INTRODUCTION

When your team gains possession of the soccer ball, whether you are a fullback or a striker, you become an attacking player--you must think as an attacker, in terms of what you can do to help penetrate and maintain possession.

Likewise, when your team loses the ball, you instantly become a defender, no matter where you are on the field. It is essential to learn the tactical functions of each position. If you depend on your teammate to "do his job", you should know what that job is!

 Here is a summary of positions in the 4-4-2 system of play used by Heritage Hawks soccer teams.

Striker

Striker

Wing Midfielder

Defensive Center Mid

Wing Midfielder

Fullback

Stopper

Fullback

Sweeper

Goalkeeper

The diagram above is simplified, bearing in mind we generally use a "flat back four" defensive alignment. We also use a "Stopper" style of center fullback, and encourage overlap runs and penetration by "defenders". As this "defending" player advances, a teammate must step into his defensive role and communicate this to the team.

As another example, at times, one striker will play all the way forward, hanging even with the opposing sweeper. Therefore, the second striker must have the flexibility and vision to play on either side, resulting in a sort of 4-4-1-1. Note how this stretches the offense, rather than widening it, giving this scheme limited use (dependant upon personnel).

Soccer is "The Great Game" because it challenges every aspect of each contestant--physical ability, discipline, teamwork and most important of all, mental fitness. The better player is constantly observing, analyzing the conditions around him and adjusting to them. He is also continually assessing his skills, tactical understanding and his teammates to better inform his decision-making.

Below is a listing of some specific functions and roles to be undertaken by players in particular positions, on Attack and Defense.

Goalkeeper

DEF

--Defensive captain, organize defenders to eliminate scoring opportunites

--Stop shots, not afraid to take a knock

--Position properly to eliminate through balls, crosses, near post

ATT

--Determine direction and swiftness of attack by distributing ball carefully

--Start counter-attack by long punt or switch direction

--Maintain possession from goal kicks, punts by playing to overload

Sweeper

DEF

--Organize defenders and marking responsibilities by clear communication

--Draw last line of defense, Free Back

--Carefully use offside trap by consistently keeping flat back.

--Determine speed of retreat from opposing numbers; pressure, cover and balance

--Anticipation to deny the through ball, chip, choose when to tackle

ATT

--Often start the attack; get head up, identify open midfielders, and make precision passes

--Unpredictably carry the ball forward, mix up service

--Always a switch or drop option

Stopper

DEF

--Key marking back, cover attacking threats

--Fill holes left by forward movement of teammates

--Hustle Back pro! Always (well, almost) Second Defender!

ATT

--Usually takes free kicks in central third

--Communicate view of field to teammates

--Carry the ball forward, play it wide, mix up service

--Always a switch or drop option

Fullback

DEF

--Deny penetration, keep ball wide (jockey, poke, block, tackle)

--Clear ball forward and wide, tackle only when "covered"

--Provide cover and balance, track across as needed

--Intercept breakaway attackers, prevent shots!

ATT

--Precision clears wide to midfielders, strikers

--Transition from defensive intensity to calm control on winning a ball

-- Decision-making, timing overlap runs, switching fields

Wing Midfielder

DEF

--Recovery runs, goal side

--Winning 50-50 ball, challenging hard on 1 v 1 contact

--Delay vs tackle attacking player

ATT

--Staying wide, timing late run at far post, penetrating flag runs

--Support and Mobility for attacking teammates

--Filling a Lane, Making a Cross, "Taking Out The Trash", Finishing

Center Midfielder

DEF

--Cover for pressuring wing midfielders and strikers

--Look for open opponents, organize midfielders

--Hard pressure on ball, slow attackers, win 50-50 balls

--Use double-teams, communication, balance

ATT

--Key link between defense and attack

--Ball control skills in close quarters essential

--Support for drop and square passes in forward positions

--Penetration, Creating Space, Finishing

Striker

DEF

--Pressurize long service from opposition fullbacks, timing

--Chase down poor passes, "make 'em hear footsteps"

--One striker should stay with opposing sweeper, thus removing him as an option in advancing the ball

ATT

--Accepting responsibility to shoot, extreme desire to score goals, creativity

--Creating chances by movement with and without the ball

--Penetration by dribbling in the attacking third, ball control in close quarters, fearless dedication to controlling the ball

Remember that no matter what your "position", your role primarily depends upon your proximity to the ball, and you fulfill the roles below.

ATTACK:

1^st--Penetration

2^nd--Support

3^rd--Mobility

DEFENSE:

1^st--Contain/Delay

2^nd--Cover

3^rd--Balance