Soccer Positions Chart for Coaches

Use this page as the quick-reference companion to All Soccer Positions.

Role In possession Out of possession Simple coaching cue
Goalkeeper Support build-up Protect goal, organize “See the whole field”
Center back Circulate, break lines Protect center, cover “Step with cover”
Fullback Support width/underlap Protect wide channel “See winger and center”
Wing back Provide width high Recover into back line “Up when secure, recover fast”
No. 6 Connect and balance Protect center “Be available behind”
No. 8 Support, progress, run Press and recover “Find a new angle”
No. 10 Receive between lines Screen/press “Turn if you can”
Winger Stretch or attack inside Recover/press “Make the field big”
Striker Threaten goal/depth Lead press “Pin, show, run”

How to use the chart

Do not give a player ten instructions at once.

Choose one or two cues that match the session objective.

Position rotation

For youth players, rotate when practical. A player learns the game faster by seeing different pictures.

Formation changes

The same position behaves differently in a 4-3-3, 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. Teach the underlying job—width, depth, support, cover—before memorizing a formation label.