We have a few lads in our team that havent been at a team before and arent quite sure of there best position.

How would i go about finding out there best position without starting them in a match, as obviously it might use subs up to change back around.

Do role play in training and check out different aspects of their game. Try shooting, passing, tackling, positioning etc. Play defenders against attackers in front of a single goal and try them on each side to see to which they are suited. Also watch their fitness, pace etc with drills because obviously you won't want someone who can hardly run in the centre of your midfield. There are loads of things to focus on but you will see in time where they are best suited. Have a few training games which will help you further.

Ive started a few junior and adult teams before and had this problem, i always tend to put the players who can run and run in midfield - get them up and down the pitch chasing the ball, your team will never be short of energy then. The lads who might be a bit slower but can do the basics such as pass a ball i would put at the back, that way if your keeper plays the ball short you know your defenders can also play it out without resulting to the long ball. Your most skillful players i would play up front, allow them to use their skills and take people on - they will only get better as a result.

Obviously in some teams you will always have players who are a little slow and who dont have the basic skills yet (especially in junior football) the temptation is to always put them at the back but why dont you play them as the furthest man forward, they might never get beyond the last defender but upfront they will at least learn how to control the ball and hold it up better and it may allow your more skillfull attackers chance to get some space and learn how to work off a front man.

Do sum 6v6 drills to start have a goalkeeper,2 defenders,1 midfield,2 attackers.You can generally see them start drifting into different positions.For midfield you need someone who is prepared to run a lot and a good tackler and passer.Forwards should be quick over 20 yards and have an eye for goal.Arnt the best tacklers but are good with there feet.Defenders should be solid with there 1st touch and watch how they position themselves and attack the ball and also watch there tackling ability.You dont want a clumsey player in defence

i disagree with shauny, not that i dont see his point, but just because someone is the most skillful doesn't mean you should put them up front. For example, if you only have one quick striker, sticking someone skillful up front with him might not be as effective as employing target man for them to play off. If you have a new lad who is physically built, but isn't very talented, he could fill this role because it is easy to teach anyone to cover and hold up the ball, and time simple passes.

Good points there, but my arguement for putting the more skillful players is simple, if you have a young player who is confident enough to try tricks and turns and take people on then allow him do to it in the safest place possile which is furthest away from your own goal. Confidence is one of the hardest things to have in football and so the last thing you need especially as a young player is to have this taken away from you from trying a turn in a dangerous position and losing the ball and it leading to the opposition scoring.

if a player already has that confidence to try something "special" let him get on with it, skillful players who can beat men and take people on with a turn or trick or something that isnt found often with in this country at any age or level

Run a 1-on-1 to goal exercise. Give each player a number of chances at both attack and defence. Watch each 'duel', and make notes.

Good attackers will be able to get away shots on target more often than not. Good defenders will be able to stop the attacker from getting a shot away more often than not. Some players may be good at one, but not the other. Some may have performed well at both, whilst others may have performed poorly at both.

Based on your observations decide where each player should play.

The following week play three games. Start with each player playing out of position. Move them to a different position for the next game. Finish off with them playing the position you believe they'd be best at.

Watch your players taking note of how comfortable, confident and competent they are at each position they play.

After seeing your players attack and defend 1-on-1, and play in different positions in a larger game, you'll have a much better idea of their strengths and weaknesses.

Each players should play in their best position according to their attributes. Those less experienced players that don't have any obvious best position I usually play in defence because defensive skills are generally easier to learn than attacking skills.