Soccer position wheel
Sixteen positions from goalkeeper to striker, each explained below. Youth coaches use it to rotate players so every child learns the whole field, not just one spot.
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One entry per line. Add *3 after a name to give it three times the chance.
Winners show up here, newest first.
Colors
Ready-made list. Edit it to make it yours: changes stay on this device, and Reset brings the original back.Open in the main spinner →
What each position does
| Position | Main job |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Stops shots, organizes the defense, the only player allowed to handle the ball (inside the penalty area). |
| Center-back | Defends the middle in front of goal, wins the ball and starts attacks with simple passes. |
| Right-back / Left-back | Defends the wide areas and supports attacks down the sideline. |
| Wing-backs | Cover the whole touchline in a back three, attacking and defending. |
| Sweeper | Plays behind the other defenders and cleans up balls that get through. Rare in the modern game. |
| Defensive midfielder | Shields the defense, breaks up attacks and keeps passing simple. |
| Central midfielder | Links defense and attack, covers the most ground. |
| Attacking midfielder | Plays behind the forwards and creates chances. |
| Right / left midfielder | Holds the width in a flat midfield line and tracks back. |
| Wingers | Attack down the sides with pace and dribbling, cross or cut inside. |
| Striker | The main goal scorer, plays highest up the field. |
| False nine | A striker who drops into midfield to pull defenders out of position. |
Rotating positions in youth soccer
- Trim the wheel to your format. For 7v7 in a 2-3-1 shape, keep Goalkeeper, Right-back, Left-back, Right midfielder, Central midfielder, Left midfielder and Striker. For 9v9 in a 3-2-3, keep Goalkeeper, Right-back, Center-back, Left-back, Defensive midfielder, Attacking midfielder, Right winger, Striker and Left winger.
- Before each half, spin for each player with Remove the winner after each spin on, then Reset for the next half.
- Treat goalkeeper as a volunteer slot: if a child lands on it and does not want to go in goal, let them swap. Rotate the goalkeeper at least every half while players are learning.
- Keep a quick note of who played where. Over a season, every player should have tried defense, midfield and attack.
Other ways to use it
- Position challenge at training: spin a position, then the player names one job that role does in defense and one in attack before the drill starts. It builds game understanding for ages 9 and up.
- Watching a match: each person spins a position and follows only that player for ten minutes, then describes what they did off the ball.
- PE lessons: for students new to soccer, spin positions for a 5v5 game so the same confident players do not always take the striker spot.
Questions and answers
At what age should players stick to one position?
Many youth coaches rotate positions until around 12 to 14, so players develop all-round skills before they specialize. Older players still benefit from trying a new role in training.
What should I do in practice after the spin?
Pick drills that suit the position: passing and first touch for midfielders, 1v1 defending for full-backs, finishing for strikers. The soccer drill wheel has 22 to choose from.
Can I split the players into teams first?
Yes. Use the team generator to make balanced sides, then spin positions within each team.