Finding Your Perfect Soccer Playing Position: A Guide to the 11 Positions

Have you ever wondered where you’d shine brightest on a soccer pitch? Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, finding your ideal soccer position can be a game-changer. It’s like finding that perfect pair of cleats – when everything clicks, you know it.

In this guide, we’ll discuss finding your perfect soccer playing position on the soccer field and walk through all the positions on a soccer team. We’ll talk about what each role does, the skills you need, and how to figure out where you fit best. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of where you might thrive on the pitch. 

Let’s kick things off!

Take Stock: What Are Your Soccer Strengths?

Before we discuss finding your perfect playing soccer position on the field and specific positions, let’s take a moment to think about your strengths. Grab a piece of paper and rate yourself from 1 to 10 in these areas.

1. Speed: How quick are you off the mark?

2. Agility: Can you change direction fast?

3. Ball Control: How well can you dribble?

4. Passing: Are your passes accurate, short or long?

5. Shooting: Can you put the ball in the net consistently?

6. Heading: Are you good at winning balls in the air?

7. Tackling: How well can you win the ball back?

8. Game Smarts: Do you read the game well?

Don’t be shy about giving yourself high scores where you excel. This isn’t about being modest; it’s about being honest with yourself. Also, think about things like how well you communicate on the field, if you’re a natural leader, and how determined you are to improve.

Understand the Soccer Field: A Bird’s Eye View

Now, let’s look at the big picture. A soccer team has 11 players on the field, each with a specific job. 

Here’s a quick overview.

• Forwards: These players are closest to the opponent’s goal. What’s their main job? Scoring goals.
• Midfielders: They’re the bridge between defense and attack. They need to be good at pretty much everything.
• Defenders: These players protect their goal and try to stop the other team from scoring.
• Goalkeeper: The last line of defense, using hands and feet to keep the ball out of the net.

As we go through each position, think about which ones match up with your strongest skills. Are you the type who loves to control the game? Maybe you’re all about putting the finishing touch on attacks? Or perhaps you’re at your best when you’re protecting your team’s goal?

Let’s break it down further.

A Guide to the 11 Soccer Positions on the Soccer Pitch

All About Forwards

Forwards are the players who make the crowd go wild. They’re the ones who put the ball in the back of the net. But there’s more than one type of forward. 

Let’s look at the main ones.

Center Forwards

Think of players like Sam Kerr or Khadija Shaw. These players operate right in the heart of the opponent’s defense. If you want to be a forward, you need to be strong, good at positioning yourself, and have a killer instinct in front of goal. 

If you’re good in the air and can hold up the ball while your teammates join the attack, this could be your spot.

Wingers

Players like Chloe Kelly or Beth Mead are great examples here. Wingers play wide, often hugging the touchline. As a winger, you need to be fast, agile, and great at dribbling. Your job is to beat defenders one-on-one and whip crosses into the box. 

If you love sprinting down the line and delivering pinpoint crosses, you might make a great winger.

Strikers

Sam Kerr (again!), Alex Morgan, and Sophia Smith are prime examples of strikers. These players are all about scoring goals. You need to be a clinical finisher, able to read the game well, and have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. 

If you’re obsessed with putting the ball in the net and have a nose for goal, striker could be your calling.

Midfield Maestros

Midfielders are often called the engine of the team (the engine room). They need to help out in defense and contribute to attacks. 

Let’s look at the main midfield types.

Central Midfielders

Players like Lindsey Horan fit this bill. Central midfielders are all-rounders. You need good stamina, passing skills, and tactical understanding. Your roles include setting the tempo of the game, spreading play wide, or threading passes through to the forwards. 

If you’ve got good endurance and love being involved in all aspects of the game, central midfield could be for you.

Attacking Midfielders

Think Alexia Putellas here. These players operate higher up the pitch, focusing on creating chances for the forwards. You need excellent ball control, vision, and the ability to pick out a killer pass. You can also chip in with goals yourself. 

If you’re creative, have great close control, and can see passes others can’t, you might thrive as an attacking midfielder.

Defensive Midfielders

Players like Julie Ertz exemplify this role. Defensive midfielders sit deeper, providing a shield for the defense. You must be a good tackler, read the game well, and be comfortable playing with your back to goal. 

If you enjoy breaking up opposition attacks and starting your team’s moves from deep, this could be your position.

Defenders

Now, let’s talk about the players who keep the ball out of their own net. As a defender, you must be brave, focused, and good at reading the game. 

