Which Soccer Position Should I Play?

If you’re wondering which soccer position should I play?

I’ll give you a clear explanation of the different soccer positions, abilities & attributes required, plus the expectations of each soccer position – so you can make the best decision.

However, I will start by saying it’s a great idea to gain experience playing all of the different soccer positions. Over time it’s smart to specialize in one position. But playing different soccer positions will challenge you to grow and improve your game in different ways.

I will also identify:

– Which position is the hardest to play in in soccer?
– What is the most important position on the soccer field?
– Which soccer position is the easiest to play?
– What is the most popular position in soccer?

With that in mind here’s some advice on how to choose a position in soccer.

which soccer position should i play

Which Soccer Position Should I Play?

If you’re puzzled by the question, which position should I play in soccer? You’re not alone. Many players struggle to select a position which they believe is best for them.

There are two approaches to choosing a position:

#1 – Select a position based on your personal strength & genetic gifts. We are all born with different qualities – size, speed, smarts, natural skill. Identifying your strengths can help you decide which position might be best suited for you.

#2 – Select a position based on your personal desires & ambitions. We are all motivated by different outcomes. You may want to score goals, make assists, dribble opponents, stop shots, make tackles, lead with your voice, or lead by example.

Which soccer position is best suited for you to play?

– Versus – 

Which soccer position do you want to play?

Selecting Your Soccer Position

Personally, I believe you should ask yourself what would be the most enjoyable for me. You are always going to play better when you are having fun. 

If you don’t enjoy being a goalkeeper but you’re forced to play that position because you’re tall and athletic – you may end up quitting soccer after a few years because you’d rather be scoring goals.

Realize that not everyone can be the striker. But also realize that you will always have regret if you don’t try to play in the position that would make you happiest.

You may find over time that you enjoy playing certain positions over others. However, having goals is always important in soccer. Your wants will fuel your work ethic.

Analyze your personal gifts and choose a soccer position based on your current abilities. But you will always have regret if you don’t at least try to claim that position you desire.

what soccer position should i play

How To Choose A Position In Soccer

In the video below I’ll give you a clear explanation of the different soccer positions, what they are required to do, and help you decide how to know which soccer position is best for you.

First, here is a list of the most common positions in soccer:

1. Goalkeeper
2. Full Back (Defender)
3. Center Back (Defender)
4. CDM (Defensive Midfielder)
5. CAM (Attacking Midfielder)
6. Winger (Forward / Wide midfielder)
7. Striker (Center Forward)

The roles & responsibilities of each position will vary based on the soccer formation your team decides to play. However, these soccer positions are the most common in typical team formations.

Common Soccer Position Questions

Here are some of the most common questions that come up when players ask which soccer position should I play?

What is the most popular position in soccer?

Although most players have the dream of being the striker. Scoring all the goals and getting the praise from their teammates. Midfield is the most popular position in soccer. Possibly because in most formations it takes the most spots in the starting 11. If you want to play in the midfield, realize you will have lots of competition. Use this competition to motivate yourself.

What soccer position is hardest to play?

In my opinion, the hardest position to play in soccer is Goalkeeper. You are often the least involved player in the game. However, your mistakes are magnified. If a striker makes a mistake it doesn’t always cost the team. When the goalkeeper makes a mistake, it often results in a goal. If you want to play as goalkeeper, you must thrive under pressure & responsibility.

What is the easiest soccer position?

No position in soccer is easiest. Discrediting any position would show a complete lack of respect and knowledge of the game. The only answer I can give to this question is – many coaches may place weaker players in wider positions. This is because they feel they may get too exposed if they are playing in central positions (CB, CM, CF).

What is the most important position in soccer?

Some may say strikers are the most important because they score goals. Midfielders are most important because they have the most involvement. Goalkeepers and defenders are most important because they stop goals. The truth is, they are all important. This is a team sport. Great individual players are regularly defeated by good teams.

soccer positions names

Which Position Should I Play In Soccer?

As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to see value in every position.

Understand all of the positions. Learn how to be effective in each. Decide which soccer position you want to play. Develop the skills necessary to become effective in that position.

However, there are times in every player’s career where they are forced to play out of position. How you respond to this situation will define you as a player.

Most players would complain and give minimal effort. Look at this situation as an incredible learning opportunity. Playing as a defender will make me a better forward. Playing as a forward will make me a better defender.

Realize this will only be temporary and you will work yourself back into the position you desire. In fact, this is an incredible opportunity for you to learn, grow, and become a better player.

how to choose a position in soccer

How To Know Which Position To Play In Soccer

Although, I’ve stated the importance of being open to playing multiple positions. If you want to play at the higher levels of soccer it is important to start specializing over time.

At a certain point, you must learn to really master your craft. Strikers train differently than midfielders or defenders. It’s important to be a complete player but in order for you to help your team win more matches, you must be a master of your craft.

It may also be helpful to realize that many of the most common soccer positions are referred to with numbers. If your coach ever uses phrases like 9, 6, or 10 to define positions. This is what he/she means:

Soccer Positions By Number

I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” – Mia Hamm

Which Soccer Position Is Best For You

In this video I’ll explain the different soccer positions and help you answer the question: which soccer position should I play?

You will also receive:

– list of every position on the field
– basic formations most teams play
– roles & responsibilities of each soccer position
– which position might be best suited for you
– plus much more

Understand that knowledge is only power when it’s put into action. Make the necessary changes to your mindset, technique, training, and start to fall in love with your training. Be consistent and you will develop the improvements you desire.

If you want to improve your game, play your position more effectively, and become a great team player – this should be obsession you keep with you for the rest of your soccer career.

What Soccer Position Should I Play?

Hopefully you found this tutorial about soccer positions / picking your soccer position helpful. If you have any questions on this topic, please comment below.

If you have any questions related to this topic please comment below.

You have the ability to improve all of your skills! You’ve learned how to pick your soccer position but you can also become faster, stronger, and mentally tougher. I’d love to see you achieve great things in soccer and life. But that’s only possible if you become the best version of yourself. Stumbling across this content is a great start!

If you really want to take another strong step in the right direction…

Continue training with me.

most important positions in soccer

The Next Step

If you found this article helpful, you’ll absolutely love The Soccer Success Planner.

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Use the planner to set clear goals, track your progress, and stay accountable to yourself. With helpful prompts and exercises, you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses, plan your training sessions, and maximize your performance on the field.

Download your free copy now and start taking control of your soccer success today! You can download it here – Soccer Success Planner

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Need Faster Improvements!?

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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.

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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)

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Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer

Thank you for reading this article: Which Soccer Position Should I Play?

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.