What does a winger actually do?
The position most kids want and most parents misunderstand. Dribbling gets attention. Decisions get signed. Here is the winger's job at each age and what scouts write down.
The same position, three different jobs.
Wide players are encouraged to dribble. The job is to take the defender on and get a shot or cross. Coaches want bravery on the ball.
Still a dribbler, but now with a choice: go outside and cross, or come inside and shoot. Coaches start to ask for tracking back.
Wingers are inverted or traditional. Inverted means cutting inside onto the stronger foot. Both are expected to press the full-back and to run in behind without the ball. Scouts watch the decision at the end of the dribble.
Five things that get a winger noticed.
- 01End product
The dribble finishes with a cross, a shot or a pass. Beating a player and losing the ball counts against.
- 02Runs in behind
Makes the run before the pass is played, and makes it again when it is not played.
- 03One-v-one both ways
Can beat a defender, and can stop a full-back getting past. The second one gets kids picked.
- 04Receiving on the half-turn
Takes the ball already facing the defender, not with back to play.
- 05Pressing the full-back
Closes down on the trigger, not when told to.
Three habits to fix before a scout sees them.
Takes on three players when a pass was on. Coaches read it as not seeing the picture.
Should be moving inside to become a target.
The full-back behind is left two-v-one. Every coach notices.
Your child is the left winger. They have beaten the full-back near the byline. Cross, cut back, or drive inside?
Real time, tap the decision before the clock runs out. A coach explains the principle after. Five minutes, no login.
Play now →