Team Play
Athlete Readiness
Players who can kick a stationary ball at least 5 yards; pursue a moving ball, perhaps with some verbal prompting; react safely to a ball coming at them in the air; and distinguish, most of the time, a teammate from an opponent, can successfully play at least 5-a-side football.
Players who possess good basic skills and an understanding of the basic rules of the game and are also good athletes, with some speed and endurance, may be appropriate for the more demanding 11-a-side football. Higher ability players may also be appropriate for 11-a-side Unified Sports football.
Teaching Team Formations & Selecting Positions for Each Player
5-a-Side Football
Goalkeeper
This is a critical position and requires an athlete with good vision and awareness, some patience and an ability to concentrate. This must be a confident player who is able to bounce back after letting in a goal.
- Protects the goal.
- Uses two hands as much as possible.
- Stays close to the goal.
- Throws the ball out quickly to the wings, on gaining possession.
Defender
The athlete at this position can be a less mobile player with a strong kick.
- Stops the opponents from shooting.
- Chases and tackles.
- Passes the ball up to attackers.
- Follows the play up the halfway line.
Wings
This position requires athletes with good stamina and endurance.
- Helps attack and defend.
- Gets open by going wide.
- Stays on their side of the field most of the game, particularly when their goalkeeper has the ball.
Striker
This position requires an athlete with a strong kick. However, they do not have to have great endurance.
- Goes for goal!
- Scores!
- Stays on the opponent's side of the field most of the game.
11-a-Side Football
Goalkeeper (GK)
- Protects the goal.
- Uses two hands.
- Stays close to the goal.
- Quickly throws or punts ball to wings.
Sweeper (SW)
- Last line of defense.
- Backs up other defenders.
- Plays the ball quickly up field.
Stopper (ST)
- Key central defender.
- Marks the opposing center forward.
- Moves up to the halfway line when teammates possess the ball.
Defenders (Right Back – RB / Left Back – LB)
- Marks opposing forwards.
- Stops the opponents from shooting.
- Chases and tackles.
- Passes the ball up to attackers.
- Follows the play up to the halfway line.
Midfielders (RMF, CMF, LMF)
- Links between defense and attack.
- Helps attack and defend. Players must have plenty of stamina to play this position.
- Gets open to receive passes from the defenders.
- Looks to make passes to their forwards, then runs up to support them.
- Midfielders can score goals too.
Wings (RW, LW)
- Stays wide.
- Gets open for passes.
- Takes the ball down the wing and crosses it. Passes the ball into the penalty area for teammates to receive and score, or takes it to the goal and shoots.
- Chases back to about the halfway line.
Center Forward/Striker (CF)
- Goes for goal
- Scores!
- Stays up in opponent's half of field.
