Why Learning Each Soccer Position is Key to Understanding The Game

The soccer position you play on the field comes down to many factors. Your coach will evaluate your skills, temperament, strengths, and weaknesses to put you in a position where you will be most effective. Some Socceristas play multiple positions, but most feel most comfortable at one specific position.

As a young player, it is very important to learn the role of each soccer position. Becoming a versatile and adaptable player is a necessity if your goal is to have a long professional career. Not only that but learning each position will also help enhance your skill and game intelligence.

Building Character

Learning something outside of your comfort zone builds skills for the field–and life.  Playing other positions increases confidence, grit, and work ethic. Each position requires different abilities from a player. This is why learning all positions leads to more well-rounded skills and character.

Understanding a Team Mentality

Learning all positions helps the team work together with more unity and understanding. The best way to learn is to practice at various positions. Obviously, each soccer position is different. While some are more physically demanding, others are more mentally demanding.

When a player learns each position, their tactical knowledge of the game is improved. The individual learns each player’s input to the team’s overall goal and strategies. You truly understand soccer as a team sport when you spend some time in all of its roles.

Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Learning each position not only gives you more understanding of the game overall but also allows you to learn your own strengths and weaknesses. You might learn you’re better suited for a different position than the one you’ve always played.

Necessary to Create Team Players

As a player, when you learn to play each position, you learn what each position needs and expects from its teammates. This perspective allows you to play better as a unit.

For example, if you practice as a defender but normally play forward, you will learn what a defender looks for from the forward. Specifically, in this case, movements off the ball, communication, and runs toward the goal, to name a few.

Coaches will gravitate more towards players with a variety of skills developed. If you learn how to play offense and defense, you will be considered more of an asset to the team. Being a utility player has its pros and cons. It isn’t for everyone and not a role you should chase. However, getting some exposure in all positions–ideally when you’re young–will surely benefit your game IQ. It’s never too late to develop new skills, perspectives, or knowledge when it comes to the game of football!

Featured Image via Adobe Stock @MicroOne

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