How to Choose a Soccer Position

Co-authored by Walter Merino and Eric McClure

Last Updated: September 22, 2021 References Approved

Unless you’re playing a pickup game with friends, you probably aren’t going to get to choose your position on a soccer team. This is almost always the coach’s job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t practice and work your way towards a position that attracts you. When it comes to the positions you try out for, consider your speed, leg strength, and personal preferences. Typically, faster players are more successful in positions closer to the sidelines, while taller, stronger players often make great contributions from the middle of the field.

Question 1

Question 1 of 7:
What are the 11 positions in soccer?

1
The positions are divided into goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. Aside from the goalie, every type of position will have multiple players on the field at any given time. For example, a team may have 2, 3, 4, or 5 defenders. This means that unlike other sports, there aren’t technically fixed positions for every game of soccer. There are always 11 players on the field for each team, there aren’t actually 11 positions for those players to slot into; the positions on the field totally depends on your team’s strategy.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Every team has a goalkeeper. That’s universal. The rest of the team can be arranged in a variety of different ways, but the most popular setup is a 4-4-2. This is where there are 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. But a team can have any composition.
- While there are 11 players on the field at a time, there are technically 16 potential positions to play.

Question 2

Question 2 of 7:
What skills do defenders need?

1
You should consider a defender position if you’re tough and quick. As a defender, your main purpose is to keep the opposing team from scoring by blocking the opposing team’s path to the net. If you enjoy stopping attackers and you don’t really love shooting or dribbling, defensive positions are perfect for you.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Sweeper is not a super common position anymore, but it’s a great position if you love getting physical. Sweepers don’t do a ton of running, but they do have to be comfortable with getting physical near the net.
- Center backs block the opposing team’s forwards and guide the defense. If you’re tall and you have great leadership skills, center back may be right for you.
- Full backs and wing backs block the other team’s wingers and midfielders. These positions involve the most running on the field since you’re so far from the net, and they rarely spend a lot of time with the ball. If you’re fast and don’t like dribbling, these are the positions for you.

Question 3

Question 3 of 7:
When should I consider midfield positions?

1
Try out for midfield positions if you like being in the action. Midfielders are versatile, and if you enjoy playing both defense and offense, this is the role for you. If you love defense and offense equally and you’re a great passer, consider a midfield position. You don’t always get to make the winning shot or game-saving defensive play, but you’ll see plenty of action while everyone else is busy standing around.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Aim to play defensive midfielder if you’re a bit fonder of defense and you aren’t a great shooter. This position will suit you if you are good at interceptions, making key tackles and poaching the ball from any misguided dribbles.
- Attacking midfielder is a great position for you if you prefer shooting and attacking over defensive play.
- Go for center midfield if you enjoy creative problem solving and calling the shots. Center midfielders are often the leader on the team, and you’ll be involved in almost every play as a center midfielder.
- Play winger if you like flashy plays. Wingers often attack the net in explosive offensive schemes, so if you’re fast and have good hand-eye coordination, it’s a great position for you.

Question 4

Question 4 of 7:
What skills do I need as a forward?

1
If you’re good at shooting and dribbling, forward is the position for you. A team’s forwards put the ball in the net, so try out for a forward position if you’re good with the ball. Forwards need to have great ball handling skills and good leg strength. If you’re dexterous, strong, and love attacking, forward might be for you.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Center forwards play near the middle of the field on offense. If you prefer getting physical over trying to outrun or outmaneuver your opponent, center forward is right for you.
- Strikers do most of the scoring a lot of the time. If you’re fast and you have great kicking power, try out for striker.

Question 5

Question 5 of 7:
What is the easiest position in soccer?

1
Every position has its challenges, so take your skills into account. You have to be really good at dribbling as a midfielder, comfortable with getting in someone’s face as a defender, and able to shoot accurately as a forward. Every position requires skill, so try to find the right position for you based on what part of the game you enjoy and excel at.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Walter Merino
Soccer Coach
Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.}
- While some people think that goalkeepers have an easy time, it’s kind of the hardest position in the game in a way. While you don’t do much running, you’re on the hook for protecting the most important thing on the field! That can be a pretty high-stress gig.
2
If you don’t want the ball a lot, play full back. If you’re a full back, you tend to do more running than a lot of other positions since you’re near the sideline and furthest from the center of the field. However, full backs don’t shoot at the other team’s goal and they’re rarely involved in the physical brawls that can happen near the center of the field.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- To put it another way, the full back is usually the position that has the least impact on the game since they’re not as involved in every play and rarely handle the ball.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Some people think that center backs have it easier than full backs since there’s often less running involved.
- Many soccer players think wingers actually have it the easiest since they aren’t involved a large percentage of the time on offense or defense.

