About Marney Egan Expertise I can answer almost any question about the game of soccer (drills to practice, what to do in different situations, calls made by the referee, gear to use, fitness, etc.). I was a goalie in HS and college so I am able to answer more specific questions about this position. I can also provide insight on the college game (recruitment process, what to expect, etc.).
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME SO I CAN PROVIDE AN ANSWER CATERING TO YOUR AGE AND ABILITY. THANKS!!
Experience I have been playing soccer for 20 years (10 years as a goalie) and played at a D-I college. My father played professionally and has been a personal coach for my siblings and me through our careers (we have all played in college). I am currently coaching a U-13 Girls club soccer team and have also coached at several college camps during the summer including one hosted by the US Naval Academy.
Organizations Coach for Allegheny Force Football Club.
Education/Credentials Degree from Bucknell University; attended numerous soccer camps over the years including ones hosted by Notre Dame (Women's D-I National Champs) and Messiah College (Women's D-III National Champs).
Awards and Honors Patriot League Academic Honor Roll; Captain of high school soccer team.
Question Can you go over the soccer positions including stopper, sweeper and striker. I am a high schooler who plays on the freshman team and I'm 14.
Answer Zack,
I assumed you wanted to know ALL the soccer positions, not just the ones you specified, as well as what the people who play in these spots are expected to do on a field. When describing positions you always use the perspective of standing with your back to your own goal thus the right side of the field is on your right and the left side is to your left. Also, when describing formations such as a 4-4-2, 4-3-3, or a 1-3-4-2, this starts from the back and excludes the goalie. Therefore, in a 4-4-2 formation this would mean that you have 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. A 1-3-4-2 formation would have 1 sweeper, 3 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. I mention the part about formation because it determines when you use positions like stopper or sweeper.
GOALKEEPER: Typically positioned somewhere inside the 18 yard box, though occasionally might push up higher. The only player on the field who is permitted to use their hands and arms to move or stop the ball. This player is expected to direct the defense and can also help to direct the offense since he is the only player who has a complete view of the entire field. Other names used for this position are GOALIE, KEEPER, or KEEP.
SWEEPER: Positioned in front of the GOALKEEPER but behind all other defenders. Typically does not have a man to mark but rather "sweeps" up any balls or opposing players that beat the other defenders. Like the goalie, this player is expected to help direct the defense. This position is usually only seen when playing a diamond defense (which is when you have a stopper, left defender, right defender, and a sweeper) or three defenders (left, center, and right) and a sweeper back.
LEFT DEFENDER: Also known as a LEFT BACK, or a LEFT FULLBACK, this player is located on the left side of the field in the defense. He typically marks the opposing team's right forward. On defensive corner kicks, he is usually positioned on the left post. When the goalie has possession of the ball he is expected to be open and wide (closer to the sideline) to be an option to pass to and help support the attack. Usually takes throw-ins in the defensive end.
RIGHT DEFENDER: Has the same role as the LEFT DEFENDER except is positioned on the right side of the field. Typically marks the opposing team's left forward and takes the right post on defensive corner kicks.
CENTER DEFENDER: Most often referred to as a CENTER BACK. When playing with 3 defenders and a sweeper, this player is positioned in front of the SWEEPER but in line with the RIGHT and LEFT DEFENDERS. When playing a flat back, also known as a flat 4 formation there are 2 center defenders (in a flat back the 4 defenders are in the same line therefore there will be a right center back and a left center back). Marks the opposing team's third forward if there is one, otherwise marks the center midfielder.
STOPPER: When playing a diamond defense this player is used. The stopper has the same roles as the CENTER DEFENDER (and is in fact the center defender) only will play higher (or more forward) than the other defenders (thus making the diamond shape of the diamond defense).
LEFT MIDFIELDER: Can also be called a LEFT HALFBACK or a LEFT WINGER. This player is expected to be an integral part of both the offense and the defense. Positioned on the left side of the field in front of the LEFT DEFENDER. Takes the throw-ins in the offensive end of the field. Marks the opposing team's right midfielder. Occasionally if there is a left footed player on the team, he will play in this position or as a left forward.
RIGHT MIDFIELDER: Has the same roles as the LEFT MIDFIELDER but is located on the right side of the field in front of the RIGHT DEFENDER and marks the opposing team's left midfielder.
CENTER MIDFIELDER: Depending on the formation there can be as many as 3 center mids. Most formations only use 1 or 2. When using 2 center mids they usually take the roles of OFFENSIVE CENTER MIDFIELDER and DEFENSIVE CENTER MIDFIELDER (though some formations use RIGHT and LEFT). The defensive center mid lines up in front of the CENTER BACK or the STOPPER and often plays as an extension of the defense. While he will support the offense, he usually plays farther back than the rest of the midfield. Often marks the opposing team's center mid. The offensive center mid plays much higher and is more a part of the offense (almost playing like a center forward). This player usually marks the opposing team's stopper or center back. The center midfielders often help take the kick off.
LEFT FORWARD: This player is often known as a STRIKER or an ATTACKER. While he will line up on the left side of the field, he will typically play all over the field, changing positions from left to center or even on the right in order to support the attack and get open. Often a left footed player is in this position. He will typically mark the right defender and while he is expected to be a mostly offensive player, he is still expected to help defensively, particularly on defensive corner kicks when there are extra men in the box since the right and left defenders are usually on the posts.
RIGHT FORWARD: Has the same roles as the LEFT FORWARD except will play more on the right side of the field and will mark the left fullback.
CENTER FORWARD: Has the same roles as the other forwards but lines up in the center of the field in front of the CENTER MID. Will also help take the kick offs.
I hope this was a thorough enough explanation to your question. If I was unclear about any parts or if you have any other questions please write again!!
