Eleven souls, one ball, one motive. An action-packed sport as it is, football requires players to constantly coordinate their mind and body and take the correct decision. It’s more than just running or kicking the ball; the game entails the implementation of strategies to accomplish the ultimate goal. But did you know football is similar to cricket and other team sports? The eleven players in a football team occupy various paying positions on the field to face their counterparts, score goals and win. Are you thinking about what position is best suited for your child who has recently enrolled for junior football coaching in Swindon? Read till the end and you’ll get the answer!
The rules, tactics and type of balls might have changed over the years. However, the below-mentioned playing positions have always remained constant and will continue to do so. Let’s find out more!
Different Playing Positions in Football
1. Goalkeeper: This is the only player who has the ‘permission’ to handle the ball directly. Goalkeepers are players having outstanding reflexes; they’re popularly known as the last line of defence for their teams. This is a crucial and extremely responsible position in football. Their actions are as fast as light and they must be vigilant and very aware of their surroundings. Their primary responsibility is to resist the actions of the opponent team and stop them from making a goal. Slide, jump, crawl, run, do anything to stop the ball!
2. Centre-back: They are the primary defensive players in a football team. Their playing position is fixed in the middle of the defence. Usually, there are two to three centre-back players in every team positioned at the back. To play at the centre-back position, players must have a good height, great strength, excellent tackling skills and amazing power to predict the opposition attacks. Think your child is better suited for this football position? Then sign up for junior football coaching in Swindon and let your kid improve his/her centre-back abilities.
3. Full-backs: Suggested from the name itself, full-back refers to playing at either left-back or right-back. However, it depends on which side of the pitch they’re playing on the field. They’re almost similar to goalkeepers because full-backs are supposed to prevent the opponents from scoring a goal. Wondering how they do that? By stopping the opponent players getting in crosses from the extensive attacking areas on the pitch.
Unlike the centre-backs, full-backs play at the back in defence. The must-have attributes include crossing ability and fast pace to resist their opponents. In addition to these, the players must also possess a great deal of stamina.
4. Wing-backs: This position role is the same as the full-back but with a difference. There’s a greater emphasis on attacking if your kid is a wing-backer in the making. Although they’re mostly free from defensive responsibilities, they switch on their defensive mode during counter-attacks. Wing-backs are generally composed of three centre-backs formation as they enable to move up and down the pitch.
5. Central midfielder: They are the workhorses of a football team. Central midfielders are undoubtedly the most ingenious players of the team and their responsibility is to both attack and defend. They need to have extreme energy levels as they’re great at both tackling and passing. They fight to gain possession of the ball from the opponents and thus, can turn the match in favour of the team!
Develop the Aptitude to Play for Any Football Position at First Steps Soccer
A child is not born with the pre-requisites for playing at a particular football position. He/she learns and develops the required skills to play as a goalkeeper, midfielder, centre-back and more positions. At First Steps Soccer, we provide junior football coaching in Swindon for 2 to 9-year-olds. Through our football training program, we help little players to learn the essential football skills and grow up to play for a football position that’s best suited for them. For more details, please call us on 07825994671 or visit http://www.firststepssoccer.com/
