Soccer Field Diagram – A Guide To 4 Soccer Positions
What’s really surprising to know is that coaches refuse to use a soccer field diagram to teach several different soccer formations to kids. Or in case they do it, they fall short of making the players appreciate the significance of 4 main positions. These are Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and Goalie/goalkeeper. I’ll explain them to you one by one.
Forwards: These are players who position themselves near the opposition's goal. Their role is to convert the passes into goals which they get from their fellow players on different positions. For this reason these players need to be the strongest since they shoot the maximum goals. This is important even if they do not have other skills of great quality.
Nevertheless, let it be evident that other players shall continue to progress from one position to a new position. Those forward players who play in the middle are called strikers and wings when they play by the touch lines. However, in accordance with their chief job as forwards, they need to have a tough body and strong shooting toes.
Mid-fielders: As the name suggests, these are players who play in the middle of the field. Their responsibility is to catch hold of the ball, and pass it to the forward players thus enabling them to score goals. They are generally 5 to 6 in number. In the soccer field diagram, make sure their position is clearly defined.
The coach should focus on polishing the tackling and dribbling abilities of the players. This is really helpful in snatching the ball from the opponents and attacking the opposition. Apart from this, they should be good at passing the ball. These are crucial soccer positions on the field diagram.
Defenders: These players guard the goal from attacks and so are called defenders. As you can imagine, their position is critical. They are generally 3 to 5 in number and stay close to the goal post to avert attacks.
In addition, their task is also to take the ball from the goalie and pass it to the players. One skill that is primary to their armory is kicking the ball to far off midfielders and therefore the coach must help them develop this ability.
Goalie: This is the most important person who guards the goal post and ensures that there is no goal. When the defenders are unable to stop the charge towards the goal, it is the goalie who has to take the charge.
Because the goalie can use his hands and the only one in the team allowed to do this, the coach should invent special soccer tactics, drills and exercises to make the most of it.
Now that you know this, create a soccer field diagram and help your players understand it. This will help them in appreciating the importance and requirements of every position. Our youth soccer coaching community is home to several such useful articles, newsletters and videos. Subscribe today and make good use of them.
Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players' skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Training.
Tags: diagram of soccer field, Soccer field diagram, soccer formation, soccer formations, soccer positions, soccer tactics