Positions & Tactics

Soccer positions are starting references, not fixed cages. This section explains what each player is trying to accomplish in different moments of the game.

Core guides

• All Soccer Positions — every major role from goalkeeper to striker.
• Soccer Position Numbers 1–11 — why coaches talk about 6s, 8s, 9s and 10s.
• The Striker in Soccer — movement, finishing, hold-up play and pressing.

Formation principles

The current cornerstone pages illustrate 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1.

Future formation pages should answer distinct questions: how the shape builds, defends, presses, creates width and protects transition. Do not create thin pages for every possible number combination.

Youth positions

In youth soccer, roles should support learning. Rotate players when practical and teach the reason behind the position before attaching a number label.