Positional Play for Beginners: Introducing Young Players to Different Roles on the Pitch
- the-football-hub
- Nov 4, 2024
- 5 min read
Teaching positional play to young players can be one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching grassroots football. Not only does it help them understand their responsibilities on the pitch, but it also lays the foundation for more advanced tactical awareness as they grow. For U6 to U12 players, it’s important to approach positions in a way that builds confidence, encourages exploration, and promotes an understanding of the game without rigidly assigning them to one specific role.
In this blog, we’ll look at how to introduce positional play to young players, the benefits of giving them experience in multiple positions, and some fun, beginner-friendly drills to reinforce positional concepts. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to avoid “pigeonholing” players into one role too early—allowing them to develop as dynamic, versatile players.
Why Teach Positional Play at a Young Age?
Positional play helps players understand their own roles and responsibilities as well as those of their teammates. It fosters teamwork, spatial awareness, and a collective mindset. But more than that, introducing players to different positions early on broadens their understanding of the game, making them more adaptable and well-rounded athletes.
As coaches, our goal is to encourage young players to see beyond the ball. Positional awareness teaches them how to anticipate the flow of play, understand where they fit in both defence and attack, and make intelligent decisions about where to position themselves.
And remember: our website has detailed guides on various positions and team tactics, which you can print or share directly with your players to reinforce these concepts.
Building a Foundation: Core Positions to Introduce
For younger players, it’s best to keep positional explanations simple. The main areas to focus on at this level are:
Defenders: Positioned close to their own goal, defenders are tasked with protecting the goal and winning the ball back. Teach defenders to track back when the other team has possession and to communicate with their teammates, staying tight together when they don't have the ball to close gaps.
Midfielders: Midfielders play a dual role, linking defence and attack. They are often the busiest players on the field and have a wide-ranging role that includes supporting defenders, moving the ball forward, and helping to create scoring chances.
Forwards (Attackers): Positioned closest to the opponent’s goal, forwards’ primary job is to score. But young attackers should also learn to press the defence when the other team has possession, putting pressure on the opposition’s back line. They are the first line of defence when the team isn't in possession.
For very young players, explaining these roles in simple terms—such as “defenders are like goal protectors” or “forwards are our goal scorers”—can make the learning process more accessible and fun.
The Value of Multi-Position Experience
Allowing players to experience different positions at a young age can provide them with valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities of each role. For example, a player who has played as a defender and then moves to midfield will have a better appreciation for the positioning needed to cover the pitch defensively.
Here are a few reasons to encourage flexibility in positions:
Increases Tactical Awareness: When players understand the roles of different positions, they become more adept at reading the game and making quick decisions.
Builds Versatile Players: Players who can adapt to different positions bring depth to a team and are more likely to continue developing in their football journey.
Encourages Team Empathy: By experiencing various roles, players gain an appreciation for the challenges of each position, fostering respect and teamwork.
Practical Tips for Teaching Positional Play
Use Simple, Visual Diagrams: Young players benefit from visual aids that show them where each position is located on the pitch. Use cones to create zones on the field or a tactics board to show them where they should be positioned during different phases of play.
Introduce the Basics of Formation: Explain basic formations in simple terms. For instance, in a 5-a-side game, talk about “two at the back, one in the middle, and two up front.” Reinforce that formations help the team stay organised.
Practice “Rotation” in Small-Sided Games: Set up small-sided games (3v3, 4v4) and allow players to switch positions each time a goal is scored or after a few minutes. This gives everyone a chance to experience different roles in a low-pressure environment.
Encourage Communication: Help players understand that their role isn’t just about where they are but also about communicating with their teammates. Simple cues like “mark up” or “back to goal” help reinforce team dynamics and responsibilities.
Introduce Shape Maintenance Through Fun Drills: Use small-sided games to encourage players to stay within their zones or areas, teaching them to move together as a team. For example, you can set up a drill where players work on keeping their defensive shape by forming a “wall” of defenders when facing an attack.
Fun Drills to Reinforce Positional Play
Positional Relay:
Setup: Divide players into three groups: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Place cones in different zones on the pitch.
Objective: Players take turns moving from their starting cone to another zone, passing to a teammate as they go. This drill helps players understand the areas they should be covering in relation to others.
Rotating Positions Game:
Setup: Play a small-sided game with three zones marked on the pitch (defensive, midfield, and attacking).
Objective: Every few minutes, stop the game and have players switch zones (e.g., defenders become attackers, attackers become midfielders). This keeps the game fresh and gives players a taste of each role.
Mini Formations Practice:
Setup: In a 5v5 or 7v7 game, give each team a mini-formation (e.g., 1-2-1 or 2-2-1) to follow.
Objective: Players must stick to their assigned position, but they’re encouraged to work together to maintain the shape while moving the ball. This encourages understanding of how to occupy space effectively.
Avoiding Early Specialisation: Developing Dynamic Players
One of the biggest mistakes in youth football is assigning players to a single position too early. While some young players naturally gravitate towards certain roles, it’s crucial to avoid locking them into one specific position at a young age. Instead, allow them to try different roles over time. Not only does this prevent burnout, but it also develops well-rounded, dynamic players who are comfortable in multiple areas of the pitch.
As grassroots coaches, we have a unique opportunity to develop players’ adaptability and understanding of the game by fostering versatile skill sets. Over time, this approach also creates a more fluid team with players who can step into various roles as needed, giving you depth in every position.
The Benefits of Teaching Positional Play
By focusing on positional play, you’re setting your players up for long-term growth and success. Here’s what you can expect from introducing positional concepts at a young age:
Improved Teamwork: Players understand their roles and how they support one another on the field.
Enhanced Spatial Awareness: Positional play teaches players to think beyond their own space, helping them understand how to create and defend space collectively.
A Foundation for Tactical Knowledge: Even simple formations and roles introduce players to the basics of strategy, setting them up for more advanced play down the road.
Conclusion: Starting Young, Building Smart
For young players, learning positional play is like putting together the building blocks of a successful football career. As they grow, these concepts will evolve, but starting with the basics of where to be, what to do, and how to support teammates will create a more cohesive, adaptable team.
Encourage your players to try different roles, foster an appreciation for every position, and most importantly, make the learning process fun and engaging. If you’re ready to take your coaching to the next level, consider joining us with an individual subscription at just £4.99 per month. Our members gain access to comprehensive guides on positional play, team tactics, useable easy to follow drills and more, to support you every step of the way.
