Soccer Positions: A Complete Guide to All 11 Roles on the Field
From goalkeeper to striker, here's what every soccer position does, how the 1-11 numbering works, and where each player lines up. Includes the number 10 role and the 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations explained simply.
The 11 soccer positions are goalkeeper (1), right back (2), left back (3), two center backs (4 and 5), defensive midfielder (6), right winger (7), central midfielder (8), striker (9), attacking midfielder (10), and left winger (11). They line up in four groups: goalkeeper, defense, midfield, and attack. Here's what each one does:
- Goalkeeper (1): the last line of defense and the only player allowed to use their hands, inside their own penalty area.
- Right back (2): defends the right flank and overlaps to support the right winger.
- Left back (3): defends the left flank and pushes forward down the left.
- Center back (4): the central defender who marks strikers and wins headers.
- Center back (5): the second central defender, partner to the 4 and often the line's organizer.
- Defensive midfielder (6): sits in front of the defense to break up attacks and shield the back four.
- Right winger (7): hugs the right touchline, beats defenders, and delivers crosses.
- Central midfielder (8): the box-to-box engine who links defense and attack.
- Striker / center forward (9): the main goal scorer who leads the line.
- Attacking midfielder (10): the playmaker who creates chances between the lines.
- Left winger (11): hugs the left touchline and cuts inside to shoot or cross.
Learning soccer positions is the first thing every new player, parent, or coach figures out. Soccer puts 11 players on each side, and unlike sports with separate offense and defense, the same 11 attack and defend together. Where a player lines up decides what they're responsible for, so the positions are the map for the whole game.
The 11 spots split into four lines: the goalkeeper, the defenders, the midfielders, and the forwards. Each line has its own job, and the balance between them is set by the formation. A 4-4-2 spreads players into two banks of four with two strikers up top, while a 4-3-3 pushes three forwards high with wingers stretching the field.
This guide breaks down every soccer position, what each player does, how the 1-11 numbering works, and the two formations you'll see most at the youth and high school level. When you're ready to get the team kitted out, check out our soccer uniforms and custom soccer jerseys.
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Soccer Positions Diagram
Where all 11 players line up in a 4-3-3, numbered 1 through 11. Print it or save it as a PDF for your clipboard.
All 11 Soccer Positions and Numbers
Each position has a traditional number from the old 1-11 system. Here's every role, grouped by the line it plays in.
Defense
The back line stops the other team from scoring and starts the team's attack from the back. Most teams play a back four: two center backs in the middle with a full back on each side, all protecting the goalkeeper.
Goalkeeper (GK)
The goalkeeper is the last line of defense and the only player allowed to handle the ball, and only inside their own penalty area. They make saves, command the box on crosses and corners, and start attacks by rolling or kicking the ball out. They also have to play with their feet now, since a teammate's deliberate pass back can't be picked up. A vocal keeper organizes the whole defense in front of them.
Key Responsibilities
- •Make saves and claim crosses inside the penalty area
- •Command the box on corners and set pieces
- •Distribute the ball to start the attack
- •Organize and direct the back line
Center Backs (CB)
The two center backs are the heart of the defense. They mark the opposing strikers, win headers on crosses and long balls, and step in to make last-ditch tackles. They also start the buildup with passes out of the back. The best center back pairs read danger early and cover for each other, with one stepping up to challenge while the other drops to sweep behind.
Key Responsibilities
- •Mark strikers and win aerial duels
- •Make blocks, tackles, and clearances in the box
- •Hold the defensive line and play the offside trap
- •Build out of the back with composed passing
Right Back (RB)
The right back defends the right side of the field and marks the opposing left winger. They have to channel attackers toward the sideline and away from the goal, then recover quickly when a fast winger tries to get past. Going forward, the right back overlaps down the touchline to support the right winger and whip in crosses, which makes stamina a real requirement.
Key Responsibilities
- •Defend the right flank and mark the left winger
- •Overlap to support the attack down the right
- •Deliver crosses into the box
- •Recover quickly after pushing forward
Left Back (LB)
The left back is the mirror of the right back, defending the left flank against the opposing right winger. Left-footed players are prized here because they can defend, control, and cross naturally on that side. Like the right back, the left back is expected to get forward and overlap, so the modern version of this position is really a two-way runner who covers the whole left touchline.
Key Responsibilities
- •Defend the left flank and mark the right winger
- •Overlap to support the attack down the left
- •Deliver left-footed crosses into the box
- •Track back to cover the defensive line
Midfield
Midfielders control the middle of the field and connect defense to attack. They cover the most ground of any line, winning the ball back and then setting up the forwards. The wingers also play in the midfield band in a 4-4-2 but push up to join the attack.
Defensive Midfielder (CDM)
The defensive midfielder, or holding midfielder, sits just in front of the back four and shields it. They break up the opponent's attacks, win loose balls in the middle, and screen the space the center backs can't cover. When the team has the ball, the 6 is the first outlet, taking it from the defenders and recycling possession. A reliable 6 lets the more attacking midfielders push forward without leaving the defense exposed.
