SOCCER COACH WEEKLY

PLAYER
POSITION
GUIDE

every position on the soccer pitch explained

 PLAYER POSITION GUIDE

About this guide

Each position on the soccer pitch places specific demands on a player, whether it's in
defence, midfield or attack. This guide will help your players understand exactly what
they should be doing in a match and encourage them to try out different positions.
No matter how skilful a player is, he PLAYER POSITION GUIDE PLAYER POSITION GUIDE PLAYER
DEFENCE
POSITION GUIDE
RE
Use this
ATTACK
won't be much use to your team if
cha
of all the rt to keep track

WHEVE Date playeD: Write in

FULL bAck
tried out positions you've
on the soc
the date cer pitch. cENTRE FORWARD
HA
the team you played

he doesn't fully understand what he

you were ,
up aga

YOU D?
against: and the A.K.A. DEFENDEr
inst A.K.A. sTrIKEr • ForWArD
score in
score:
Then giv the
e your per match. free kicks • ATTACKEr

mark out formance a
E attack free kicks
should be doing on the pitch. PLAY
of 10. IN ATTACK
CK
My rating:
name: attack  Take free kicks from wide, deep
IN ATTACK
ATTA areas and possibly fromathe
 Maintain position on the last defender
keeper
MIDFIELD GOaLkEEpEr  Look to receive the ball from the middle third (usually one of the centre backs)  Take direct free kicks
in central
NCE using a good first touch  If you're not  areas, including penalty
DEFE

Whether playing in defence,

taking
Makethe kick,
small offer
movements to distract kicks
 Attack space in front of you, running support behinddefenders,
the free-kick taker
don’t be easy to mark
 Combine with a team
mate for
with the ball at pace  Take throw indirect kicks
Date playeD: ins
 Be able to receive and bring down
Date playeD:
Date playeD:  Link with midfielders and high balls
 Cover against theunder pressure
possibility
 Be strong in the air
when
attacking free kicks

midfield or attack, players should

against:wide players come from
against: of a quick
 Stay strongattack.
counter and protect the wide areas
against:
 Pass to feet with good pace ball until support players can
score:
and accuracy.
IN DEFENCE  React quickest to
score: receive
 Stand it
in the second or
score: wall if loose ball in your area
 Combine with other
required

know where they need to be at all

My rating:
My rating:  Hit the target and
 forwards
Mark yourtoman create
or goal-
defence
My rating: score
scoring opportunities goals.
your zone.
fULL Back
sWEEpEr  Use timing and power IN DEFENCE
WING Back  Support team mates
to attack high balls  If the free kick is

times during the match and what

in midfield
from crosses central, stay upfield
 Make recovery runs
Date playeD:  Score goals! ready to counter
Date playeD: to link with the
Date playeD: attack
defensive line

their responsibilities are. They

against:  If the kick is from
against:  Put pressure on your
a wide area, use
x factor
against:
score:opponent in 1 v 1
strength in the air
situations
corners
score:
score: to aid the central
My Don't dive in – delay,
rating:  Make clever, well-timed runs defenders.

must understand what you expect

My rating: stay on your feet, behind the defence
My rating:
stay side on and force IN ATTACK
 Score with a one-touch turn
HOLdING MIdfIELdEr
your opponent one way  Move up forfinish
attacking
cENTraL dEfENdEr and
BOx-TO-BOx MIdfIELdEr  Tackle when balanced corners corners
from them when the team is going
and ready  Score from diving headers
 If all other options are  Take upand
a position
volleys.on the
covered, play edge of the opposition's area IN ATTACK
safe
Date and put the ball out for
playeD:
Date playeD:
or corner. a throw-in  Be the prime target player
Date playeD:  Be prepared to sprint back to
against:
defence
cover a counter attack. for high balls

forward or when it is on the back

against:
against:  Make unselfish runs to
IN DEFENCE
x factor create space for team mates
score:
score:  React
 You may be to lost
required to stand
score: posseon
ssion in
the post attacking third  Get headers and shots
 Run at opponents with good pace
My rating:
on target – accuracy is more

