As the whistle blows on match day, 11 players take to the pitch with victory on their minds and adrenaline in their veins. While there are only 11 football positions on the field at once, there are many more types of positions out there. Each position contributes something special and unique to the game and is used for team strategies against the opposition. Keep in mind that while starting goalkeepers typically wear #1 on their shirt and strikers are #9, numbers 1-11 often vary based on the players put in the game. Dive into each football position below as we shed light on their purpose and how the nuances between each position create a unified and dynamic team.
The Formations:
Football formations allow teams to strategise and win games, and there is a wide variety of them. The formations used by each team will vary based on the players’ positions, team strengths and weaknesses, and the manager's vision. Formations can change during the game, so players need to be adaptable. Below are two of the most popular football formations.
- 4-3-3: In this formation, there are four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards on the pitch. This football formation creates a balanced attack and defence, with the midfielders being able to hang back or run forward.
- 4-4-2: In this formation, there are four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards. This football formation is also balanced, setting teams up to defend the goal and score against their opponents.
Football Positions Explained
Defense:
The defence’s job is to protect the goal and penalty box, and to block shots from the opposition.
Goalkeeper (GK)
Purpose: First up is the goalkeeper, also known as the “goalie” or “keeper”. As the last line of defence for their team, this is one of the most high-pressure football positions, both mentally and physically. Their job is to guard the goal by using any part of their body to block shots to prevent the other team from scoring. They also call strategies to the defenders to protect the goal as the opposition approaches. Goalkeepers are the only players on the pitch allowed to use their hands and arms.
Left and Right Back (LB, RB)/ Wing-Backs (WB)
Purpose: Also known as “full-backs” or “wing-backs”, the right back is stationed on the right side of the pitch and the left back on the left side. They play a vital role in defending the goal from the opposition’s wingers, while also supporting the forwards and midfielders by pushing the ball up and out of the defensive area.
Centre-Back (CB)
Purpose: Also known as the central defender, the centre-back is the backbone of the defence, leading the other defenders. This player has an optimal view of the pitch, which allows them to communicate the importance of holding a strong line during the game. Their job is to kick off strategic and aggressive moves from the centre of the pitch, and to stop any balls from getting past them. Whether they are blocking balls or intercepting passes, centre-backs spend a lot of their time defending the goal from the centre of the pitch.
Sweeper (SW)
Purpose: The sweeper is the last line of defence. They are positioned behind the other defenders. The sweeper provides quick and last-minute defensive support by attacking and redirecting balls that make it past the defensive line. Sweepers must be fast and agile on their feet as they are also tasked with breaking up any long passes. They don’t venture outside of defensive lines and aren’t tasked with following or tracking the opposing team’s attackers.
Midfield:
The midfield is like the engine of the team, working together in the middle of the pitch to support the defenders, while helping to move the ball up the field to create scoring opportunities.
Defensive Midfielder (DM)
Purpose: The defensive midfielder's main goal is to delay the opposition from attacking the middle of the pitch and gaining the ball. They come head-to-head with attackers and aim to pass the ball up the field to make it easier for their forward teammates to score a goal.
Left and Right Midfielders (LM, RM)/ Left and Right Wingers (LW, RW)
Purpose: Playing on their respective sides, wingers are tasked with supporting the defenders and forwards out wide. Positioned on the right- or left-hand side of the pitch, these players create opportunities for their teammates by pushing the ball up the pitch, applying pressure to the opposing team's full-backs, and getting into scoring positions in the box to score a goal themselves.
Central Midfielder (CM)
Purpose: Placed in the middle of the pitch, central midfielders both attack and defend by spanning the length of the field. These players often lead the attack and are trained to receive and pass the ball and move it up the pitch. They are also able to pivot and fall back to protect the goal if necessary.
Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM)
Purpose: The central attacking midfielder is an attacking player who has next-level dribbling and passing abilities. Placed between the central midfielders and the forwards, the CAM’s main objective is to use strategic thinking to create scoring opportunities, move the ball forward and to pass or shoot deep within goal territory.
Forwards:
Moving the ball up the pitch, creating opportunities and scoring goals are the main focus points for the forwards.
Striker (ST)/ Centre Forward (CF)
Purpose: The striker/centre-forward is essential to the team’s attacking line-up. In this football position, they take up residence directly in their opponents' territory, right outside the penalty box. Their mission is to score goals and they are experts at going up against defenders. CF/ST assist other offensive players by working to remain open and ready to receive a pass, shoot the ball and score for their team.
Your Ball, Your Play
A game built on unity and teamwork, football creates a space for athletes and fans to come together and have fun. Whether you’re on the pitch, watching from the stands or at home with friends, understanding the football positions, their roles on the field and their purpose will only enrich your love and connection to the beautiful game.
Illustrated by Nico Mattison