Understanding the positions in youth soccer is an integral part of youth education in football. Youth Soccer helps in developing a lot of skills and physical abilities.
However, apart from all of these, there is psychological development and one of the very important factors, in this case, is team spirit.
It teaches players how to work in teams and it is something that stays team,for their whole life.
When it comes to youth soccer training, it is very important to learn to work with the team as it is the only way young players can perform well in soccer.
So, when it comes to teamwork in soccer knowing the positions are important and here, we will be discussing all the positions in youth soccer.
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The different Positions in Youth Soccer Training and Matches
If we divide the positions in soccer games into different categories, there are 4 main categories of positions and here are the details about them.
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Goalkeeper
As the field starts, the first thing is the goal line, and that is protected by one player. That player is known as the goalkeeper.
Duty of the goalkeeper on the field
While the goalkeeper can roam in the whole field, they are only allowed to touch the ball with their hand inside their penalty box.
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Different positions in this category
As the goalkeeper is alone in the category, there are no different positions as the goalkeeper has to stick to one position.
Location on the field
Although they are not restricted from getting out of the penalty box, they mostly stay in it and only come outside in special circumstances where there is no defender available. Sometimes goalkeepers also come out to participate in corner kicks or penalty kicks.
Defenders
The next part of the field is covered by the defenders. Defenders are usually formed in the form of a defensive line.
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Duty of the defenders on the field
The main purpose of defenders is to stop the attacks from the attacking team players. Moreover, they have to either clear the ball or pass the ball to the midfielders or attackers to make a run for an attack. Sometimes defenders can also come forward to support attacking runs.
The most important skill for this position is to hold the attacking players and tackle them while anticipating and stopping the passes as well.
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Different positions in this category
The following are the positions in this category.
- Right-back
- Left-back
- Center back
The location in the field
While the defenders mostly stay at the back of their team in the form of a defensive line, in the case of corner kicks they often come in the other half.
In any case, there are no restrictions on the position of defenders.
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Midfielders
Although all the positions and categories have their significance and importance in the match, midfielders have some special importance.
These are the players they hustle the most during the matches, as they often have to be a part of the defense and attack.
At the same time, they have to perform very well at their dedicated positions as well.
Duty of the midfielders in the field
The duty of the midfielders in the match is to connect the defenders and attackers to make efficient attacking runs. If the opponent team is making attacking runs, then they can also try to stop that attacking run before the attackers reach the defenders.
The main skill required for playing in this position is excellent passing.
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Different positions in this category
The following are the positions in this category.
- Defensive midfielders (Both sides and Central defending midfielders)
- Midfielders(right and left)
- Attacking midfielders(Both sides and Central attacking midfielders)
Location in the field
The midfielders usually cover the whole ground apart from the penalty boxes and areas at their side. The defensive midfielders stay at the back while the attacking midfielders usually stay on the front
Attackers
These are the players on the forward of the field, and they are often known as the strikers or forwards. As these are the players to score goals, they get the most recognition in any soccer team.
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Duty of the attackers
The attackers have to either make attacking runs with the ball from their half to score goals or they can also get assistance from the midfielders and attacking midfielders to get the final pass and then shoot their shot.
In any case, the main purpose of attackers is to score goals.
Positions in this category
The following are the positions in this category.
- Strikers(either center or both sides)
- Wings (both sides)
Positions of the Attackers
The wings cover the sides and corners on the attacking side while the strikers are usually on the frontmost. They are also known for getting the final pass and kicking or heading it into the goal post.
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How a player can know their exact location and position on the field
Knowing the category and knowing the exact location and position are two different things and it is what most kids during the youth soccer training are confused about.
So, when the kids are going through the youth soccer training, there are different positions according to the formations that the coaches decide.
The player needs to know the youth soccer positions according to the formation.
By knowing the formation, every player can tell their exact position during the youth soccer training as well as the matches.
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