foot, and also know what they

 Mark the  If possi
My rating:
My rating: zone ble, press
in front of goal
toor
and control important than power
mark a player regain
man toball
manquickly or
WIdE MIdfIELdEr
 Deliver quality crosses delay forward  React to rebounds and
WINGEr aTTackING MIdfIELdEr  Attack the ball play
score deflections for secondary chances.
 Get into position to attack and  Intercept back
passes.
 Move to block your opponent

should do when you have a free

from set pieces. IN DEFENCE
Date playeD:
 Clear your lines  Drop into defensive areas to use
Date playeD:
Date playeD:  Push out on the keeper's shout. strength in the air
against:
 Mark a designated player or zone

kick or corner.
against:
against:
 Clear with good height and distance.

STAR STAR
score:
score:
score:
My rating:
Ashley cole
PLA Robin Van Persie
PLAYER YER
My rating:
My rating:

Play in each position

INsIdE fOrWard
MaN IN THE HOLE
cENTrE fOrWard WEEKLY
SOCCER COACH 2
16 SOCCER COACH WEEKLY 2
www.soccercoachweekly.net
SOCCER COACH WEEKLY SOCCER COACH WEEKLY 2

Key to getting players to

understand each position on the
pitch is getting them to try playing
in as many positions as possible.
The more positions they try, the
better their understanding will be.
This also helps you as a coach
because you get to see how your
players deal with playing in these
different roles. You may have
someone who regularly plays in
attack who you discover is actually
a natural centre back or a wide
midfielder who plays better up
front and central.
Print out the posters or you can stick them next to a
In this guide, we lay out the main player's peg in the changing room.
responsibilities for each position There is also a Where Have You
when attacking or defending. We Played? sheet, which you can
also highlight the ‘X factors’ – give to the players to encourage
those key attributes that make the them to try out playing in different
best stand out from the rest. positions. Once a player has
Each position is covered on a played at full back, for example,
single sheet and laid out like a he can record the date, score and
poster, featuring one of the world's opposition and also keep a note
top players. They are designed so of how he played. And there is
that you can print them out and another sheet for you to record
give them to your players to take when each of your players has
home and put up on their wall, tried out a different role.

Contents
Published by Green Star Media Ltd, Meadow View,
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Contributor Customer services
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Product
development manager
Matt Boulton
WIng back 7 centre forward 15
Head of marketing
Paul Mortimer HOLDING MIDFIELDER 8 Where have you played? 16
(c) Green Star Media
Publishing director
Kevin Barrow
Ltd.
All rights reserved. Box-to-box midfielder 9 Formations 17
Managing director Click here to read the
Andrew Griffiths full disclaimer. Attacking midfielder 10 PLAYER tracker 18

www.soccercoachweekly.net 2
 PLAYER POSITION GUIDE DEFENCE

goalkeeper
A.K.A. keeper • goalie • goaltender • custodian • gloveman • stopper

attack
defence
goal
 Ensure accurate distribution from  Be alert and aware of your
ds and throw outs.
kicks, kicks from han positioning.
 Get into good support positions,  Use good footwork and quick feet
watching your angles at all times. to get into position.
nt
 Demonstrate quick and confide  Show confidence in your handling
decision making. and shot-stopping.
 Be able to, and decide when to,
Free Kicks catch, deflect or punch.
 Deal with crosses confidently
IN ATTACK using good, well-timed jumps.
 Don't doze off! Maint  Communicate with your
ain defence constantly.
your concentration and
be in a good position  Be loud and clear – let
to react to a quick everyone know that the ball
counter attack. is yours.
IN DEFENCE
 Organise your
defensive wall.
 Try and get into a
position where you
Corners
have a good view
IN ATTACK
of the ball.
 As with free kicks, maintain
 Be on your your concentration and be in
toes, ready to a good position to react to a quick
react to a shot or counter attack.
the ball coming in behin
d IN DEFENCE
the defence.
 Help organise your defence.
 Get into a good starting position and

x Factor
be ready to come out and jump so you
can attack the ball at its highest point.
 Act as a sweeper behind the  Make a decision to catch, deflect or
defence. punch depending on pressure.
 Use both feet to deal with  Call “KEEPER'S”, or “AWAY” if you
back passes. wish the defence to clear.
 Take deep free kicks.  Be alert to a second ball cross or shot.
 Shout “OUT” to your defence when
the ball is safe.

