| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | dribbling abilities of the players. This is really |
| What’s really surprising to know is that | | | | instrumental in stealing the ball from the opposition |
| coaches refuse to use a soccer field diagram to | | | | and attacking the opposition. Apart from this, they |
| teach several different soccer formations to kids. Or | | | | should be good at passing the ball. These are vital |
| else, they are unable to make the kids understand | | | | soccer positions on the field diagram. |
| the meaning of 4 important positions. They are | | | | Defenders: These players protect the goal from |
| Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and the Goalkeeper. | | | | attacks and hence are called defenders. As you can |
| We’ll chat about these one by one. | | | | see, their position is vital. They are about 3 to 5 in |
| Forwards: These players are positioned next to the | | | | number and remain close to the goal to protect it. |
| opponent’s goal. Their goal is to convert the | | | | Also, their task is to resume the ball from the |
| passes given to them by players in other positions | | | | goalkeeper and then pass it to the players. A skill |
| into goals. Because they will be the ones who make | | | | that is very critical to them is to shoot the ball to the |
| maximum shoots to the goal, they need to be very | | | | midfielders and so the coach should concentrate on |
| tough. This is important even if they do not have | | | | this a lot. |
| other skills of great quality. | | | | Goalie: The all important person who takes charge of |
| Nevertheless, let it be evident that other players shall | | | | goal post and has to make every effort to save the |
| continue to progress from one position to a new | | | | ball from crossing over to the goalpost. When the |
| position. Those forward players who play in the | | | | defenders are unable to stop the charge towards the |
| middle are called strikers and wings when they play | | | | goal, it is the goalie who has to take the charge. |
| by the touch lines. Nevertheless, in line with their key | | | | Because the goalie can use his hands and the only |
| responsibility as forwards, they ought to have sturdy | | | | one in the team allowed to do this, the coach should |
| built and great shooting toes. | | | | invent special soccer tactics, drills and exercises to |
| Mid-fielders: Those players who play in the middle of | | | | make the most of it. |
| the field are called as mid-fielders. Their task is to get | | | | Now that you know this, create a soccer field |
| the ball, then pass it to the forward players so that | | | | diagram and help your players understand it. This will |
| they can move them into goalposts for scoring. | | | | let them understand the significance of the various |
| Usually they are 5 to 6 such players. In the soccer | | | | positions. Our youth soccer coaching community is |
| field diagram, clearly identify their position. | | | | home to several such useful articles, newsletters and |
| The coach should focus on polishing the tackling and | | | | videos. Subscribe today and make good use of them. |