There are eleven positions to be filled in a soccer team so a team should run from 1 to 11 from back to up-front. The Positions Related To Soccer Numbering In this guide, we will look at the positions related to soccer numbering, the prestige of certain numbers, the history of squad numbering, and how they are applied. Learning what the numbers mean for a player’s position and responsibilities is important for coaches, fans, and players. Parents gaining an understanding of the numbering system will certainly continue the momentum.7.2 What Position Does A Number 6 Typically Play In Soccer?Ĭertain numbers hold prestige while others are defined by an organizational position.

These discussions are a benchmark indicator that the United States is becoming more tactically aware. The mainstream discussions that are happening through the media and on the sidelines are a clear indication of the continued growth of the game in the United States. The introduction of the numbering system to our coaching and player education is a step in the right direction. Makes play predictable through putting pressure on defenseĬreativity and technical finishing abilities Speedy player able to cover ground on the flanksĬonsistent players who are organizers and leadersĪbility to cover ground – especially laterally and verticallyĪbility to keep the ball (vision and technical passing)Ĭlinical passing in final third to create scoring opportunities So, what are the soccer numbers as they relate to the positions and what are some basic characteristics of each? 1 Believe me, children in Holland grow up dreaming of being the next “7” for the Dutch National Team! It’s uplifting to see that starting to happen in the United States as well. While recruiting for a college or national team, coaches and scouts can set out to identify and organize the maze of players more easily.įor players, they can start to identify with different roles based on their skills and abilities. When we start to think about the general playing characteristics associated with each number, we start to see how all of this makes sense from coaching tactical perspective, from a scouting and recruiting perspective and from a player education perspective.Ĭoaches, with their new education, are now evaluating the tactical adjustments necessary for their system of play based on the qualities of their players. Playing Characteristics of the Various Numbers He’s usually a 4, but also is comfortable in the 6 and has the speed to play a 2.” However, if the college coach is talking to your child and asks where they like to play on the field and your child answers with numbers instead of position names, I guarantee the coach will appreciate their knowledge of the game.Īs coaches, we have transitioned from discussing actual positions which are more related to a specific system, to discussing soccer numbers and therefore the characteristics a player brings to the table in relation to what is generally required of that number/role within our individual team’s system of play. No need to get carried away and feel you have to “talk-the-talk” with college coaches and say, for instance, “My child is interested in attending your college. As parents, it’s important we have a general knowledge of the concept. Soccer Training Center, it’s essential that our children understand the soccer numbers and their respective roles. Effective coaches are clear, concise and accurate with their communication.”Īs the use of soccer numbers has begun to trickle into mainstream soccer discussions, not to mention discussions like the one that occurred the other night at the U.S. These same tags can be applied to any system and adapted to all levels of play. Soccer transitioned to this soccer number system? According to Dave Chesler, Currently a performance analysis coach with the USWNT, “A standard numbering system for positions and their roles provides a concise and common method of communicating technical information about individual and team play.

Positions by number in soccer