Positions cheat sheet
A one-page printable soccer positions cheat sheet listing all eleven traditional shirt numbers, position names, short codes, and a quick reminder of what each role does on the field.
| # | Position | Short |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goalkeeper | GK |
| 2 | Right Back | RB |
| 3 | Left Back | LB |
| 4 | Center Back | CB |
| 5 | Center Back / Sweeper | CB |
| 6 | Defensive Midfielder | CDM |
| 7 | Right Winger | RW |
| 8 | Central Midfielder | CM |
| 9 | Striker | ST |
| 10 | Attacking Midfielder | CAM |
| 11 | Left Winger | LW |
Quick job description
- 1 GK: Stop shots, organize the defense, distribute.
- 2/3 Fullback: Defend the flank, overlap into attack.
- 4/5 Center back: Mark strikers, win headers, start build-up.
- 6 Defensive mid: Screen the back four, dictate tempo.
- 7 Right winger: 1v1 dribble, cross, cut inside.
- 8 Central mid: Box-to-box, arrive late in the box.
- 9 Striker: Finish chances, press the first defender.
- 10 Attacking mid: Create chances between the lines.
- 11 Left winger: 1v1 dribble, cross, cut inside.
Frequently asked questions
What are the soccer position numbers?+
Positions are numbered 1-11: 1 GK, 2 right back, 3 left back, 4 and 5 center backs, 6 defensive mid, 7 right winger, 8 central mid, 9 striker, 10 attacking mid, 11 left winger.
Why is the striker number 9?+
The numbering originates from traditional 2-3-5 formations where positions were assigned right-to-left across each line. The center forward was the ninth player named, so #9 stuck as the striker's number.