Key Responsibilities
- •Break up attacks in front of the back line
- •Screen the space between midfield and defense
- •Win and recycle possession in the middle
- •Cover for overlapping full backs
Central Midfielder (CM)
The central midfielder is the box-to-box engine. The 8 defends when the team loses the ball and joins the attack when the team wins it, which is why this player covers more ground than anyone else on the field. They need the lungs to run all game, the passing to keep the ball moving, and the timing to arrive late in the box for a shot. On most youth teams the 8 is your fittest, most complete player.
Key Responsibilities
- •Link defense and attack across the whole field
- •Keep possession with short and long passing
- •Arrive late in the box to support the forwards
- •Help win the ball back in midfield
Attacking Midfielder (CAM)
The attacking midfielder, the famous "number 10," is the team's creative hub. They play between the opponent's midfield and defense, in the pocket of space coaches call "the hole." The 10 receives the ball facing forward, threads the final pass to the striker, and arrives to finish chances themselves. This is the most technical role on the field. Put your most skilled, most creative player here and build the attack around them.
Key Responsibilities
- •Create chances with the final pass
- •Operate between the lines, facing the goal
- •Link the midfield to the striker
- •Score from the edge of the box
Right Winger (RW)
The right winger attacks down the right touchline and is usually one of the fastest, trickiest players on the team. Their job is to beat the opposing left back one-on-one, then either whip a cross into the box or cut inside onto their stronger foot to shoot. A left-footed player on the right wing is dangerous because cutting inside lines up a shot. Wingers also have to track back and help the right back defend.
Key Responsibilities
- •Beat the full back one-on-one down the right
- •Deliver crosses or cut inside to shoot
- •Stretch the defense to create space
- •Track back to support the right back
Left Winger (LW)
The left winger mirrors the right winger on the opposite flank, attacking down the left and taking on the opposing right back. Speed and one-on-one dribbling are the core skills, plus the decision-making to know when to cross and when to cut in. A right-footed player on the left wing can cut inside onto their stronger foot to shoot, which is why many modern wingers play on the "wrong" side on purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- •Beat the full back one-on-one down the left
- •Cross into the box or cut inside to shoot
- •Stretch the defense wide on the left
- •Track back to support the left back
Attack
The forward line leads the attack and finishes the chances the rest of the team creates. A 4-3-3 plays one central striker flanked by the two wingers, while a 4-4-2 pairs two strikers up top. The striker is also the first line of defense, pressing the opposing center backs when they have the ball.
Striker / Center Forward (ST)
The striker, or center forward, is the team's main goal scorer and wears the famous number 9. They play highest up the field, lead the line against the center backs, and live for finishing chances inside the box. A good striker reads where a cross or rebound is going, gets there first, and puts it away with one touch. Many strikers also hold the ball up with their back to goal, waiting for teammates to join the attack.
Key Responsibilities
- •Finish chances and score goals
- •Lead the line against the center backs
- •Hold up play to bring teammates into the attack
- •Press the opposing defenders from the front
How Soccer's 1-11 Numbering Works
The traditional numbers describe roles, not just shirts. Here's the system and what it still means today.
Soccer positions are traditionally numbered 1 through 11, starting with the goalkeeper and working from the back of the field to the front. In the old days, the number on a player's shirt told you exactly where they played. That's where phrases like "the number 9" (the striker) and "the number 10" (the playmaker) come from.
The traditional position numbers
Today, players wear squad numbers anywhere from 1 to 99, so the shirt number no longer has to match the position. A striker might wear 11 and a winger might wear 7, 17, or 77. But the positional numbers stuck around as shorthand. When a coach says they need "a proper number 6," everyone knows they mean a holding midfielder who can sit in front of the defense.
The numbers you'll still hear most
- The 6: the holding or defensive midfielder who shields the back line.
- The 9: the central striker, the team's main goal scorer.
- The 10: the creative attacking midfielder who plays between the lines.
- The 7 and 11: the right and left wingers who attack down the flanks.
The Two Formations You'll See Most: 4-4-2 and 4-3-3
A formation just describes how the 10 outfield players are split across defense, midfield, and attack.
A formation is read from the back: defenders, then midfielders, then forwards. The goalkeeper is always there and isn't counted, so the numbers always add up to 10 outfield players. The two you'll see most at the youth and high school level are the 4-4-2 and the 4-3-3.
4-4-2 (Two Banks of Four)
Four defenders, four midfielders, and two strikers. The defense and midfield each line up as a flat bank of four, which is easy to organize and teach. The two strikers give you a partner up top, so there's always an outlet and a target for crosses. It's the most common starter formation for youth teams because the shape is simple and every player has a clear job.