STAR
Joe Hart
player
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 PLAYER POSITION GUIDE DEFENCE

FULL BACK
A.K.A. Defender • Left back or Right back
Free Kicks
IN ATTACK
attack  Take free kicks from wide, deep
areas and possibly from the
keeper
 Look to receive the ball from the middle third.
using a good first tou ch.  If you're not taking the kick, offer
ning
 Attack space in front of you, run support behind the free-kick taker.
with the ball at pace.  Take throw-ins.
 Link with midfielders and  Cover against the possibility
wide players. of a quick counter attack.
 Pass to feet with good pace
and accuracy.
IN DEFENCE
 Stand in the wall if
required.

defence  Mark your man or

your zone.
 Support team mates
in midfield.
 Make recovery runs
to link with the
defensive line.
 Put pressure on your
opponent in 1v1
situations.
 Don't dive in – delay Corners
,
stay on your feet,
stay side on and force IN ATTACK
your opponent one wa  Move up for attacking
y.
 Tackle when balance corners.
d and ready.
 If all other options are  Take up a position on the
covered, play edge of the opposition's area.
safe and put the ball ou
t for a throw-in
or corner.  Be prepared to sprint back to
cover a counter attack.
IN DEFENCE
x Factor  You may be required to stand on
the post.
e
 Run at opponents with good pac
 Mark the zone in front of goal or
and control.
mark a player man to man.
 Deliver quality crosses.
score  Attack the ball.
 Get into position to attack and
 Move to block your opponent.
from set pieces.
 Clear your lines.
 Push out on the keeper's shout.

STAR
Ashley Cole
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE DEFENCE

Sweeper
A.K.A. centre half • Stopper

defence
attack  Communicate to players in front
when to press and when to delay.
port
 Maintain a good position to sup  Make sure the team is compact in
players in attackin g are as, ma inly defensive situations.
behind the ball.  Mark and cover space between
 Play good passes out of the centre backs and the
defence to feet or into goalkeeper.
space behind opponents.  Be aware and quick enough
 Organise players in front, to react to dangers and tidy
telling them when and up (sweep).
where to push up.  Make good challenges
and stop shots on goal
when needed.
Free Kicks
IN ATTACK
 May take the kick fro
m deep areas.
Corners
 Cover and support in
areas IN ATTACK
behind the ball in the mi
ddle and  Likely to be expected to stay
attacking thirds.
back and mark lone striker or
IN DEFENCE cover space in case of a quick
 May be in the wall in counter attack.
central areas.
 Charge down indirect  If picking up a cleared ball,
free kicks.
 Mark players or be rea play a good pass back into
dy to react
to the ball in behind th attacking areas.
e wall,
denying space to the att
ackers. IN DEFENCE
 Clear your lines.  Mark space in and around
the goal.
 Cover other defenders
who are marking and be
x Factor aware of late runs from
tely to opposing forwards.
 Pass the ball swiftly and accura
trigger good counter attacks .  Attack and clear
. the ball to start a
 Show good speed and endurance counter attack.
s to
 Come out of defence with late run  Along with the goalkeeper,
rec over
support attacks and be able to communicate to players when to
if an attack breaks down. push out.
 Ensure that cover is in place, in
case your team loses possession.

