How to play position 7 in football?

Playing as a number 7 in football means taking on the dynamic role of a winger, a pivotal attacking player positioned primarily along the left or right touch lines of the field. This position is crucial for providing width, creating offensive opportunities, and driving the team's attack forward.

Understanding the Winger's Role (Position 7)

The primary objective for a player in position 7 is to be a constant threat on the flanks, contributing significantly to both goal-scoring and goal-creating efforts. Wingers are strategically positioned on the touch lines to naturally **create space** on the field, stretching the opposition's defense and opening up channels for teammates. Their main goals include:

• Spacing the Defense: By staying wide, wingers force opposition defenders to spread out, creating more room in central areas for midfielders and strikers.
• Creating Scoring Opportunities: Delivering accurate crosses into the penalty box, executing precise through balls, and making incisive runs are key ways wingers set up goals for others.
• Pushing the Ball Up the Field: Wingers are often the primary outlets for transitioning from defense to attack, carrying the ball rapidly into dangerous areas through dribbling or quick passing.
• Scoring Goals: Modern wingers are not just providers; they are increasingly expected to cut inside and take shots themselves, contributing directly to the team's goal tally.

Essential Skills for a Position 7 Player

To excel as a winger, a player needs a diverse skillset that combines technical prowess with physical attributes and tactical intelligence.

Key Attributes and Skills:

1. **Pace and Agility:** The ability to sprint past defenders, change direction quickly, and maintain speed with the ball is fundamental.
2. **Dribbling:** Exceptional close control and dribbling skills are necessary to beat opponents one-on-one and advance the ball up the field.
3. **Crossing:** Delivering accurate crosses from wide positions into the penalty area for strikers to attack is a critical skill. This includes various types of crosses like whipped, lofted, and drilled.
4. **Shooting:** The capacity to score goals, whether by cutting inside and taking a shot or striking from distance, adds another dimension to the attack.
5. **Vision and Passing:** Understanding when to pass, where to pass, and delivering accurate short and long passes to link up with teammates.
6. **Work Rate and Stamina:** Wingers often have to track back to help their full-backs defensively, requiring high endurance throughout the match.
7. **Tactical Awareness:** Understanding when to stay wide, when to cut inside, when to drop deep, and how to combine with full-backs and central midfielders.

Tactical Responsibilities and Examples

The role of a winger can vary slightly depending on the team's formation and the coach's philosophy.

Offensive Duties:

• **Provide Width:** Always try to stay wide when the team is in possession to stretch the opponent's defense.
• **One-on-One Duels:** Be confident and skilled in taking on and beating defenders.
• **Crossing Opportunities:** Look for early crosses or dribble deeper before delivering a cross.
• **Inverted Runs:** For 'inverted wingers' (e.g., a right-footed player on the left wing), cutting inside to shoot or play through balls is common.
• **Link-Up Play:** Combine with full-backs on overlapping runs, and with central midfielders and strikers for intricate passing moves.
• **Attacking the Box:** Make runs into the penalty area, especially at the far post, when the ball is on the opposite flank.

Defensive Contributions:

While primarily attackers, modern wingers also have crucial defensive responsibilities:

• **Tracking Back:** Support the full-back by tracking back and helping to defend against opposing wingers or full-backs.
• **Pressing:** Participate in the team's high press, closing down defenders or midfielders to win the ball back.
• **Channeling Opponents:** Force opponents down the line or into central areas as per team instructions.

For a deeper dive into modern football formations and the winger's role, exploring resources like UEFA Training Ground can be beneficial.

Training and Development Tips

To improve as a position 7 player, consistent practice and targeted drills are essential.

Recommended Drills:

1. **Dribbling Drills:** Cone dribbling, one-on-one drills against defenders, and dribbling at speed.
2. **Crossing Drills:** Practice hitting targets in the box from various angles and distances, using both feet.
3. **Shooting Drills:** Practice shooting after cutting inside, long-range shots, and finishing from tight angles.
4. **Fitness Training:** Focus on interval training to improve explosive speed and stamina.
5. **Tactical Drills:** Small-sided games that emphasize wide play, overlapping runs, and defensive tracking.
6. **Agility Drills:** Ladder drills, shuttle runs, and quick changes of direction with the ball.

A good winger isn't just fast; they are smart, understand the flow of the game, and can make decisive contributions in both attack and defense. Mastering position 7 requires dedication to skill development and a deep understanding of team tactics.