Soccer Winger Guide
The winger is a deadly position, often sprinting down the sideline into open space, crossing the ball, and beating other players 1 vs 1.
A winger plays on the sides of the field (there is a left and right winger). They play defense and can score. They are usually wide but can also cut into the middle.
It takes a special player to play winger. Here are the aspects you’ll need:
Aspects of a Winger
Endurance
The winger is the most physically demanding position on the field. They have to work back and forth often sprinting full speed. It isn’t unusual for a winger to be in the defensive half one moment and the opposition’s goalie box the next.
Therefore, a winger needs very good endurance. Otherwise, you will need to be subbed out regularly to be effective.
Speed
Wingers are constantly beating players down the line and running after through balls. Speed is a necessity for wingers; you cannot be effective without it.
You also need the quickness and agility to quickly pass players.
So wingers need to be quick the first few steps of a sprint and when they run 80+ yards.
Dribbling Ability
The wing isn’t crowded like the middle of the pitch, and therefore, more dribbling can be done. Wingers often have one-on-one encounters with other wingers, and it is necessary for one to be able to beat the other winger, and a defender too.
Read Soccer Dribbling and Soccer Moves.
Crossing Ability
Much of the time, the goal of a winger is to cross the ball.
A winger most cross well while running and while the ball is moving.
Defending Ability
As I mentioned before, wingers often face other wingers. Also, wingers must perform many of the tasks that defenders perform, such as sticking with a man, and defending crosses.
For these reasons, a winger should be an adequate defender.
Winger Tips
Beat Your Man
Using soccer moves and your speed, you should be able to successfully beat your man.
So do it. When you’re in your offensive half, take on your man and beat him.
Master Stop-and-Start Moves
These moves are perfect for getting in a cross or for beating a man on the sidelines. A good winger executes these moves well
Cut Inside
Most defenders expect wingers to continue down the line. A quick cut to the inside often fakes defenders out and really opens up the field.
When you cut inside, a center midfielder of defender has to pick you up, leaving a huge hole in the defense. From here, many options become available:
You could beat the center man (which is usually easy considering he is probably to the side of you). You could execute a quick one-two with your fellow center midfielder. You could even cut in more and take a shot on goal!
Switch Things Up
Wingers are dangerous because they have so many options.
Keep the defenders guessing. Do a one-two with a center-midfielder, play the ball down the line to a forward, switch the ball to the other winger, cut in and take a shot.
If you keep the defenders guessing, you will be dangerous.
Watch for the Defender
Once you beat the opposing winger, watch out for defenders coming to meet you.
Many wingers explode too fast past the other winger, pushing the ball too far and letting a defender easily steal the ball.
So be aware of the defender and beat him too.
