#NUMBERS ASSIGNED TO SOCCER POSITIONS HOW TO#

This shorthand is included in parentheses after the position names. When demonstrating a formation, describing player movement, or for any other written coaching purposes, a form of shorthand using acronyms is often used, corresponding to the positions identified below. The general terms used for positions in soccer are: Goalkeeper, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards. All of the players on the team other than the goalkeeper are often described as “ field players.” Many of the position names in soccer have synonyms. The following treatment represents a full eleven-player side (11 v 11). It is common around the world to discuss soccer positions starting from the goal that the team is defending, and then proceeding outward into the field. The best defender of today may be the best goal-scorer of tomorrow. No young player should be type-cast by position. Not only does this provide them with an awareness of the requirements of the other positions, but it also exposes them to activities for which they may be better suited in the future. Coaches need to identify their formation, specify the names of the positions used in the formation, and then use the names consistently.Īlthough specialization occurs over time, it is critical that all players learn all skills and that young players, in particular, are given the opportunity to play at all of the positions. As this occurs, the positions tend to be linked to an increasingly more specialized skill set. This understanding begins by first introducing players to the generally-recognized names for the soccer positions and then by progressing to more specific terms as time goes on. This is certainly true for soccer where players need the structure and understanding of a formation (and system of play) to be able to properly perform.

#NUMBERS ASSIGNED TO SOCCER POSITIONS HOW TO#

As in all team sports, soccer players must ultimately specialize at various positions and then understand how to interact with players in other positions in order to effectively compete in the game.

Numbers assigned to soccer positions