Last Updated on: 26th September 2025, 03:37 pm
Football Positions: Roles and Responsibilities
How do you decide which football position to play? After all, each one has its own demands, skills and responsibilities. Coaches and players should understand each one and how they fit together. It’s also vital that you have the right people in the right roles. This guide breaks down the main football positions, their responsibilities and the qualities necessary. It will give you a better understanding of the game and how your team works together.
Defenders
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is your last line of defence and the first point of attack. It’s a high-pressure position that requires both mental and physical strength. Obviously, a keeper’s main job is to prevent the opposition from scoring by blocking shots with their body. They’re also responsible for organising the defence and setting the tone for the team from the back.
Responsibilities:
- Shot stopping
- Organising the defence
- Distributing the ball
- Commanding the penalty area
Skills All Goalkeepers Need:
- Good communication
- Strong positioning and reliable shot-stopping
- Accurate distribution (throws and kicks)
- Quick reactions and sharp reflexes
- Ability to read the game and anticipate attacks
- Fearlessness when diving for saves
Centre Back
You might hear the centre back referred to as the central defender. Either way, they’re the backbone of the defence. Centre backs lead the defensive line and stop attackers from breaking through. Generally, they block shots, win tackles and intercept passes. They’ll also play a key role in launching attacks by distributing the ball to midfield or full-backs.
Responsibilities:
- Winning tackles and aerial duels
- Blocking shots and clearing danger
- Marking opposition strikers
- Starting play from the back
Skills All Centre Backs Need:
- Strength to hold off attackers
- Tactical awareness and good positioning
- Aerial ability for crosses and corners
- Solid tackling technique
- Clear communication with teammates
Sweeper
The sweeper tends to be positioned further back than the other defenders. They provide last-minute defensive support by attacking and redirecting balls that make it past the defensive line.
Responsibilities:
- Intercepting and clearing
- Covering the defence
- Making last-ditch tackles and interceptions
Skills All Sweepers Need:
- Excellent awareness
- Strong communication
- Ability to adapt quickly
- Confidence to carry the ball forward under pressure
Left and Right Back / Wing Back
Also known as full backs, they’re wider defenders who sit on either side of the central defender. Previously, this was seen as a solely defensive role. However, modern players are expected to contribute to the attack. So, they’ll support the forwards and midfielders by pushing the ball out of the defensive area.
Responsibilities:
- Defending wide areas
- Supporting wingers
- Delivering crosses
- Tracking back quickly when possession is lost
Skills All Full Backs and Wing Backs Need:
- Speed to keep up with wingers
- Stamina
- Ability to balance defensive and attacking duties
- Strong 1v1 defending and tackling ability
Midfield
Central Midfielder
Central midfielders are all-rounders who contribute to both defensive and offensive strategies. They often lead the attack and help move the ball up the pitch. However, they should also be ready to pivot and fall back to protect the goal if necessary. A good central midfielder balances defensive duties with creative passing.
Responsibilities:
- Controlling possession and tempo
- Supporting both defence and attack
- Winning tackles and regaining possession
- Distributing the ball effectively
Skills All Central Midfielders Need:
- Excellent passing range and accuracy
- High stamina and fitness levels
- Tactical awareness and vision
- Ability to break up play with tackles
- Strong and creative decision-making under pressure
Defensive Midfielder (Holding Midfielder)
The defensive midfielder links your team’s attack and defence. Sitting deeper than the rest of midfield, they provide extra cover for the defence. Essentially, their main job is to prevent the opposition from attacking the middle and gaining possession. Defensive midfielders are also expected to work the ball forward and kick off attacks.
Responsibilities:
- Shielding the back line
- Tackling and intercepting
- Playing safe passes to maintain possession
- Distributing the ball efficiently
Skills All Defensive Midfielders Need:
- Strength and composure in tight areas
- Excellent positioning and discipline
- Good short passing ability
- Ability to read the game and cut out danger
Attacking Midfielder (No. 10)
The attacking midfielder is key to a team’s offensive strategy. Playing in advanced midfield areas, they create chances and link play between midfield and attack. Therefore, these players need to be versatile as they can change the game with a single pass or creative move.
Responsibilities:
- Creating scoring opportunities
- Linking midfield to attack
- Finding space in dangerous areas
- Scoring goals themselves
Skills All Attacking Midfielders Need:
- Creativity and flair
- Strong dribbling and close control
- Quick decision-making
- Accurate passing and vision
- Confidence in shooting from a distance
Forwards
Winger
Wingers play out wide and use the sides of the pitch to their advantage. These players add speed and creativity to a team’s attack. Of course, their main job is to beat defenders and create chances. However, modern wingers also cut inside to score goals themselves. They can also track back to help with the defensive play.