Best for: younger teams, balanced squads, teams learning their shape
4-3-3 (Width and Pressing)
Four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. The front three is a central striker with a winger on each side, which stretches the field wide and creates one-on-one chances on the flanks. The midfield three usually has one holding midfielder (the 6) behind two more advanced ones. It's great for keeping the ball and pressing high, but it asks the wingers and full backs to cover a lot of ground.
Best for: possession-minded teams, squads with fast wingers, high-press styles
What each line is responsible for
- Goalkeeper: stops shots, commands the box, and starts the attack from the back.
- Defense: stops the opponent from scoring, wins the ball, and builds out of the back.
- Midfield: controls the middle, links defense to attack, and covers the most ground.
- Attack: creates and finishes chances, then presses the defense from the front.
Whichever shape you pick, the lines work together. A 4-4-2 leans on its two strikers and compact banks, while a 4-3-3 leans on width and a controlling midfield. Most coaches start young teams in a 4-4-2 to keep things simple, then move toward a 4-3-3 as players get comfortable with their roles.
Tips for Coaches: Placing Players at the Right Position
Practical advice for putting your players in the best spots on the field.
Build the team around your center midfielder
The 8 touches the ball more than anyone and links every line. Put your fittest, most complete player in central midfield, even if they aren't the flashiest. A center mid who wins the ball and keeps it moving makes the whole team play better.
Put speed on the wings
Wingers live on one-on-one matchups, so your quickest, most direct dribblers belong out wide. Pace lets a young winger beat the full back even before their finishing is polished. The crossing and shooting develop over time, but you can't coach raw speed.
Find a left-footer for the left side
Left back and left wing are much easier for a left-footed player, who can defend, control, and cross naturally on that side. Lefties are rare, so if you have one, slot them onto the left and you've solved a problem most youth teams struggle with.
Don't hide a weak player at full back
Full back is friendly for a beginner, but the modern version still has to defend a fast winger and get forward to attack. Rotate players through the back line in practice so everyone learns to defend one-on-one rather than parking your least confident player there and hoping.
Order uniforms once your roster is set
Once you've sorted positions, get your soccer team uniforms ordered with squad numbers assigned. Players buy in faster when they pull on a real jersey with their number on the back, and it builds team identity from the first practice. Need to mark the field too? Our soccer field dimensions guide has every measurement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 11 positions in soccer?
The 11 soccer positions are goalkeeper (1), right back (2), left back (3), two center backs (4 and 5), defensive midfielder (6), right winger (7), central midfielder (8), striker or center forward (9), attacking midfielder (10), and left winger (11). They split into four lines: one goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders, and one or more forwards. The exact shape changes with the formation. A 4-4-2 fields two strikers, while a 4-3-3 fields three forwards with two wingers and a striker. Most youth and high school teams build out of a back four with the goalkeeper behind them.
What does the number 10 mean in soccer?
The number 10 is the attacking midfielder, the team's main creator. They play between the opponent's midfield and defense, in the space coaches call 'the hole' or 'between the lines.' The 10 picks out the final pass, links the midfield to the strikers, and often scores too. It is the most creative role on the field, traditionally worn by playmakers. The number itself comes from the old 1-11 system where shirt numbers matched positions, so calling a player 'a number 10' still describes a creative attacking midfielder even when squad numbers no longer follow the old order.
What is the hardest position in soccer?
Goalkeeper is often called the hardest because it is the most specialized. The keeper is the only player allowed to use their hands, but only inside their own penalty area, and a single mistake usually ends up in the back of the net. Among the outfield spots, central midfield is the most demanding. The center mid covers the most ground, defends and attacks, and has to make fast decisions while surrounded by opponents on all sides. Both spots reward players who stay calm under pressure and read the game a step ahead.
What is the easiest soccer position for beginners?
Full back (right back or left back) is usually the friendliest spot for a beginner. The full back defends one side of the field, so the player has clear, simple responsibilities instead of having to read the whole pitch. Most of the action stays in front of them, which makes the game easier to follow. A wide midfield role works for the same reason. Goalkeeper is the position to avoid early, since it takes specialized handling and footwork. Good coaches still rotate young players through several spots so everyone builds all-around skills.
What is the difference between a winger and a full back?
A winger is an attacker and a full back is a defender, but they share the same touchline. The winger (7 or 11) plays high up the field, beats defenders one-on-one, and delivers crosses or cuts inside to shoot. The full back (2 or 3) starts deep, marks the opposing winger, and only pushes forward to support the attack with overlapping runs. In modern soccer the two often work as a pair down each flank, with the full back overlapping behind the winger to create a two-on-one against the defense.
How are soccer positions numbered?
Soccer positions are traditionally numbered 1 through 11, starting with the goalkeeper and working from the back to the front. The goalkeeper is 1, the defenders are 2 through 5, the midfielders are 6 through 8 and 10, the wingers are 7 and 11, and the striker is 9. These positional numbers describe roles, not just shirts. Modern players pick squad numbers from 1 to 99, so the number on the jersey no longer has to match the position. But coaches and fans still say 'the number 9' or 'the number 6' to describe the striker and the holding midfielder.
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