is for your center defensive midfielder to slow down the attacker, steal the ball, and get it out of the midfield to a wing or outside midfielder. These are some of the best defensive athletes on the field. This position sits between the midfielders and defenders and should possess a lot of the qualities of each defensive position we’ve covered already. Your central defensive midfielder is your “disrupter''.” Their job is to get in the way and wreak havoc before they can reach your defenders. On your actual field defense is your outside defenders, center defender, and center defensive midfield. While the goalkeeper is part of your defense, they’re in a position all their own. The goalkeeper is typically a larger, more powerful individual on your team but still needs to be able to quickly move laterally and pivot at any moment. When a goalie misses a block, it’s easy to blame them when in reality, everyone else on the field was unable to stop the ball before it reached the goalie. This is a hard position to play because it’s impossible to blend in. Goalkeepers should also be prepared to take a little mental and emotional abuse from time to time. They’ll tell wings and outside defenders where to go to ensure they’re in the right position to receive the ball after a shot on goal.

This player should also possess leadership qualities because goalies are required to be vocal and run the field from time to time. This athlete possesses a fearless personality because they’re not afraid to throw their body around and put themselves in front of the ball when it’s coming right at them. Your goalkeeper cannot be the most timid player on your team. Here’s a diagram to help you get your players set up in the correct position with the right spacing. Some squads play without wings while others play with only two midfielders to make up for the wings on the edge.Įither way, this is simply a breakdown to help you teach soccer positions in youth soccer.

U10 soccer positions could be different because they don’t typically field 11 players at a time. Before We Startīefore we dive into each position, you’ll want to know that not all of these players will be present on a field at any given point. It’s essential that you understand that you’re not excluding certain players from playing positions simply because they’re not “good enough” to play there, it’s just because their traits and characteristics better suit them elsewhere on the field. Knowing the characteristics and traits of soccer players that play these positions is equally important. Understanding youth soccer positions is important for anyone who hopes to be a successful coach.

Position number in soccer team