STAR
Vincent Kompany
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE DEFENCE

CENTRAL DEFENDER
A.K.A. centre half • CENTRE BACK

attack
 Be prepared to receive the ball
from the defence
e.
keeper and play it forward if possibl  Maintain a good position.
the
 Don't rush – patient build up from  Communicate with defensive and
defensive unit can be effective. midfield units.
 Be available to link up play with  Anticipate dangerous passes and
central and wide midfielders. be aware of opposing strikers.
 Make late forward runs where  Get good height and distance on
space and opportunity allow. defensive headers.
 Get in position behind the  React to the second ball and
attack to offer support. clear your lines.
 If you find yourself in a
1v1 situation, don't dive in –
Free Kicks think about when to tackle
and when to delay.
IN ATTACK  Prevent strikes on
 Take free kicks from goal – get your body in
the the way.
defensive third.
 Get into a support
position for free kicks in
the middle third.
 Go up for kicks in th
e Corners
attacking third.
IN ATTACK
IN DEFENCE  Move up to provide an aerial threat.
 Mark your man or yo
ur zone.  Make specific runs, either to score
 Attack and win high or to block defenders.
balls.
 Protect the goalkeepe  React first to the loose ball.
r.
 React to the loose ba  Get back quickly when the attack
ll and clear
your lines. breaks down.
IN DEFENCE
x Factor  Mark your man or your zone.
 Attack the ball at its highest point
 Drive forward with the ball into to get height and distance on your
the attacking third. headers.
 Take long-range free kicks direct  Put pressure on the second ball.
on goal.  Protect the keeper.
s.
 Show strong leadership qualitie  Block runs of attackers.
 Communicate with team mates.
 Clear lines and push out on
the keeper's call.

STAR
Nemanja Vidic
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE DEFENCE

WING back
A.K.A. ATTAcking full back
attack
 Get wide to receive in space.
 Play your first touch forward.
 Run with the ball if there's space.
 Give and go, if under pressure.
 Combine with midfield and
strikers to reach the final
third using overlapping or
underlapping runs.
 Look to deliver
effective crosses.
Free Kicks
IN ATTACK
 Possibly take the kick from wide areas
in the middle and attacking thirds.
 Pair up with a midfielder for
indirect kicks.
 Stay wide in space to receive
diagonal long ball.
 Pick up loose ball and deliver
into the danger area.
IN DEFENCE
 Take up a position in the wall.
 If not in the wall then mark a
player or space as designated.
 Clear lines and press

defence
the second ball to regain
possession.
 React to lost possessi  Push out on the
on. keeper's shout.
 Make fast recovery an
d
tracking runs.
 Put pressure on wide
 Double up with your
attackers. Corners
central
defender to prevent a cro IN ATTACK
ss or shot.
 Tackle and regain po  Take the corner if required.
ssession
when possible.  Stay back and cover central
 Cover the space on th defenders who go up for headers.
e opposite
side to the ball, being ale  Or take up a position outside
rt to
runners and cross-field the penalty area to pick up the
passes.
loose ball from clearances made
under pressure.
x Factor  Deliver good ball back into the
area or strike on goal.
 Beat an opponent with good IN DEFENCE
dribbling skills.  Prevent short corners.
foot.
 Be happy to cut inside on weaker  Take up a position on a post if
 Provide crosses with either foot. required.
to
 Possess speed and a good engine  Mark a player or a zone as
get up and down the field . designated.
 Attack the ball in your area.
 Block strikes on goal.
 Clear lines and push out on the
keeper's shout.

STAR
Glen Johnson
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE MIDFIELD

Holding midfielder
A.K.A. Defensive midfielder • anchorman • midfield anchor

attack Free Kicks

from IN ATTACK
 Create space to receive the ball
the keeper or defend ers.  Take indirect free kicks in the
gh up middle and attacking thirds.
 Use awareness and vision to wei
attacking options.  Provide support and cover
 Use a good range of passing  Make late and blindside runs to
– short and long, to feet or receive from free kicks.
into space. IN DEFENCE
 Make support runs for  Prevent quick free kicks
attacking players.  Take up a position in the
 Make late runs to create wall if required
scoring opportunities.  If not in the wall, put
pressure on the free-kick
taker
defence  Be aware of and cover
opponents’ runs
 Protect the back line.  Anticipate and react
 Communicate with quickly to second ball
the defensive unit and  Support the defence
recovering midfielders. until the ball is safe.
 Show strength in 1v1
challenges.
 Man-mark specific players
when required. Corners
 Anticipate and intercept
passes through midfield. IN ATTACK
 Patrol the edge of the penalty area to
attack cleared balls.
 Receive the ball from the corner taker

