The Principles of Player Role in Soccer

The basic principle of soccer deal with the contrast between Attack and Defense.

THE ATTACKERS : Attacks begins the instant a team gains possession of the ball, sometimes sooner. The responsibilities of the attacking team involve in three major roles, we call it First, Second and the Third attacker.

FIRST ATTACKER(A1) : is the player in possession of the ball or about to receive the ball, regardless of his position on the field. A1' main responsibility is PENETRATION; to get in behind the defenders. If within scoring range, the first objective is to score a goal.Otherwise he will try to move the ball forward with dribbling or a penetrating pass. A1 attempts to get the ball to the most dangerous location possible. The mental responsibility of A1 may be the easiest, but penetration is the single most difficult skill in soccer, requiring excellent technique. Imaginative, Skillful dribbling and shielding, accompanied by deft passing, are difficult and important.

SECOND ATTACKER(A2) : the A1 become much more dangerous when A2 creates quality SUPPORT, thus giving the attack the depth and width it needs to be effective. it gives A1 more option. A2 can generate penetration by receiving pass( becoming A1), or by drawing defender away. A2's main responsibility is to ensure possession, by always being ready to receive from A1's pass, A2 may gain an advantage by offering quality support in front of A1. However be ready to become first defender if the ball is lost.

THIRD ATTACKER(A3) : there may be several A3, whose job is to create MOBILITY by disturbing the defense through positioning and running diagonally or across the field. This movements designed to get behind and spread the defense. A3 draws defense's attention and disturbs its balance. This creates opening or passing lanes for the A1. A3 make many runs which do not reward them with a pass, yet they help attack immensely by creating space and confusing the defense. The role of the A3 is the most complex of the attacking roles.  

THE DEFENDERS : A sophisticated offense requires a worthy defense if it is to develop further. Therefore, once players have developed confidence in individual and small group usage of the ball, then and only then we do begin teaching defensive roles. there are three roles of defense, which begins the moment possession of the ball is lost.

FIRST DEFENDER(D1) : is the player who marks the first attacker. The major responsibility of the D1 is to delay the attack and put pressure on the ball. note that the D1 priority is not to immediately attempt to win ball through aggressive play or tackling. the essence is to stop penetration, whether by pass, dribble or shot. D1 protect the goal by staying goal-side of A1. He must be patient; once there is a cover (a D2 to assist him), he may attempt to win the ball. D1 is successful when he prevents penetration in any form; that is:

1. He delay A1 until defensive cover arrives(D2)
2. He wins the ball
3. He prevents A1 from turning towards goal or looking up
4. He forces A1 to make a poor pass
5. He forces A1 to make a square or backward pass
6. He forces A1 to dribble across the field or backwards. 

Alternately D1 is unsuccessful when he allows A1 to penetrate in any way (dribble forward, pass forward or shoot). Where D1 is defending against two attackers, he is successful when the defense recovers to a two-versus-two, or better.

SECOND DEFENDER(D2) : is usually the next closest to the ball after D1. The role of D2 is to offer cover for D1. The first job is to assist D1 by positioning himself behind D1 and communicating with him (such as telling him when to tackle). This provides depth for the defense and forces A1 to deal with two defenders. D2's second role is to mark A2, but he cannot mark him closely as to deny cover for D1. In fact, he may invite pass from A1 to A2, but if this is a square or backward pass, D2 is successfully doing his job. D2 must play a man, a space and the ball simultaneously, as well as use the offside law to his advantage. All this requires vision. D2 is successful when he provides good cover for D1. If A1 beats D1 or passes to A2, D2 must be ready to become the D1.

THIRD DEFENDER(D3) : as in the attacking roles, there may be several D3 , who add CONCENTRATION and BALANCE to the defense. They accomplish this by staying goal-side of the player they mark, restricting, space, providing tight marking in the vital area and communicating. While all defenders must work hard when the ball is moving, this is especially true for the D3, because they are generally further from their men/ball. D3 may mark an attacker, cover space, or both.

Note a more detailed example of all three offensive and defensive roles as shown here.

A1 will try to penetrate. Note A2 has excellent opportunity to receive (Support). A3 is allowing for a long pass (Mobility), but definitely keeping D3 from A1.