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Football positions, explained one by one

Tap any of the eleven positions on the pitch to see what that player is actually asked to do. The diagram uses a 4-3-3 as the reference shape, but the jobs are the same whichever way a team lines up.

Tap any position. Drawn as a 4-3-3 — the labels describe jobs, not a fixed shape.

ST

Striker

Scores, holds the ball up, occupies the centre-backs.

The focal point of the attack. A striker can be a finisher, a link player, or a presser — the same position covers very different jobs.

All eleven

Frequently asked questions

How many players are on a football pitch?
Eleven per team, including the goalkeeper. A squad is usually between 20 and 25 players, because substitutions and injuries mean the eleven changes from week to week.
What is the difference between a full-back and a wing-back?
A full-back plays in a back four. A wing-back plays in a back three or five, usually with more licence to attack the whole flank and more ground to cover defensively. The job is similar; the amount of support behind them is not.
What does a holding midfielder do?
They sit in front of the defence to intercept passes and protect the space between the lines. They are usually the player who starts the build-up, because they have the most time on the ball.
What is the difference between a striker and a false nine?
A striker occupies the centre-backs and plays on the last line. A false nine starts as the central forward but drops into midfield, which drags a centre-back out of position. The position on the team sheet is the same; the movement is not.
Can a player play more than one position?
Yes, and most do. A winger can play on either side, a full-back can move into midfield, and a centre-back can step forward. Positions describe where a player starts, not the limit of what they do.

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