x Factor
to take a shot at goal.
 Make late runs into the area to attack
the cross.
 Make positive runs with the ball
into space from deep areas. IN DEFENCE
 Instigate quick counter attacks  Cover centre backs if needed.
with early through balls.  Protect the edge of the penalty area.
 Score spectacular long range  Put pressure on the second ball.
goals.  Delay counter attacks.
 Make recovery runs into
vulnerable areas.
 Track dangerous opponents.

STAR
Xabi Alonso
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE MIDFIELD

box-to-box midfielder
A.K.A. MIDFIELD DYNAMO

attack
inly in central
Free Kicks
 As the name suggests, work ma
as. IN ATTACK
areas between the two penalty are
 May take the kick in the middle and
 Always look to receive the ball.
attacking thirds.
 Show a good range of passing.  Join with forwards to attack on
 Show awareness of time and indirect free kicks.
space.
 Follow up direct shots to win
 Demonstrate a high level the second ball from saves and
of fitness. knock‑downs.
 Make well-timed IN DEFENCE
support runs to help
 May be in the wall in central areas.
the strikers and get
into goalscoring  Try to charge down the ball on
situations. indirect free kicks.
 Be a good  Block movements and shots of
communicator. attacking players and be first to
the loose ball.
 Clear lines and push out
defence on a call from the keeper or
defenders.
 React quickly when
your
team loses the ball.
 Try and win the ball
high up the field.
back
Corners
 Delay the counter att
ack to give
your team time to recov IN ATTACK
er.
 Intercept passes betw  May be positioned 'on'
een the
defence lines. the goalkeeper (standing
 Make recovery and tra in his way, blocking his
cking runs into movement).
the defending third.
 Join in on attacking runs
into the area with strikers.

x Factor  May have a specific role,

such as making a near post run
. to score, or acting as a decoy
 Start and finish counter attacks for a defender.
 Lead by example.
IN DEFENCE
 Never give up.
 Mark a player or zone.
 Attack the ball to clear danger.
 React first to second or loose ball.
 Push out on the keeper's shout.

STAR
Yaya Touré
player
www.soccercoachweekly.net 9
PLAYER POSITION GUIDE MIDFIELD

Attacking Midfielder
A.K.A. PLAYMAKER
Free Kicks
attack IN ATTACK
 Create space either to receive the ball or for  May take the kicks.
team mates to exploit.  Make clever movements
 Possess a good first touch and have the ability to off the ball to create space.
turn and dribble.  React first to the loose
 Support strikers in front of and behind the ball. ball to create secondary
scoring opportunities.
 Play clever forward passes between defenders.
 Time runs to create shooting chances. IN DEFENCE
 May be in the wall.
 Link up play between defence and attack.
 Mark opponents.
 Challenge for the ball and
prevent shots.
defence  Win the second ball and
push out.
 React to lost possessi
on.
 Support and provide
cover
behind forwards.
 Make recovery and tra
Corners
cking runs.
 Pressure opponents IN ATTACK
in midfield to
prevent turns and passe  May take the corner.
s.
 Challenge for the ba  Make late runs from the edge
ll and
counter attack of the area, or hold for knock-
if possible. downs or pull-back passes.
 Attack the area and the
ball with purpose.
 Take goalscoring
opportunities.
IN DEFENCE
 Mark players arriving
x Factor late into penalty area.
 Block runs and win
 Make mazy runs challenges.
(dribbles) from midfield.
 Clear the danger
 Score from spectacular and press the
long-range shots. second ball.
 Turn defence into attack using  Push out on
clever tricks and turns. keeper's or
 Score from creative free kicks. defenders' call.