Here are the main defensive positions.

Center-backs

Millie Bright is a great example here. Center-backs are the leaders of the defense. You need to be strong in the air, good at tackling, and able to organize the players around them. You also need to be comfortable with the ball at your feet to start attacks from the back. 

If you’re a natural leader with a no-nonsense approach to defending, center-back could be your spot.

Full-backs

Think Lucy Bronze, one of the most popular female footballers. Full-backs play on either side of the center-backs. In modern soccer, you must be able to defend well and contribute to attacks. You need speed, stamina, and good crossing ability. 

If you love running up and down the wing and can defend one-on-one, full-back might suit you.

Wing-backs

This is a more specialized role used in certain formations. Wing-backs need all the skills of a full-back but with even more emphasis on attacking. You need incredible stamina, as you’ll be expected to cover the entire length of the pitch. 

If you’ve got the engine to run all day and love being involved in both attack and defense, wing-back could be your calling.

Goalkeepers

Finally, we come to the last line of defense, goalkeepers. Players like Mary Earps stand out here. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands (within the penalty area). You must be brave, have great reflexes, and be good communicators to organize your defense.

As a modern goalkeeper, you must also be comfortable with the ball at your feet, as you’ll be often involved in starting attacks. 

If you’re not afraid to put your body on the line and have a good pair of hands, goalkeeper might be the position for you.

Finding Your Perfect Soccer Playing Position on the Soccer Field

The Trial and Error Phase

Now that you know about all the positions, it’s time for the fun part – trying them out. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Training Sessions

Use practice time to experiment with different positions and see how your skills translate to different areas of the pitch.

2. Friendly Matches

Ask your coach if you can try out new positions in less competitive games. This gives you a chance to see how you perform under a bit of pressure.

3. Be Open-minded

Don’t worry if you’re not perfect right away. Focus on learning and improving rather than being flawless from the start.

4. Notice What Feels Right

Pay attention to which positions you enjoy the most. Sometimes, the position that feels most natural is the one where you’ll excel.

Get Feedback

While it’s great to analyze your own performance, getting input from others is super valuable. 

Here’s why;

1. Coaches see the bigger picture. They might notice strengths or areas for improvement that you’ve missed.

2. Teammates see you in action every day. Ask those you trust where they think you perform best.

3. Be open to constructive criticism. It’s not about putting you down but helping you improve.

Put It All Together

When you’re playing competitive matches, that’s when you get to see how you perform in different positions. 

Here are some tips to help you in finding your perfect soccer playing position on the soccer field.

1. Keep a Performance Journal: After each game, jot down what went well and what was challenging in your position.

2. Analyze Your Stats: If your coach provides stats, use these to see where you’re making the biggest impact.

3. Watch Game Footage: If possible, watch recordings of your matches. You might notice things you missed in the heat of the moment.

Remember, it’s not just about personal glory. Think about how your position contributes to the team’s overall strategy.

The Importance of Adaptability

Soccer is a dynamic sport, and your perfect position might change over time. 

Here’s why it’s important to stay flexible.

1. Your body changes. A growth spurt might suddenly make you great in the air, opening up new possibilities.

2. Your skills improve. As you develop new strengths, different positions might suit you better.

3. The team needs change. Sometimes, you might need to play out of position for the good of the team.

Reassess your skills every few months. You might be surprised at how you’ve developed.

Make the Most of Your Position

Once you’ve found your ideal position, it’s time to really own it. 

Here’s how:

1. Study the Pros: Watch how top players in your position play. What can you learn from them?

2. Focused Training: Work on the specific skills that are most important for your position.

3. Understand Your Role: Know how your position fits into the team’s overall strategy.

4. Build Confidence: The more you play in your best position, the more confident you’ll become.

Remember, even the greatest players in the world had to start somewhere. With dedication and practice, you can become a star in your chosen position.

The Final Whistle

Your soccer journey continues.

Finding your perfect soccer playing position on the soccer field is a journey, not a destination. It’s about understanding your strengths, being open to feedback, and constantly striving to improve. Whether you end up as a goal-scoring striker, a midfield maestro, a rock-solid defender, or a shot-stopping goalkeeper, the most important thing is that you enjoy the beautiful game.

So get out there, try different soccer playing positions, and find where you shine brightest on the pitch.  Remember, every great player started just where you are now. With passion, practice, and perseverance, you could be the next soccer star we’re all talking about.