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Unless you’re playing a pickup game with friends, you probably aren’t going to get to choose your position on a soccer team. This is almost always the coach’s job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t practice and work your way towards a position that attracts you. When it comes to the positions you try out for, consider your speed, leg strength, and personal preferences. Typically, faster players are more successful in positions closer to the sidelines, while taller, stronger players often make great contributions from the middle of the field.
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Question 5 of 7:
What is the easiest position in soccer?
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Every position has its challenges, so take your skills into account. You have to be really good at dribbling as a midfielder, comfortable with getting in someone’s face as a defender, and able to shoot accurately as a forward. Every position requires skill, so try to find the right position for you based on what part of the game you enjoy and excel at. [5] X Expert Source Walter Merino
Soccer Coach Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.- While some people think that goalkeepers have an easy time, it’s kind of the hardest position in the game in a way. While you don’t do much running, you’re on the hook for protecting the most important thing on the field! That can be a pretty high-stress gig.
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2If you don’t want the ball a lot, play full back. If you’re a full back, you tend to do more running than a lot of other positions since you’re near the sideline and furthest from the center of the field. However, full backs don’t shoot at the other team’s goal and they’re rarely involved in the physical brawls that can happen near the center of the field.
- To put it another way, the full back is usually the position that has the least impact on the game since they’re not as involved in every play and rarely handle the ball. [6] X Research source
- Some people think that center backs have it easier than full backs since there’s often less running involved.
- Many soccer players think wingers actually have it the easiest since they aren’t involved a large percentage of the time on offense or defense.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionI have never played soccer and I am trialing this afternoon what do I do?Misty Benson is a Soccer Coach and Academic Specialist in Plano, Texas. She has been the head coach of high school soccer teams since 2003 and the Coordinator for US Soccer National Teams since 2013. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce.Just do your best. You can increase your stamina with training. Listen to the coach's directions.
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QuestionI am playing and I don't know what positon to be. I have bad stamina but can train and get everything else I need.Misty Benson is a Soccer Coach and Academic Specialist in Plano, Texas. She has been the head coach of high school soccer teams since 2003 and the Coordinator for US Soccer National Teams since 2013. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce.Work with your coach to decide which position is best for you. They can help you determine the right fit.
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QuestionI'm left-footed and can work with both feet. I am great at shooting and passing and am a small guy. My fitness is not that bad but not that good for running for 90 min. I think is CM a great choice?Misty Benson is a Soccer Coach and Academic Specialist in Plano, Texas. She has been the head coach of high school soccer teams since 2003 and the Coordinator for US Soccer National Teams since 2013. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce.It sounds like you need to improve your conditioning to meet the demands of the center midfield.
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Tips
- If you don’t like your position, talk to your coach to figure out what you can do to change positions. [9] X Expert Source Walter Merino
Soccer Coach Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.Thanks - It's very rare to be totally locked into one position your whole life—even professionals change spots. If you’re just starting out in soccer, don’t worry too much about whatever position your coach has given you. It’s very likely to change in the future. [10] X Expert Source Walter Merino
Soccer Coach Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.Thanks - You’ll sometimes hear positions referred to as a number. There is no universal agreement on what the position numbers mean, and the numbering system differs based on where you live and what kind of system your team is running. Remember, a team may have 2 center forwards, so the numbering can be a little useless sometimes.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://the18.com/soccer-learning/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-and-roles
- ↑ https://the18.com/soccer-learning/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-and-roles
- ↑ https://the18.com/soccer-learning/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-and-roles
- ↑ https://the18.com/soccer-learning/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-and-roles
- ↑ Walter Merino. Soccer Coach. Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.
- ↑ https://yoursoccerhome.com/the-easiest-position-in-soccer-what-is-it/
- ↑ https://mastersoccermind.com/most-skilled-soccer-positions-to-play-a-players-opinion/
- ↑ https://www.soccerhelp.com/soccercoaching/Where_Should_You_Hide_Weak_Players.shtml
- ↑ Walter Merino. Soccer Coach. Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.
- ↑ Walter Merino. Soccer Coach. Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.
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Article Summary
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Choosing the best soccer position for you will depend on what skills you have. For example, if you’re fast, you might be a great striker. Alternatively, if you have great reflexes, you should consider trying the goalie position. If you want to frustrate the other team, a midfield defender might be the choice for you. No matter what position you choose, spend time practicing every position, since great players often play a little of everything. To learn more about the different areas of the field, read on!
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- "I really enjoyed reading this article. It made me realize that the best position is not always a striker, it takes certain skills to master each position. As for me, I think right back will be good because I like to defend and attack and I have the speed for it." ..." more
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"I really enjoyed reading this article. It made me realize that the best position is not always a striker, it takes certain skills to master each position. As for me, I think right back will be good because I like to defend and attack and I have the speed for it."
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"I loved the playing in a defense position, as it helped me a lot. When I was starting to play for my school team, the coach asked me my position. I said right back, and I passed the trials for my school team. Amazing article!"
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"I finally understood the things each position requires, and that all the positions are equally important. Players like defenders often get overlooked, as they don't really score often, when they might be the best players."
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"I had difficulty choosing my position in soccer but this article is really helpful. I played in different positions and now I know I am best as a CB. Thanks!"
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