As we all know, the footballing world constantly evolves, and with that comes the introduction of new tactics and the modernization & bringing back of old philosophies.

According to Rhys Desmond, the variety of combinations that can exist are simply far greater. Formations can change by the wind, positions are multitudinous, and even roles within the same positions differ drastically. It’s one of the essential ways in which we evaluate performance – by assessing what actually matters to a player in their role.

With that said, here are some few tips from various coaches, both professional and amateur, on how to, in basic terms, satisfy your role when playing a said position for the team.

GK:

– Always be on your toes.
– Be explosive.
– Don’t throw hands at a fast approaching ball, accept it and slow down its trajectory. – Work on your distribution, that might be what sets your team up for attack at times.

CB:

– First principle of defending is to delay.
– Always keep your opponent on their weaker side.
– Don’t be afraid to use your arm to push your way in between the attacker and the ball.
– Always stand in a position that allows you to see a pass to you and a fast approaching opponent.
– In a 2v1 situation, try to hold off diving into a tackle long enough to make the opposition attacker make a choice. (always be diagonal to the player who has the ball)

Wing back:

– Do not blindly overlap, always be on the lookout for opposition players trying to make runs behind you.
– Cover for Centre backs when they’re out of position.
– If you have the space down the line, don’t be afraid to move up the line and get in great crossing positions.

CDM:

– Move around the oppositions high and mid block to make it easy for your defenders to pass you the ball. CDM often start the progressive play of their teams.
– Be aware of the gaps in between the oppositions press.
– Work on your stamina. Your team relies on you defensively and progressively.
– Work on your passing range.

CM:

– Always be aware of opposition defenders trying to close you in.
– Open up your body to create more passing options for yourself.
– Movement is important, make the pitch big by regularly switching play and position.
– Always be ready to receive the ball.
– Try to keep your passes simple. How you strike a ball determines how your teammate receives it.

AM:

– Don’t run towards the defender, pick a side on the pitch and guide him there to create an uneven chance of beating him by outpacing him or dribbling your way out.
– Never turn your back on a defender when trying to dribble past them. If you can’t beat him first time, take a step back and pass or go again.
– Always be aware of opposition defenders trying to close you in.

Winger:

– Eyes on your man at all times.
– Wait for him to dive into a tackle, then use that opportunity to explode past him.
– Learn the difference between effective skills and circus skills (basically skills that are just for entertainment and do not help you beat your man).
– Work on your pace.
– Work on your crossing game.

ST:

– Work on your finishing. There are many ways to finish off an attacking move, know which one is suitable for every situation.
– When taking a penalty, quickly look at which foot the goalkeeper plants first. If it’s left, shoot right. (A goalkeeper always takes two steps before they dive, if he steps with his left foot first, his second step, which is with his right leg, is gonna propel him towards the left.)
– Watch which feet is dominant to the GK and shoot the other way. (It’s often hard for a GK to push off their weak feet and spring into a save)