STAR
Jack Wilshere
player
www.soccercoachweekly.net 10
PLAYER POSITION GUIDE ATTACK

WIDE MIDFIELDER
A.K.A. WIDE MAN
Free Kicks
IN ATTACK
defence  May take the kick from wide areas or
anywhere in the attacking third.
either
 Work with the centre forward to  Combine with a team mate to take
delay or pressurise opp one nts in the indirect kicks.
attacking third.  Make angled runs in behind the
 Make challenges or interceptions defensive line.
in the midfield and attacking IN DEFENCE
thirds.
 May be in a wall of one or two
 Make recovery runs, in wide areas.
dropping into midfield
 Drop into the defending third
areas to protect the full
and mark players or space.
back or moving inside
to support central  Attack loose ball and
midfield. counter attack.

Corners
IN
ATTACK
 May take
the corner.
 Make
Attack attacking runs.
 Take up a position on
 Give width in attacking areas.
the edge of the box for pull
 Go 1v1 with a defender, attacking backs or second ball.
and exploiting space behind the
defensive line. IN DEFENCE
 Cut to the outside to deliver  May be asked to stay up
effective crosses or cut inside to field to counter attack.
attack the penalty area.  Mark in or around the edge
 Use good close control and of the penalty area.
dribbling skills to create chances.
 Make diagonal and blindside runs
to create space to receive passes x Factor
from midfield.
 Make unselfish runs to create  Have a great first touch and
space for team mates. show awareness of options.
 Be inventive with the ball.
 Be clever in dead-ball
situations – bend and swerve
free kicks.

STAR
Gareth Bale
player
www.soccercoachweekly.net 11
PLAYER POSITION GUIDE ATTACK

WINGER
A.K.A. WIDE MAN Corners
IN ATTACK
attack  May take the corner.
 Make runs to the far post or
 Stay near to the side line to provide the edge of the area to knock
width in attack. the ball back in or take a shot.
 Take on players in 1v1 situations and  Combine with corner taker for
have good dribbling skills. short corners.
 Have good speed with and IN DEFENCE
without the ball to attack and  May be on a post or marking
exploit space in wide areas the edge of the penalty box,
and deliver good crosses picking up late runs.
in the attacking third.  Block attempts on goal.
 Have a good range of  Gain possession and counter
passing techniques, attack at speed.
both short and long,
to combine with
the midfield and
overlapping full backs. Free Kicks
 Use both feet so that
you can switch sides IN ATTACK
and cut inside to deliver  May take direct free kicks or
crosses or shoot. combine with a team mate for
indirect free kicks.
 Make runs into danger
areas to receive a pass or
create space for others.

defence  Attack first and second ball

to make goalscoring opportunities.
 Stop forward play from the opposing full
back or winger.
 Track support runs of opposing wide
players and make recovery runs to cover
any space left by defenders.
 Make challenges or interceptions to
regain possession in the middle and
attacking thirds.
 Communicate with midfielders and
defenders about positioning.
IN DEFENCE
 Likely to be in a wall of one or
more in wide areas.
 Track and mark runners.
 Press and challenge for the ball.
 Clear lines and counter attack.
x Factor
 Have good tricks to beat
opponents in 1v1s.
 Put in great crosses and score
great goals.
 Be inventive and try to put on a
show to entertain the fans.

