Q&A for How to Choose a Soccer Position

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  • Question
    I have never played soccer and I am trialing this afternoon what do I do?
    Misty Benson
    Soccer Coach
    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.
    Soccer Coach
    Expert Answer
    Just do your best. You can increase your stamina with training. Listen to the coach's directions.
  • Question
    I 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
    Soccer Coach
    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.
    Soccer Coach
    Expert Answer
    Work with your coach to decide which position is best for you. They can help you determine the right fit.
  • Question
    I'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
    Soccer Coach
    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.
    Soccer Coach
    Expert Answer
    It sounds like you need to improve your conditioning to meet the demands of the center midfield.
  • Question
    I love soccer but I don't know which position to choose. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You should play different positions and see which one appeals to you. For example, you could start off as a sweeper, then move up to winger, striker, and eventually center midfielder.
  • Question
    Can I switch from defense to midfielder?
    Community Answer
    You can always switch positions. Things like that are decisions that might take more work than sticking with your original position. You should play the position you thrive in.
  • Question
    What would be a good position for me to play in if I can't run for long periods of time?
    Community Answer
    Try defense or goalkeeper. If you have good coordination skills and quick reflexes, you'd probably make a great goalkeeper. If you can sprint in short bursts, have a strong kick, and can pass effectively, you'd be good in defense.
  • Question
    What is the role of a midfielder?
    Community Answer
    A midfielder is the connection between the defense and offense. You have to be good at passing the ball. You will also be be expected to go to the defense and offense in order to help your teammates.
  • Question
    I'm 15 and I'm playing with elders. Sometimes I don't make a position - what do I do?
    Community Answer
    Play where you can get the most experience. Playing with elders might help you to learn a lot, but only if you're getting play time. Getting more playing time is crucial to your development as a good soccer player, so consider asking to move to another team or pointing out that you need more play time to improve.
  • Question
    What if I go to a new club and my position is taken?
    Community Answer
    If that happens you can either play really well and prove to the coach you deserve that position more than the other guy, or try another position that is similar to your current one or one that you think you'd like.
  • Question
    I play with my right foot. Which place would be best for me -- midfield or wing -- as I want to create chances and score goals as well?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what spot you like the best. Midfield doesn't score as much as the wing. Midfield is a spot where you can get around the whole field, but on the wing you can score more goals and give more chances.
  • Question
    I play with right foot. Which position should I choose as a defender, right back or left back?
    Community Answer
    Right back would be good for you, as full backs are more involved offensively and need to be able to cross. Therefore, staying on the right side would be ideal as it is easier to cross.
  • Question
    What happens if I am good at one position but the coach says I'm good at another position but I am really not good at it?
    Community Answer
    Ask your coach why he thinks you are good at that position and explain why you think you are better at the other position.
  • Question
    I play with my left foot, I have speed to run enough, I have stamina, I can defend, but I am not tall. Which position will suit me?
    Community Answer
    You should play midfield. You get to run and have many chances to make a goal.
  • Question
    What do I need to know to be a midfielder?
    Community Answer
    You have to have a good touch on the ball and always be looking to pass. Keep your head up to find forward runs. Don't be afraid to drop it back to a defender if there is too much pressure. Also, be comfortable with beating people off the dribble and going to the goal.
  • Question
    What should I choose if I am very quick?
    Mandemore.101 Adviser
    Community Answer
    The positions that are good for quick players are wingers, forwards, or wingback. This is if you are a very attacking player. If you are more defensive, wingback and full back are good.
  • Question
    I am best when I play at right back, but I don't really like it. Should I change positions, or stick to my current position?
    Community Answer
    If you want to change, work hard, especially in the off season, and you can play another position.
  • Question
    I'm great at attacking and in midfield but my coach always makes me play defense, what should I do?
    Daren Ngo
    Community Answer
    Well, if you want to play offense, you can actually still play defense. Though defending midfielders aren't known for scoring goals, players like Sergio Busquets score goals as defending midfielders. However, you'd need to be fast on the run in order to score a goal. Or, if you want to mainly attack, practice playing offense and show your coach. You might just convince him to put you in the offense.
  • Question
    Which position would be best for a slower player?
    Amierul Aiziq
    Community Answer
    Speed is crucial in every position. If you can't improve your speed, I would suggest playing in a center role, like Center Back, Defensive Midfield, or Midfield. With a good reading of the game, you can overcome this speed weakness.
  • Question
    If I;m new, what position do I start off with?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on what you are good at. For example, if you are fast and can run for a long time, midfield would be perfect for you. If you can run FAST, can aim with accuracy, and have good footwork, forward would be good for you. If you have good agility and aren't afraid of being aggressive, then defense would be a good position for you.
  • Question
    What position is good for small people?
    Piegirl 123
    Community Answer
    Any positions are good for short people, except goalie. In that position, you need to be tall enough to reach all of the spots of the net.
  • Question
    In which position can I play if I have sprint speed and dribbling?
    Piegirl 123
    Community Answer
    Since you are very fast and can dribble well, you'd be a good midfielder, because they run all over the field.
  • Question
    What's a good position for me if I'm short and fast, but lacking other skills?
    Community Answer
    Striker is a good position for you; you don't need to know any skills.
  • Question
    What is the most important position in soccer?
    Mrviola195
    Community Answer
    They're all important, but in my opinion I think arguably either the goalie or the midfielders are the most important.
  • Question
    What position is good for me if I'm 5'9 and have a lot of speed, but am not the best at dribbling?
    Piegirl 123
    Community Answer
    Probably goalie, because you need fast reflexes for that position, but you never dribble during a game.
  • Question
    How do I hold the man I'm marking?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend holding onto his jersey somewhere low where the ref wouldn't see it. Just grab onto their jersey and hold tight. Then run directly around them.
  • Question
    I am 20 years old and I love playing football. I love playing as midfield and striker. Can someone start a real career at this age?
    Salman Raza
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Just work hard and often and try to get into the bigger leagues to get scouted. Players like Vardy are late bloomers (or even Klose).
  • Question
    I play with my left foot and I'm fast. I like to get into action and burst out. Which position should I choose?
    Mrviola195
    Community Answer
    If you're fast and like to burst out, I suggest forward or left wing. The forwards sometimes take the ball down the middle and do most of the shooting, while the wings usually drive the ball up the sideline and cross the ball.
  • Question
    If I am tall, but not so big, and I dribble and pass well, can I be a defensive midfielder?
    Mrviola195
    Community Answer
    Defensive midfielder sounds like a great position for you. Dribbling and passing are essential skills in the defensive mid position. You will need to be tough, however, so if you struggle with that, make sure to work on tackles and contact.
  • Question
    Which position is suitable for a tall, fast, strong player who isn't agile but can shoot hard?
    Community Answer
    Midfielder because you're fast so you can go back to defend but you can also go up to the front to shoot.
  • Question
    I can dribble when training, but when playing in a match I can't. Why?
    Mrviola195
    Community Answer
    You're most likely nervous and the pressure of the game makes it harder for you. You will need to practice at home or with friends (outside of training) to improve your skills. Look up dribbling drills and do them in your yard or at a local park. Extra practice will help you develop muscle memory which, with time, will enable you to dribble in almost any situation.
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