Every team has a goalkeeper. That’s universal. The rest of the team can be arranged in a variety of different ways, but the most popular setup is a 4-4-2. This is where there are 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. But a team can have any composition. While there are 11 players on the field at a time, there are technically 16 potential positions to play.
Sweeper is not a super common position anymore, but it’s a great position if you love getting physical. Sweepers don’t do a ton of running, but they do have to be comfortable with getting physical near the net. Center backs block the opposing team’s forwards and guide the defense. If you’re tall and you have great leadership skills, center back may be right for you. Full backs and wing backs block the other team’s wingers and midfielders. These positions involve the most running on the field since you’re so far from the net, and they rarely spend a lot of time with the ball. If you’re fast and don’t like dribbling, these are the positions for you.
Aim to play defensive midfielder if you’re a bit fonder of defense and you aren’t a great shooter. This position will suit you if you are good at interceptions, making key tackles and poaching the ball from any misguided dribbles. Attacking midfielder is a great position for you if you prefer shooting and attacking over defensive play. Go for center midfield if you enjoy creative problem solving and calling the shots. Center midfielders are often the leader on the team, and you’ll be involved in almost every play as a center midfielder. Play winger if you like flashy plays. Wingers often attack the net in explosive offensive schemes, so if you’re fast and have good hand-eye coordination, it’s a great position for you.
Center forwards play near the middle of the field on offense. If you prefer getting physical over trying to outrun or outmaneuver your opponent, center forward is right for you. Strikers do most of the scoring a lot of the time. If you’re fast and you have great kicking power, try out for striker.
While some people think that goalkeepers have an easy time, it’s kind of the hardest position in the game in a way. While you don’t do much running, you’re on the hook for protecting the most important thing on the field! That can be a pretty high-stress gig.
To put it another way, the full back is usually the position that has the least impact on the game since they’re not as involved in every play and rarely handle the ball. [7] X Research source Some people think that center backs have it easier than full backs since there’s often less running involved. Many soccer players think wingers actually have it the easiest since they aren’t involved a large percentage of the time on offense or defense.
The “best” position for you depends on your skillset. If you have a strong ability to predict an opposing player’s moves and react on the fly, you’d be a great defender. If you’ve got crazy accuracy when it comes to shooting the ball, you’d make a phenomenal forward. Every position requires skill.
Remember, full backs have to do a ton of running. If you’re a full back, it’s possible your coach just put you there because you have better endurance than the rest of your teammates!
