The Importance of Playing Out of Position

There’s a saying that “good forwards make god defenders and good defenders make good forwards.” There’s a lot of truth to that.
Any good forward is always trying to figure out how to get the upper-hand on the defense. Over time, forwards have learned plenty of tricks to help them beat defenders. Now imagine that same forward playing defense. He or she, knowing many of the offensive strategies and tricks, will instinctively know how to deal with them.
For example, he or she is unlikely to get caught directly behind a forward where an accidental bump or a dreaded phantom touch will send the forward crashing to the ground, resulting in a free kick, penalty, and possible expulsion.
The same is true of defenders. Deficiencies a defensive player may have are most likely shared by other defenders. In addition, a god defender should know how certain defensive formations can be exploited. Equipped with this knowledge will give a defender playing forward a tremendous advantage over the other team.Who is best equipped to beat an offside trap than a player who has been doing the trap for years?
Players, you should view “playing out of position” as a great opportunity.
First of all, you will surprise yourself at how well you do. Secondly, by playing other positions, you will become a better well-rounded soccer player. Also, you will develop an appreciation for other positions, especially if you play keeper.
At some point in your career, perhaps during a tryout with another team, you are going to be asked to play other positions.
Coaches, how often have you surprised yourself when a player exceeds all expectations at a position you knew he or she could not play? It happens all the time.
As a youth coach, I strongly encourage you to play all your players in all positions. The worst thing that a coach can do to a young player is to pigeon hole them into one position. You need to switch them around in many positions.
Although you are likely to hear complaints or even receive a few phone calls, give it a shot. It will make those players and your team better.