Overview of Player Positions

When players are young they should be encouraged to play many different positions. This gives them a chance to figure out which position they like and which position they are best suited for. It also helps players understand the responsibilities and hopefully an appreciation of that specific position. As players get older they will naturally drift to a specific position based on the players' mental and physical abilities.

Goalkeeper

A goalkeeper has the job of being the last line of defense for the team. There is a lot of responsibility with this role since it only takes one mistake to let your team down. Certain attributes to look for in a goalkeeper:

- Good ball handling, diving, shot stopping technique
- Agile strong, and brave - especially when challenging for crosses
- Confident - a goalkeeper has to be to deal with being blamed for the loss of games at times
- Always focused and ready to make a save
- Good positioning in relation to the ball and defense
- Good at communicating to the team - since they see the entire field

Outside Defender

An outside defenders to key to the team in both defense and attack. Often teams will use their outside defenders as an extra attacker. Defensively and outsider defender is responsible for covering the wide spaces. Certain attributes to look for in an outside defender:

- Good 1v1 defensive skills
- Ability to communicate and read when the other defenders should step up, drop off or shift left and right
- Able to provide support for the wide midfielder
- Good in the air
- Good at tackling, marking, and delaying attackers
- Speed to cover spaces behind them and fast attackers

Central Defender

Central Defenders are usually the leaders of the defense and often the leaders of the team. They are able to see most of the field and are responsible for communicating with the rest of the defense and team of their responsibilities. Certain attributes to look for in an central defender:

- Good 1v1 defensive skills
- Ability to communicate and read when the other defenders should step up, drop off or shift left and right
- Able to provide support for the central midfielder
- Good in the air
- Good at tackling, marking, and delaying attackers
- Speed to cover spaces behind them and fast attackers
- Ability to read the game well and stop combinations from the attackers

Central Midfielder

A center midfielder is link between the offense and the defense. They are responsible for covering the space from one 18 yard box to the other 18 yard box. Teams usually use their most talented and skilled players in these positions. Certain attributes to look for in a central midfielder:

- Good overall technical skills: passing, shooting, trapping, dribbling, heading, tackling
- Ability to read passing lanes on both offense and defense
- Good stamina
- Good combining in tight spaces
- Good communication skills
- Good vision - being in the center of the field a center midfielder has to be able to see everything around them and assess the situation
- Composed under pressure

Wide Midfielder

A wide midfielder give teams width while attacking and wide support while defending. These players have to get forward to provide crosses for the strikers as well as help the outside defender defend the wide spaces. Certain attributes to look for in a wide midfielder:

- Good 1v1 dribbling, and crossing skills
- Good understanding of defensive support and shifting with the other midfielders
- Energy, stamina, and speed
- Keeps width when in attack
- Stays compact in defense

Striker

A striker is a special type of player since it requires a bit of selfishness and a lot of perseverance. Their job is to score anyway they can and usually it takes a lot of chances just to get to one. Certain attributes to look for in a striker:

- Speed, strength or a combination of both
- Ability to work combinations with other players
- Find spaces and passing lanes around the box
- Good shooting technique (long, short, volleys, headers, etc)
- Strong mentality and very confident
- Good dribbling and ball control skills
- Composed under pressure