STAR
Theo Walcott
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE ATTACK

man in the hole

A.K.A. withdrawn Striker

Free Kicks
attack IN ATTACK
tral areas
 Create space for yourself in cen  May take the kick from central areas
behind the forward . in the attacking third.
reness and
 Have a good first touch and awa  Link with forwards or midfielders
opp ortu niti es.
use both feet to create for indirect kicks.
 Link up play between midfielders  Look to attack areas where
and forwards with good passing. the ball will be delivered or
react to the second ball/
 Combine with forwards and
wide players to create rebounds to score goals.
goalscoring opportunities. IN DEFENCE
 Make angled support  May make up part
runs in the attacking of the wall.
third to create space  Look to prevent
and/or score goals. quick free kicks
higher up the field.
 React first to loose/second ball
and prevent shots on goal.
defence  Regain and maintain possession
for a counter attack.
 React quickly to
lost possession.
 Support forwards in pressing
opponents in the attacking third.
 Intercept cleared passes.
Corners
 Make tracking runs into the middle IN ATTACK
third to support team mates.  May be positioned on/in front of
the opposition’s goalkeeper to distract
his concentration on the ball.
 Make well-timed movements/angled
x Factor runs to meet crosses.
 Be strong in the air and in 50/50
 Demonstrate a good range of challenges – make the ball yours
techniques and tricks. and score.
 Be able to turn opponents in 1v1
situations and leave them trailing.
IN DEFENCE
 Mark a player or an area in and around
 Score goals with clever the edge of the penalty box.
techniques such as volleys and
swerve shots.  Block late runs from opponents.
 Win balls in your area, be strong and
clear lines.
 Keep possession and use good passing
to start counter attacks.

STAR
Lionel Messi
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE
INSIDE Forward
A.K.A. second Striker • Attacker
attack
 Be aware of, and exploit, space in central
areas of the attacking third.
 Be strong in the air to win flick-ons from
long passes and goal kicks.
 Move off the ball to support your
strike partner.
 Be the link player for passes
from midfield.
 Combine with other forward
players in the final third
to create goalscoring
opportunities.
 Be confident and have
the technical ability
to finish in goalscoring
situations.
defence
 React quickly to lost possession.
 Press or delay forward passes in the
attacking third.
 Make recovery and tracking runs to
support midfielders defending in the
middle third.
 Intercept opposition passes and launch
a quick counter attack.
x Factor
tricks,
 Be clever under pressure – use
turns and dribble mo ves .
er foot,
 Finish with one touch using eith
including volleys and scis sor kick s.
STAR
Cristiano Ronaldo
player
ATTACK
Free Kicks
IN ATTACK
 May take the free kick from central
areas in the attacking third.
 Combine with a team mate for
indirect kicks.
 Otherwise, attack areas into
which the free kick is played.
 Be determined and first to
the ball to score goals.
 Be first to react to loose or
second ball.
IN DEFENCE
 Drop into an area close
enough to help if needed
around the free kick.
 Be aware of late runs from
opponents, track and mark if
needed.
 Regain possession and launch a
counter attack.
Corners
IN ATTACK
 Attack target areas with angled runs
to create goalscoring opportunities.
 Be brave and strong in the air as well
as sharp and alert to low ball and
secondary opportunities.
IN DEFENCE
 Stay high up the pitch as an outlet for a
quick counter attack.
 Otherwise drop and mark space or a
player in and around the penalty area.
 Use strength in the air to attack
high balls.
 React first to loose or second ball
and clear lines.
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE ATTACK

Centre Forward
A.K.A. Striker • Forward • Attacker

Free Kicks
attack IN ATTACK
defender  Take direct free kicks in central
 Maintain a position near the last
areas, including penalty kicks.
(usually one of the centre backs).
t  Combine with a team mate for
 Make small movements to distrac
’t be eas y to ma rk. indirect kicks.
defenders, don
n  Be strong in the air when
 Be able to receive and bring dow
high balls under pre ssu re. attacking free kicks come from
wide areas.
 Stay strong and protect the
ball until support players can  React quickest to second or
receive it. loose ball in your area.
 Combine with  Hit the target and score
other forwards to goals.
create goalscoring IN DEFENCE
opportunities.  If the free kick is
 Use timing and power central, stay upfield
to attack high balls ready to counter
from crosses. attack.
 Score goals!  If the kick is from
a wide area, use
strength in the air
x Factor to aid the central
defenders.
 Make clever, well-timed runs
behind the defence.
 Score with a one-touch turn
and finish. Corners
 Score from diving headers
and volleys. IN ATTACK
 Be the prime target player
for high balls.
defence  Make unselfish runs to
create space for team mates.
 React to lost possessi  Get headers and shots
on in
attacking third. on target – accuracy is more
 If possible, press to important than power.
regain ball quickly or  React to rebounds and
delay forward play. deflections for secondary chances.
 Intercept back passe IN DEFENCE
s.
 Drop into defensive areas to use
strength in the air.
 Mark a designated player or zone.
 Clear with good height and distance.