Question 6

Question 6 of 7:
What positions do the best soccer players play?

1
It’s a little subjective, but try center midfielder out if you’re good. As a central midfielder, you transition from defense to offense throughout the entire course of the game. You’re also in the middle of the field, so you tend to see a lot of action. As a result, many coaches will put their most skilled players in the center midfielder position. If you think that’s you, that’s where you belong!^{[8]
X
Research source}
- The “best” position for you depends on your skillset. If you have a strong ability to predict an opposing player’s moves and react on the fly, you’d be a great defender. If you’ve got crazy accuracy when it comes to shooting the ball, you’d make a phenomenal forward. Every position requires skill.

Question 7

Question 7 of 7:
What is the weakest position in soccer?

1
In terms of technical ball skills, full backs tend to be the weakest. It doesn’t necessarily mean that full back is a bad player—just that it doesn’t involve a lot of shooting or passing. As a result, many coaches will put developing players in the full back position.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Remember, full backs have to do a ton of running. If you’re a full back, it’s possible your coach just put you there because you have better endurance than the rest of your teammates!

Community Q&A

Question

I have never played soccer and I am trialing this afternoon what do I do?

Misty Benson
Soccer Coach
Misty Benson is a Soccer Coach and Academic Specialist in Plano, Texas. She has been the head coach of high school soccer teams since 2003 and the Coordinator for US Soccer National Teams since 2013. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce.

Misty Benson

Soccer Coach

Expert Answer

Just do your best. You can increase your stamina with training. Listen to the coach's directions.
Question

I am playing and I don't know what positon to be. I have bad stamina but can train and get everything else I need.

Misty Benson
Soccer Coach
Misty Benson is a Soccer Coach and Academic Specialist in Plano, Texas. She has been the head coach of high school soccer teams since 2003 and the Coordinator for US Soccer National Teams since 2013. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce.

Misty Benson

Soccer Coach

Expert Answer

Work with your coach to decide which position is best for you. They can help you determine the right fit.
Question

I'm left-footed and can work with both feet. I am great at shooting and passing and am a small guy. My fitness is not that bad but not that good for running for 90 min. I think is CM a great choice?

Misty Benson
Soccer Coach
Misty Benson is a Soccer Coach and Academic Specialist in Plano, Texas. She has been the head coach of high school soccer teams since 2003 and the Coordinator for US Soccer National Teams since 2013. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce.

Misty Benson

Soccer Coach

Expert Answer

It sounds like you need to improve your conditioning to meet the demands of the center midfield.
Question

I love soccer but I don't know which position to choose. What can I do?

Community Answer

You should play different positions and see which one appeals to you. For example, you could start off as a sweeper, then move up to winger, striker, and eventually center midfielder.
Question

Can I switch from defense to midfielder?

Community Answer

You can always switch positions. Things like that are decisions that might take more work than sticking with your original position. You should play the position you thrive in.
Question

What would be a good position for me to play in if I can't run for long periods of time?

Community Answer

Try defense or goalkeeper. If you have good coordination skills and quick reflexes, you'd probably make a great goalkeeper. If you can sprint in short bursts, have a strong kick, and can pass effectively, you'd be good in defense.
Question

What is the role of a midfielder?

Community Answer

A midfielder is the connection between the defense and offense. You have to be good at passing the ball. You will also be be expected to go to the defense and offense in order to help your teammates.
Question

I'm 15 and I'm playing with elders. Sometimes I don't make a position - what do I do?

Community Answer

Play where you can get the most experience. Playing with elders might help you to learn a lot, but only if you're getting play time. Getting more playing time is crucial to your development as a good soccer player, so consider asking to move to another team or pointing out that you need more play time to improve.
Question

What if I go to a new club and my position is taken?

Community Answer

If that happens you can either play really well and prove to the coach you deserve that position more than the other guy, or try another position that is similar to your current one or one that you think you'd like.
Question

I play with my right foot. Which place would be best for me -- midfield or wing -- as I want to create chances and score goals as well?

Community Answer

It depends on what spot you like the best. Midfield doesn't score as much as the wing. Midfield is a spot where you can get around the whole field, but on the wing you can score more goals and give more chances.