You’ve been living in the travel soccer world now for a few years. Just when you think you know the different soccer positions, the coach changes the formation. Now you’re back to feeling lost. You can’t admit your confusion because you’re no longer a newbie soccer mom. But why are there so many positions in soccer and what do they all mean?
Is a striker the same as a center forward?
What do the numbered positions in soccer mean?
Are defensive midfielders and holding midfielders similar?
What formation are they playing?
And the list of questions goes on…
The good news is you probably know more than you think you do. Many positions have multiple names. I’ve been in your shoes before and I’m happy to share a few pointers so that you can go back to being the seasoned soccer mom who can confidently talk shop about all the different soccer positions and formations.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Services LLC Associates and an Awin Affiliate, I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through affiliate links. You can read my full disclaimer and disclosure statement here.
Soccer Positions in a Nutshell
Similar to other field sports like lacrosse or field hockey, there are 3 basic positions in soccer:
- Defenders
- Midfielders
- Forwards
These positions are definitely fluid. And as you’ll see below, it was even difficult to put them into these 3 buckets! Regardless of what position on the soccer field you play, each athlete needs skills. Stamina, strong technical skills (foot skills and heading), and good communication. But there are nuances to each position that I’ll walk you through.
Defenders- Goal Protectors
The primary responsibility of the defensive positions is to protect their own goal by preventing the other team from scoring. Sounds so easy, right?
They typically stay in the back half of the field and take most throw-ins during a soccer game. This can help move the ball up the field towards the goal.
Here’s a helpful table outlining what each defender’s role is on the soccer field and by what number they are referred (more on that later).
| Soccer Position | Position on Field | Responsibilities | Field Number |
| Goalie | Closest to their own goal | – Acts as last line of defense – Prevents opposing team from scoring by stopping the ball from crossing goal line | 1 |
| Right Fullback or Right Back | Back right of field | – Supports right winger/ midfielder – Helps defend against attacking plays from opposing team’s left midfield | 2 |
| Left Fullback or Left Back | Back left of field | – Supports left winger/ midfielder – Helps defend against attacking plays from opposing team’s right midfield | 3 |
| Center Back | Central back of the field | – Anchors defensive line in center of backfield; usually there are two in 11 v 11 – Blocks best shooting angles from opposing team | 4 / 5 |
| Sweeper | Central back of the field | – Traditional term used for center back who sweeps the ball away from the goal if it passes the last defender. | 4 / 5 |
Midfielders- Quick Distributors
While defenders’ primary responsibility is to protect their goal, the primary responsibility of midfielders is to quickly transition the ball from the defensive half to the offensive or attacking half of the field.
Depending on the soccer formation and which team has possession of the ball, some midfields would be considered Forwards.
Most midfielders are known for their agility and their ability to quickly distribute the ball.
| Soccer Position | Position on Field | Responsibilities | Field Number |
| Defending or Holding Midfielder | Middle of field, in front of center backs | – Acts as last line of defense for the midfield – Role is to quickly distribute the ball from defenders to their offense | 6 |
| Right Midfielder or Winger | Right side of field | – Responsible for attacking and defending on right half of the field – When attacking, must make crosses into the box or make runs down the wing – When defending, must recover quickly and prevent opposing team from making crosses into the box. | 7 |
| Central or Box to Box Midfielder | Middle of field, in front of defending midfielder | – Transition ball from back of field to offense – Must drop back to protect the goal and put pressure on player with ball | 8 |
| Left Midfielder or Winger | Left side of field | – Same as right midfielder or winger, but on left side of field | 11 |
Forwards- Scorers
The primary responsibility of the forwards in soccer is to score, plain and simple. Whether it’s going one on one with the keeper or heading in a cross, the goal of this group of players is to score. These players are usually known for their speed and ability to burst past the center back.
| Soccer Position | Position on Field | Responsibilities | Field Number |
| Striker / Center Forward | Closest to the opposing goal | – Responsible for scoring goals, either from own shots or rebounds from teammates’ shots | 9 |
| Attacking Midfielder / Second Striker | In front of center midfielders, behind striker | – Responsible for setting up striker, often dribbling deep into offense side of field | 10 |
What are the numbered positions in soccer?
Once kids reach U13, there are 11 players on the soccer field for each team. With so many players and multiple formations, it’s easier to identify where players line up on the field if each position is assigned a number. Plus, with many positions having different names, it’s easier to say the “6” rather than the defending midfielder.
What are the basic soccer formations?
Last season I was watching my son play in a soccer game. Things were not going well so I left and went to the bathroom during halftime. When I returned, the coach had placed them in a different formation. Within minutes, we had scored a goal and looked like a totally different team.
With 10 field players (plus the goalie), there are many different formations that you can play, depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the other team. Below are 3 of the more popular soccer formations.
| Formation #1 | Breakout of Positions | Benefits |
| 4-3-3 | 4 Defenders 3 Midfielders 3 Forwards | – Many opportunities for quick passes and breakaways – With 3 forwards, it’s more of an attacking formation |
| Formation #2 | Breakout of Positions | Benefits |
| 4-4-2 | 4 Defenders 4 Midfielders 2 Forwards | – Simple formation with less room for error – More defensive formation- only 2 Forwards |
| Formation #3 | Breakout of Positions | Benefits |
| 4-2-3-1 | 4 Defenders 4 Defensive Midfielders 2 Attacking Midfielders 1 Striker | – Balanced formation- equal parts offense & defense – Easy to match up to opposing players |
So now you have a cheat sheet on soccer positions and soccer formations. Take this and your one stop gear guide for the soccer essentials, and you’re all set for the season. You can sit on the sidelines looking like a soccer mom and talking like a soccer coach.
Looking for other soccer articles? Check out:
Leave a Reply