Player Positions Guide
Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and shirt numbers of every position on the football pitch.
1
Goalkeeper (GK)
The last line of defense
Primary Responsibilities
- • Prevent the ball from entering the goal
- • Distribute the ball to start attacks
- • Command the penalty area
- • Communicate with defenders
- • Take goal kicks and penalties
Key Skills
- • Shot-stopping ability
- • Distribution (throwing/kicking)
- • Positioning and angles
- • Aerial ability (crosses)
- • Leadership and communication
Fun Fact: Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands, but only within their penalty area!
Defenders
4/5
Centre-Back (CB)
Central defenders
- • Mark opposing strikers
- • Win aerial duels
- • Make tackles and interceptions
- • Organize the defensive line
- • Score from set pieces
2/3
Full-Backs (LB/RB)
Left-Back / Right-Back
- • Defend the flanks
- • Support attacks down the wings
- • Deliver crosses into the box
- • Track back to defend
- • Provide width in attack
Midfielders
6
Defensive Mid (CDM)
The shield
- • Break up opposition attacks
- • Protect the defense
- • Simple passing
- • Win back possession
8
Central Mid (CM)
Box-to-box
- • Link defense and attack
- • Cover lots of ground
- • Support both phases
- • Long-range shooting
10
Attacking Mid (CAM)
The playmaker
- • Create scoring chances
- • Through balls and assists
- • Link midfield to attack
- • Score goals
Forwards
7/11
Wingers (LW/RW)
Wide attackers
- • Beat defenders 1v1
- • Deliver crosses
- • Cut inside to shoot
- • Create width in attack
- • Track back to defend
9
Striker (ST)
The goalscorer
- • Score goals
- • Hold up play
- • Make runs in behind
- • Link up with teammates
- • Press defenders
21
Second Striker
Support striker
- • Support main striker
- • Drop deep to create
- • Make late runs into box
- • Link midfield and attack
4-3-3 Formation Example
1
GK
2
RB
5
CB
4
CB
3
LB
8
CM
6
CDM
10
CM
11
LW
9
ST
7
RW
This 4-3-3 formation shows the traditional positioning and shirt numbers for each role.