Soccer Positions: All Soccer Positions EXPLAINED

If you’re curious about 11v1 soccer positions – this is for you.

Greetings, future soccer stars! I’m Coach Dylan, and I’m excited to be your mentor as you embark on the path to becoming a more skilled soccer player. A fundamental element of this beautiful sport is comprehending the distinct soccer positions on an 11v11 soccer field.

Think of it as a chessboard where each piece holds a pivotal position. In this article, we’ll dissect the 11v11 soccer positions, delving into their numbers, names, and much more.

soccer positions
soccer positions

Soccer Positions

Now, let’s delve deeper into gaining a clearer understanding of soccer positions. In the world of 11-soccer / football, these soccer positions can be categorized into four distinct groups:

  1. Goalkeeper (GK): The fearless protector of the net, usually wearing jersey number 1. Their primary role is to stop the opposing team from scoring.
  2. Defenders (2-6): These players (center-backs, full-backs) safeguard the goal and prevent the opponent from advancing. Numbers 2-6 typically represent these positions.
  3. Midfielders (7-11): Midfielders control the game’s tempo. Wearing numbers 7-11, they include wingers (7 and 11) and central midfielders (8, 9, 10). They link defense and attack and are often the creative forces.
  4. Forwards (9-11): These players aim to score goals. Strikers typically wear numbers 9 and 10, while the number 11 is usually assigned to a winger.
soccer positions explained
soccer positions explained

Soccer Positions Names

The basic group sets of all soccer positions can be broken down into more specific soccer positions:

  1. Goalkeeper (GK): The Keeper, the Shot-Stopper, the Last Line of Defence
  2. Defenders:
    • Centre Back (CB): The Wall, The Stopper, The Central Defender.
    • Full Back (LB/RB): The Flanker, The Wingback, The Wide Defender.
    • Sweeper: The Cleaner, The Rearguard, The Playmaker from the Back.
  3. Midfielders:
    • Central Midfielder (CM): The General, The Distributor, The Maestro.
    • Defensive Midfielder (CDM): The Enforcer, The Shield, The Interceptor.
    • Attacking Midfielder (CAM): The Playmaker, The Magician, The Assist King.
    • Wide Midfielder (LM/RM): The Crosser, The Flanker, The Winger.
    • Box-to-Box Midfielder: The Engine, The Workhorse, The Versatile Midfielder.
  4. Forwards:
    • Striker (ST): The Finisher, The Goal-Hunter, The Poacher.
    • Centre Forward (CF): The Connector, The Link-Up Player, The Forward General.
    • Winger (LW/RW): The Speedster, The Dribbler, The Provider.
    • Second Striker (SS): The Support Striker, The Shadow Striker, The Attacking Midfielder-Striker Hybrid.

Each of these soccer positions comes with its own set of responsibilities and characteristics. Grasping the distinct roles associated with these soccer positions can assist players in specializing within their chosen roles and making valuable contributions to their team’s triumph.

all soccer positions
all soccer positions

Soccer Positions By Number

In 11-a-side soccer, positions are frequently linked to specific jersey numbers. Here are the typical jersey numbers for each soccer position by number:

  1. Goalkeeper (GK): Number 1.
  2. Centre Back (CB): Numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  3. Full Back (LB/RB): Numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, or in some cases, numbers 6 and 7.
  4. Sweeper: Number 6, although this position is less common in modern soccer.
  5. Central Midfielder (CM): Numbers 6, 8, and 10, but can also be other numbers in some cases.
  6. Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Number 6, or 8 in some formations.
  7. Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Number 10.
  8. Wide Midfielder (LM/RM): Numbers 7 and 11.
  9. Striker (ST): Number 9.
  10. Centre Forward (CF): Number 9, or sometimes 10.
  11. Second Striker (SS): Number 10 or 11, or another attacking number.

It’s important to bear in mind that the precise jersey numbers associated with 11v11 soccer positions may exhibit minor variations depending on the team, league, or country. Furthermore, contemporary tactics and formations can occasionally result in more flexible numbering systems.

