Football soccer positions by number how to#

However, media hype and marketing have had a greater influence on the players’ numbers. Previously, soccer players were assigned numbers based on their positions, as shown in the table above. Just keep in mind that nowadays, a player’s jersey number doesn’t always correspond to their position because soccer players choose the number they wear. So, here’s a general outline of those soccer positions by number: Position Number Soccer Position 1 Goalkeeper 2 Right Full-Back or Wingback 3 Left Full-Back or Wingback 4 Center-Back 5 Center-Back or Sweeper 6 Defensive or Center Midfielder 7 Right Midfielder or Winger 8 Center Midfielder 9 Center Forward or Striker 10 Attacking Midfielder or Center Forward 11 Left Midfielder or Winger Still, there are 11 core soccer positions. As a result, while each team consists of 11 players, the soccer positions and roles can vary at any given time. Some soccer positions names have multiple names or may change depending on the team’s formation. Forwards Names of the 11 Soccer Positions.The other 10 players are a combination of: The goalkeeper, the only soccer position named in the IFAB Laws of the Game, is also known as the goalie or the keeper. 11 soccer game, each team has 11 players on the pitch: one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players.

Football soccer positions by number how to#

I’ll also provide you with some pointers on how to identify soccer positions on the field. In this article, I’ll dive deep into the roles, responsibilities, and required skills for each position. So, read on for an in-depth guide on those 11 soccer positions. These eleven positions are divided into four main positions: defenders, midfielders, forwards, and goalkeepers. In an association football game, there are 11 soccer positions: full-backs, central defenders, central midfielders, central forwards, wingers, and one goalkeeper. This begs the question: what are the soccer positions? That’s why, whether you’re a football fan, player, or coach, you should have a comprehensive knowledge of the different positions in soccer. Remarkable wing-backs are Marcelo, Dani Alves, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.When each soccer player understands their role and how to interact with players in other positions on the pitch, a soccer team can be greater than the sum of its parts. Also, if you have five defenders (three center-backs and two wing-backs), this allows more liberty for the wing-backs to venture attacking. For example, if you have a defensive line of four defenders (two center-backs and two full-backs) and your team is in need of a goal, you will want the full-backs to behave more like wing-backs and attack. If, on the contrary, you are clinging to a narrow advantage, you will want your wing-backs to play more defensively. Many full-backs have played as wing-backs and wing-backs have played as full-backs.Ī wing-back's role depends on the team formation and specific moments of the game. The main difference is that wing-backs have much more attacking responsibility than full-backs do. The wing-back position is similar to the full-back in that wing-backs play close and along the sidelines of the field.

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 2, 3 & 6 Let’s take a look at the role of each soccer position and the iconic players who illustrate each role.

Here, we provide an overview of how numbers were traditionally assigned by position. In the modern game, jersey numbers vary greatly depending on formation as well as a player's personal preference. Historically, these numbers were used to indicate position, with the players on the field designated as #1 - 11. Below, we outline the traditional numbers for each soccer position. A common question is how numbers get assigned to positions. Second Forward / Second Striker / Support or Withdrawn Striker (CF or S)Īs you can see, there are plenty soccer positions and not all of them can play at once.

Center-back / Center Full-back / Central Defender (CB) Names And Abbreviations For Key Soccer Positions Have you ever wondered how soccer positions work, how soccer position numbers are traditionally assigned or how the roles and responsibilities of each position are defined? Ever considered the difference between a full-back and a wing-back? Well, you are in luck: The18 introduces you to the ultimate guide to understanding soccer positions.įirst things first: let’s take a look at where the most common positions play on the field.