Each position on the soccer field requires certain basic abilities and physical attributes. Find out here what you as a Youth Soccer Coach should be looking for.

1. The Strengths To Look
For In Players For When
Coaching Junior Soccer

2. Each position on the soccer field requires certain basic
abilities and physical attributes.
Some will not naturally fit the profile but still go on
perform well in a position that, on paper, isn't meant
for them.
Try not to pre-judge a child when selecting a position
for them, just wait and see how they do.

3. Goalkeeper
Goalkeepers have to be able to defend a large area to stop
the ball entering the goal.
Unlike any other player on the pitch they can
use their hands to control the ball anywhere
within the penalty area.
This position is ideally suited to a taller than average child
who has quick reactions, is agile and courageous.
….cont.

4. Goalkeeper
They need to be competent at catching and throwing the
ball as well as having a strong kick.
Remember that although height is an advantage an agile
brave but shorter keeper may perform better than
someone who is just tall.

5. Fullbacks
A fullback’s primary objective is to stop attacks coming from
wide areas of the pitch.
Because they are mainly up against quick opposition players
fullbacks tend to possess good speed.
They need to be good tacklers with a strong kick to clear
the ball away from danger when necessary.
The ability to pass the ball is useful but passes are generally
only short, usually to midfielders.

6. Centerbacks
Centerbacks patrol around their own penalty area and work
to stop attackers having an opportunity to score a goal.
Centerbacks tend to be taller and are not afraid of heading
the ball.
Like fullbacks they need to be good at tackling, a strong kick
and the ability to perform short passes.
You will rarely play with only one centerback so ideally at
least one of the centerbacks should be a quick runner to
cope with fast attackers.

7. Defensive Midfielder
A defensive midfielder sits in front of the defense and has
the task of slowing or breaking up opposition attacks.
The position requires a lot of stamina, as there a great deal
of running involved, the ability to tackle and pass
accurately.
This can be one of the most important roles in the team.

8. Attacking Midfielder
This position requires the ability to support both
defense and attack.
Precision passing and keeping the ball are important skills
that the position requires.
A good attacking midfielder will also have a strong shot as
they will be supporting the forwards attempts to score.
….cont.

9. Attacking Midfielder
Again stamina is required to cover large areas of the pitch.
A good attacking midfielder will be confident with the ball
at their feet.
Midfield is the engine room of a team and you cannot
afford to have lazy players in any midfield position.

10. Winger
A winger, sometimes called a 'wide man', operates near the
touchline.
Pace, the ability to dribble and pass the ball accurately is
the sign of a good winger.
A winger has an important part to play in a soccer game.
They will be looking to cross the ball in from wide positions
for the attackers to score goals, so a strong kick is useful.
A good shot is valuable as they can move in from the wing
to shoot at goal.

11. Striker
The striker's main aims are to score or to assist in scoring a
goal. So the ability to shoot accurately, preferably at pace, is
paramount.
Strikers tend to be quick but only in short bursts; a quick
forward is particularly useful as they looking to move
forward at speed and receive the ball in dangerous
attacking positions.
They also have to be patient as the opportunities to receive
the ball tend to be few.
….cont.

12. Striker
A tall forward is helpful as they have a better chance of
heading high balls from the wings or corners.
Ideally you want forward players to form a rapport and
work together to create chances.
In saying that, a good goal scorer may be selfish as they are
always looking for the chance to score.

13. Go to my website http://soccertrainingforkids.com/ to
find out more information on positions, formations plus
it is full of hints, tips, drills and techniques to improve
your team's performance and increase your knowledge
as a coach.
Why not take the opportunity to sign up for my five day
mini course specifically designed for the brand new
soccer coach.