However, the aforementioned list embodies the conventional correlations between jersey numbers and positions in soccer match.

soccer positions by number
soccer positions by number

Soccer Positions and Roles

What are the key abilities and qualities that players should possess when operating in each of these 11v11 soccer? Here are the different soccer positions and roles:

Goalkeeper (GK):

  • Exceptional shot-stopping and reflexes.
  • Strong positional awareness.
  • Precise distribution techniques.
  • Clear and effective communication.
  • Reliable ball-handling skills.
  • Fearless in one-on-one situations.

Defenders:

  • Solid tackling ability.
  • Excellent man-marking skills.
  • Sharp positioning to intercept and cut off attacks.
  • Accurate passing for building from the back.
  • Strong aerial presence.
  • Endurance and speed for covering space.

Midfielders:

  • Creative and accurate passing.
  • Exceptional ball control.
  • Vision and game-reading skills.
  • High work rate on both ends.
  • Skillful dribbling to beat opponents.
  • Defensive awareness for regaining possession.

Forwards:

  • Clinical finishing skills.
  • Intelligent off-the-ball movement.
  • Explosive speed for breakaways.
  • Physical strength to hold off defenders.
  • Creativity in creating scoring chances.
  • Effective pressing for regaining possession.

These brief explanations of the roles of responsibilities of different soccer positions provide insights into the fundamental skills and attributes essential for each position on the soccer field. Players can utilize this information as a reference to enhance their abilities and excel in their designated roles.

soccer positions on the field
soccer positions on the field

Soccer Positions Explained

In this video I’ll give you all of the soccer positions explained:

Keep in mind that soccer is more than just numbers and names; it’s a game driven by passion, dedication, and perpetual growth. Whether you’re a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, or forward, your role is crucial to your team’s achievements.

Step onto that field with unwavering confidence and be the source of inspiration for your teammates with your optimistic outlook and unyielding resolve.

I trust that this article has provided you with a better grasp of soccer positions and ignited your motivation to become the best player you can be. Continue chasing your dreams, and always remember that every moment on the pitch is an opportunity to shine!

different soccer positions
different soccer positions

The Next Step

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soccer positions abbreviations

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soccer positions and responsibilities

About The Author

If you don’t know about me…

I used to be a soccer player who struggled with self-confidence. I felt slow, weak, and unmotivated. My coaches didn’t pay much attention to me, my friends laughed at my lack of skills. At one point, I even became so discouraged that I quit the sport altogether.

Enough was enough. I decided to take control of my own development and set out on a journey to become a better soccer player. This path led me on an incredible journey of self-improvement.

I went on to win league and goal-scoring titles, earn awards, lift trophies, and received a college scholarship. I’ve even earned international caps for my country.

I started sharing my knowledge with others and teaching them how to become the best soccer players they could be. My YouTube channel grew to over 500,000 subscribers.

In addition, I coached for several youth clubs in my local city, and even started my own soccer training company. I went on to coach the most prestigious men’s club in my city for several years.

soccer positions and their numbers

But enough about me, let’s focus on you.

If you’re looking to improve your skillslet’s take your soccer game to the next level. I want to help you make a noticeable change in style of play and overall performance on the field.

I’m passionate about helping players achieve their goals in soccer, and I’d love to be a part of your journey. I can help you reach your goals faster and achieve more in this sport, but I won’t force you. If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s what I suggest you do:

1) Download The Soccer Success Planner (FREE)

2) Apply To The Online Soccer Academy (Limited Spots)

soccer positions and names

Want more soccer training content?

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Which Soccer Position Should You Play?

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Helpful Soccer Videos For Players

Wishing You Success In Soccer

Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer

Thank you for reading this article:
Soccer Positions: All Soccer Positions EXPLAINED (Numbers & Names)

Dylan Tooby

Success should not be judged based on what you achieve but by what you help others achieve. Hopefully, this information will help you. Thank you for reading. Please, leave a comment.