11v11 Soccer Position Numbers

Link to Video on the Center Attacking Midfield Position: [ Ссылка ]

Link to Soccer Positions Book: [ Ссылка ]

Players are often referenced by their 11v11 Soccer Position Numbers. The standard system for numbers in soccer positions began in the 1920s by Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman. He felt numbering each player will help teach those who are still learning about soccer by creating an organized system in which to reference soccer positions by numbers. He numbered players in ascending order, beginning with the goalkeeper and then moving forward from right to left and up the pitch. The most popular formation during that time period was the 2-3-5 formation where there were 2 defenders, 3 midfielders, and 5 forwards. This resulted in the two defensive players wearing 2 and 3. The three midfielders got 4, 5 and 6. The five forwards wore 7 to 11. This explains why the numbering does not make as much sense with today’s basic formation of the 4-4-2 for an 11v11 soccer lineup.

Keep in mind, that bench players have different numbers than the coaches preferred starters on the field. Also, some teams don’t adhere to this traditional numbering system to attempt to gain an advantage over teams that use it. The thought being that the other team will not know what player is supposed to be playing each role.

Using a 4-3-3 formation, the Number 1 is reserved for the goalkeeper, who can use their hands to touch the ball inside the 18-yard box. Goalkeepers are required to have different colored jerseys than field players to avoid confusion by the ref on who the person in the net is.

Numbers 2 & 3 are the fullbacks, also referred to as outside backs. Oftentimes, these players may even be considered wingbacks because of their offensive responsibilities of moving the ball up the field.

Numbers 4 & 5 are the center backs. However, notice in the image that the number 4 is represented by the sweeper position and the number 5 is more of a center defender or a stopper.

Number 6 is a center defensive midfielder as referred to as a CDM. Many coaches consider this player almost as part of the defenders because their focus is to make it harder for the other team to dribble the ball through the middle of the field.

Number 8 is a center midfielder. These are often referred to as box-to-box midfielders as they need to be able to score in the other team’s box and defend in their own box.

Number 10 is a center attacking midfielder also referred to as a CAM. These are usually the team’s playmakers who get a lot of assists by setting up the forwards to score.

Numbers 7 & 11 are either wingers when in a 4-3-3 formation or are outside midfielders in a 4-4-2 formation. These players work in the flanks and often have the most running of any player on the field.

The number 9 is for the center forward or a striker. Forwards are often responsible for five main jobs: (1) receiving clearances, (2) holding the ball, (3) making passes to strikers and wingers, (4) poaching goals from headers, and (5) contributing powerful long-range strikes.

To learn even more, grab the book I’ve written on Soccer Positions, using the link above.

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