FineSoccer Kids 2

Welcome to he FineSoccer Kids Newsletter. This second edition of the newsletter will explain the names and responsibilities of the various positions on a field. This subject is actually being written at the request of a number of subscribers.

First I would like to let people know that the Glossary has been updated and expanded with the help of many. Please check it out at http://finesoccer.com/glossary.htm 

Lets start from the back and work forward as is done when talking about a formation (when you hear 4-4-2 that means 1 goalkeeper which is implied, 4 backs, 4 midfielders and 2 forwards). The first position is the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper (also referred to as a keeper or goalie. The goalkeeper's primary responsibility is to keep the ball out of the goal from a defensive standpoint (there are currently 94 goalkeeping newsletters online at http://www.finesoccer.com/keepers.htm  so I am not going to spend anytime explaining the keeper's responsibility.

Next are the fullbacks (also known as backs or defenders). They have primarily defensive responsibilities. To break these players positions down a bit more specifically, there are marking backs (whose primary responsibility is to mark or guard a specific player to prevent them from scoring or creating scoring opportunities). There are also sweepers (whose primary responsibility is to provide support to the other defenders. Usually the sweeper will play behind the other backs and will help them whenever her help is needed). In front of a sweeper is a stopper who will either mark the center forward (if playing against three forwards) or the first center midfielder down field. When a team uses two marking backs, a sweeper and a stopper it's called a diamond defense because the two marking backs are frequently even with each other with the stopper in front of them and the sweeper behind them (making the shape of a diamond). Another version is to play a zone in back at which point you would have two outside backs and either one or two center backs. Instead of making the shape of a diamond, they tend to play a bit more in a straight line since they are more responsible for a particular area of the field rather then for a particular player. It should be understood that while I am writing from a defensive standpoint, these players can and should go forward to attack.

Next we have the midfielders (also known as halfbacks, mids and links). These players are responsible for both attacking and defending and basically keep the forwards and backs connected (hence the term link). There are frequently two outside midfielders who are responsible for creating space offensively and taking away space defensively. Frequently, these players do more running and have a higher work rate then any other position.

Next we have the forwards (also knows as strikers and target players). People consider their primary role to be to set up and score goals. The term striker is used because these players are expected to strike the ball to score goals. The reason for the term target player is that frequently these players are expected to establish a presence up front so that the backs and midfielders can play it up to them to get the ball into the attack. Usually, I will use the term target player for a big strong forward who will be able to receive the ball and either turn and strike the ball toward goal or she will be able to hold the ball to allow the other players to run off this target player. If a player is more geared toward making runs to receive the ball, I tend to use the term forward. If there are three frontrunners (yes, that is yet another term for this position), then frequently you will have a center midfielder and two wingers. The center forward frequently will be a target player while the wingers will stay much wider and try to create space to either dribble into, pass into or serve the ball from.

Please understand that these terms are very simplified descriptions of the positions responsibilities. Forwards, defend and backs attack. My simple purpose of writing this topic is to make it easier for people to understand what a coach means when he uses these different position names. If you can think of any other positions or names please post them to the FineSoccer Forum at http://finesoccer.com/forum.htm 

To subscribe to the the FineSoccer Newsletters, please go to www.finesoccer.com/subscrib.htm

Any comments, questions or suggestions should be sent to kidscomments@finesoccer.com. 

Next weeks newsletter will deal with ways for young players to train in small groups or by themselves.

Have a great day!

Lawrence