In this section we will look at ways in which a coach can specifically improve a players ability to play in their chosen position. Different positions require different skills. In the coming months we will break down these skills and provide lots of animated and chalkboard drills that will enable you as the coach to improve your players specific positional skills and techniques.

In the first instance we examine the role of the striker. Use the links below to access the areas that have been written.

Progressions will include:

Striker:

• Link up play
• Strikers runs for forward passes
• Split runs for forwards
• Cross over runs for forward passes
• Close range finishing techniques
• Attacking far post crosses
• Attacking near post crosses
• Attacking near and far post crosses
• Distribution
• Dribbling for strikers
• Dribbling to shoot 2 v 2
• Turning on the edge of the box
• Dropping into the hole to turn and commit defenders
• Combination play

Wide midfield:

• The role of the wide midfield player
• Attacking wide play
• Develop dribbling in wide areas
• Running with the ball when wide
• Wide player defending space
• Wide players working with their fullbacks

Goalkeeper:

• Basic positioning and handling techniques
• Positioning in general play
• Dealing with back passes
• Crosses

Full-back and wing-back:

• Defending 1 v 1
• Preventing turning
• Marking and covering
• The role in a defensive unit
• Distribution
• Developing wide play
• Linking with attacking wide players
• When to play to feet and when to play to space

Central defender:

• Defending 1 v 1
• Preventing turning
• Marking and covering
• Squeezing and dropping
• The role in a defensive unit
• Heading
• Defending crosses
• Recovery runs
• Distribution and passing
• Stepping into midfield

Central midfield:

• Defending - closing down tracking runners, recovery runs, shielding the defence
• Creating space
• Supporting forwards
• Breaking into the box and forward runs
• Distribution
• Support angles and distance
• Switching play
• Running with the ball
• Dribbling

For a more comprehensive description of skills required for different positions read more...