Responsibilities:
- Providing width in attack
- Beating defenders in 1v1 situations
- Delivering crosses into the box
- Tracking back to help full backs
Skills All Wingers Need:
- Speed and acceleration
- Strong dribbling and ball control
- Ability to cross accurately
- Stamina to attack and defend
- Flair and creativity to unlock defences
Striker / Centre Forward
The striker is your team’s main goal scorer, so their main aim is to convert chances created by teammates. These players need to get around the opposing defenders and remain open. They also need to hold up play and bring teammates into the attack.
Responsibilities:
- Scoring goals
- Holding up the ball
- Pressing defenders off the ball
- Making clever runs to create space
Skills All Strikers Need:
- Composure in front of the goal
- Movement and positioning in the box
- Strength to hold off defenders
- Good heading ability
- Link-up play with midfielders and wingers
Adapting Roles to Your Formation
Of course, these roles and responsibilities aren’t set in stone. Obviously, different formations will change how each position works. For example, a winger in a 4-4-2 is expected to track back more, while in a 4-3-3 they can stay higher and attack. Likewise, a holding midfielder is more important in a 4-3-3 than in a flat 4-4-2. Your coach will decide how each position fits into the overall team strategy.
Check out our guide to different football formations.
Picking the Right Position
So, that’s the basic outline of each position. When thinking about which position you want to play, you’ll need to decide which is the best fit for you. Firstly, think about your strengths on the pitch. Secondly, consider what you enjoy doing. Once you’ve figured this out, you’ll be able to match them to the appropriate position. However, don’t forget to be adaptable. After all, your coach might have other ideas about where they think you should go. Instead of having your heart set on one single position, be open to everything. You might find that your strengths lie somewhere else on the pitch.
Training and Development
Once you’ve found your perfect position on the pitch, you’ll need to start improving your skills. Training and development are vital because that’s the only way to hone your skills. Generally, you’ll want to focus on fitness, endurance, strength and flexibility. At the same time, focus on developing football skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. Once you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time for position-specific training.
Position-Specific Training
- Goalkeeper Training
- Focus on drills to enhance diving, catching and shot stopping.
- Work on reflexes and agile movement.
- Build mental and physical preparation to build your focus and resilience.
- Defensive Training
- Develop techniques for effective tackling, marking and intercepting.
- Building teamwork and communication.
- Strengthen positioning and spatial awareness.
- Midfield Training
- Work on ball control under pressure and accurate passing.
- Develop awareness of the game.
- Work on decision-making.
- Forward Training
- Shooting drills to improve accuracy and power.
- Offensive tactics like positioning, movement off the ball, and creating space.
- Increase speed, agility and dribbling.
Each position has unique demands, and your football training should reflect that. Focus on building a strong foundation with general football skills first. Then focus on specific skills and techniques. Grab plenty of football training equipment to really put your skills to the test.
Create a Strong Team
Every position is vital to success. The best teams are the ones where each player knows their role and performs it with discipline. It’s important that you know how your position links with others, so you can build a cohesive team.
FAQs About Football Positions
What position should I play if I’m fast?
Players with strong pace are well-suited to positions like winger, full back, or even striker if they can make runs behind defenders. Speed is an advantage in wide areas and counter-attacking situations.
What is the hardest position in football?
Every position has its challenges, but many argue that being a goalkeeper is the hardest due to the pressure and responsibility. Mistakes often lead directly to goals. Central midfield is also demanding because it requires stamina, awareness, and involvement in both attack and defence.
What is the easiest position in football?
No position is truly easy, but wide midfielders or wingers may have slightly less pressure compared to goalkeepers or central defenders. However, success still depends on effort, tactical awareness, and teamwork.
What position scores the most goals?
Strikers and wingers usually score the most goals. Strikers are closest to goal and focus on finishing chances, while modern wingers often cut inside to shoot.
What is the most important position in football?
It depends on the system and philosophy. Goalkeepers are crucial for preventing goals, midfielders control the flow of the game, and strikers win matches by scoring. Coaches should focus on balance rather than relying on one key position.
What position is best for beginners?
Beginners often do well as full backs or wingers, as these roles give them space to develop their understanding of the game. Coaches should give young players the chance to try different positions to see where they fit best.
Tags: football, Football advice, football coaching, Football formations, football positions, Football tactics