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What’s really surprising to know is that coaches refuse to use a soccer field diagram to teach several different soccer formations to kids. Or when they do, they fail to impress upon the kids the importance of 4 very crucial positions. These are Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and Goalie/goalkeeper. Let’s discuss these individually.

Forwards: These are the players who place themselves by the opponent’s goal. Their job is to translate passes into goals made to them by other players in various positions. Because they will be the ones who make maximum shoots to the goal, they need to be very tough. This is still very essential even when their other skills are of modest quality.

Nonetheless, the other players shall apparently keep shifting from one position to a different position. Those forward players who play in the middle are called strikers and wings when they play by the touch lines. However, in accordance with their chief job as forwards, they need to have a tough body and strong shooting toes.

Soccer Formations

Mid-fielders: As is clear from the name, these players play in the middle of the soccer field. Their responsibility is to catch hold of the ball, and pass it to the forward players thus enabling them to score goals. They are generally 5 to 6 in number. In the soccer field diagram, make sure their position is clearly defined.

The concentration of the coach should be on improving the tackling and dribbling skills of the players. This is really helpful in snatching the ball from the opponents and attacking the opposition. In addition, they should be good at passing the ball. These are highly strategic soccer positions on the field diagram.

Defenders: These players protect the goal from attacks and hence are called defenders. As you can see, their position is vital. They are 3 to 5 in number and stay close to goal to avoid attacks.

In addition, their task is also to take the ball from the goalie and pass it to the players. A skill that is very critical to them is to shoot the ball to the midfielders and so the coach should concentrate on this a lot.

Goalie: This is the most important person who guards the goal post and ensures that there is no goal. When every other player fails to stop the charge, it is the goalie that uses all his power and ability to save the goal.

Because the goalie can use his hands and the only one in the team allowed to do this, the coach should invent special soccer tactics, drills and exercises to make the most of it.

Now that you have this information handy, create a soccer field diagram and help your players understand it. This will allow them to understand the relevance of each position. Our youth soccer coaching community has several useful newsletters, articles, and videos. Subscribe today and make good use of them.

Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn  how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Training.