Coaching Soccer - Assigning Offensive Positions

It is debatable that halfbacks are purposely designed for defense rather than offense. But it can also be argued that such position can be utilized for offensive plays as halfbacks can slide in to forward positions. The transition enables them to be the spear point of any attack and perhaps become the scorers themselves.

Having said that, halfbacks and midfielders should have a thorough knowledge of the game's defensive aspects and should regard their positions as their team's bulwark of defense.

Soccer Drills

Center Halfback

Coaching Soccer - Assigning Offensive Positions

Also known as the "king pin" of the team, the center halfback is regarded as the team's tower of power because of his influence and other physical attributes that give him command over his teammates. The center halfback primarily acts as the central defender who is slated to halt any offensive actions by the other team by making timely tackles and interceptions. His main assignment is the opposing team's lead striker and must maintain within his range to play effective defense. Physical characteristics of a center halfback includes height, speed, strength, and stamina. Psychologically, a center halfback must possess tenacity, assertiveness, decisiveness, confidence, and self-discipline.

Midfielders

Midfielders, the playmakers of the team, are tasked with the responsibility to orchestrate the offense plays. They set the pace, whether speed things up or slow down, depending on the existing conditions of the game. Midfielders must connect with their teammates to be able to succeed with their gameplan. If they are not in sync with other members of the team, this often leads to poor performance, sluggish supporting players, and disorganization.

A midfielder must exert a visible desire to gain possession. In order to do that, a midfielder should excel in a number of factors, which entail stamina, strength, speed, competitive fighting spirit, determination, and confidence on and off the ball. Usually, midfielders are those whose output and work rate are greater than their teammates.

Wingers

The winger's position is a two-pronged approach - they can attack and they can stay wide along the flanks to stretch the defense. The winger also provides support to the defense. On most instances, the winger is the leanest, smallest, and the least physically-imposing member of the team. Wingers greatly depend on their agility, speed, and expert dribbling skills to evade their defenders.

It is relatively important that wingers must possess a great degree of confidence as well as the heart to take on bigger and more aggressive players. They must also have a keen knowledge on the principles of the width in attack.

Forwards/Strikers

The main scorers of any soccer team, the strikers, are the lead players on the offensive end. Working hand in hand, strikers often rotate their roles as feeders and lead strikers and constantly scan the opposing team's defense for any flaws and possible windows to score. For coaches who look to assign players to such positions, they must look for players who have a knack on scoring and not much interest in shouldering any defensive assignments. Speed and strength are the two main attributes a striker should possess.

While in the game, strikers have their backs on the goal, which makes them susceptible to any defensive maneuvers from behind. A striker therefore, must be totally aware of his surroundings and the position of the defenders. Aside from that, considering the degree of defense that are in place near the goal, a striker must be able to absorb any forms of punishment and possess a high threshold for pain.

Coaching Soccer - Assigning Offensive Positions