STAR
Robin van Persie
player
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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE
E R E Use thi
s ch
of all th art to keep t
WH E tried o e positions y rack

HAV
ut ou
Date played: Write i on the socce 've
n r pitch
the tea the date you .

YOU ?
Against: m you played
and th we ,
e score re up against
Then g
ive you in the match.

E D
Score:
rp

PLAY ATTACK
My rating:
name :
mark o erformance a
ut of 10
.
LD
MIDFIE goalkeeper
CE
DEFEN

Date played: Date played: Date played:

Against: Against: Against:

Score: Score: Score:

My rating: My rating: My rating:

WING Back sweeper FULL back

Date played:
Date played: Date played:

Against:
Against: Against:

Score:
Score: Score:

My rating:
My rating: My rating:

box-to-box midfielder central defender holding midfielder

Date played: Date played: Date played:

Against: Against: Against:

Score: Score: Score:

My rating: My rating: My rating:

Winger attacking midfielder wide midfielder

Date played: Date played: Date played:

Against: Against: Against:

Score: Score: Score:

My rating: My rating: My rating:

MAN IN THE HOLE CENTRE FORWARD INSIDE FORWARD

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 PLAYER POSITION GUIDE

Formations
It's important that your players know their own roles and also know how you want
them to play as a team. Take a bit of time to explain the team's formation to them.
These are the main formations that coaches have used in recent years.
1-4-4-2
Most teams play 1-4-4-2 when they first move to 11-a-side. It is a very
versatile system and can be a very attacking one using overlapping
full-backs and clever midfielders – you can quickly add players from
defence to midfield, and midfield to attack.
It is a strong defensive formation. With two lines of four across the
midfield and defence, it is difficult to break down.

1-4-2-3-1
The most popular formation in the modern professional game at
present is 1-4-2-3-1, used by the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid,
Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United, to name a few.
The two midfielders in front of the back four give support to the
defence, with one player breaking up opposition attacks, and the other
distributing the ball to the attacking players.
The formation should ensure teams are not outnumbered in midfield,
and with so many advanced players, there is great flexibility.

1-4-3-3
The 1-4-3-3 system is four defenders, three midfielders and three
attackers. The key to formation occurs when the team wins the ball
from its opponents. As soon as possession is gained, the team must be
prepared to create width, depth and support at pace. It can be used as
a counter-attacking tactic against strong teams.
Barcelona use a variation of the 1-4-3-3 with a diamond midfield, which
allows Lionel Messi a free role playing the hole behind two attackers.

1-3-5-2
Teams that use a 1-3-5-2 are often explosive, attack-minded and
unpredictable. They aim to dominate the midfield with the extra player
and use wide players to exploit attacking space.
The formation relies heavily on the left and right midfielders who have
to play as wing backs and have to both defend and attack.

1-3-4-2-1
This formation, which utilises the sweeper between two centre backs, is
probably the least used in the modern era but was very popular in the
late 1990s and early 2000s. However, Liverpool fielded this formation in
a match v Portsmouth as recently as 2009.

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PLAYER POSITION GUIDE

Player tracker
Keep track of where your players have played. Write their names in the left‑hand
column then just put a tick in the box when they play in each position.
Over a season you'll get a picture of who has tried out the most positions.

Box-to-box midfielder

Attacking midfielder
Holding midfielder
Central defender

Wide midfielder

Man in the hole

Centre forward
Inside forward
Goalkeeper

Wing back

Full back

Sweeper

Winger
Player name

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