Peter,

Here is some information on fullbacks, stoppers and sweepers. This is
from Gary Rue's Series of Articles on Style of Play located at
http://www.decatursports.com/exercises_of_the_day_by_gary_rue.htm
The portion below is actually from segment 4, although all of this series is
worthwhile reading about positions and what types of skills players need for
each position and how a coach should decide on what style of play his team
should play.
I differ slightly in my opinion (from your other replies) that a
stopper, while mainly a defensive position, should also have free rein to go
forward with the ball when he wins the ball in the middle third of the
field. I consider stopper to be more of a center defensive (holding)
midfielder who plays in front of the sweeper and who often marks the ball
rather than the player as it enters your defensive third - being first to
the ball. He delays the attack until his defense can recover behind him.
But I allow him to make quick counter attacks if he wins the ball and that
includes both passing and dribbling into the attacking third.

Fullbacks
Backs should be strong and have a passive aggressive nature. Though this
sounds oxymoronic, a back needs to be very controlled at times and then very
strong and aggressive in the man-to-man, 50-50 ball battles. Because of the
self-checking nature of the other team's attackers, a coach can sometimes
get away with using players that have little speed and quickness. In other
cases, at higher playing levels, it is very necessary that a fullback have
good quickness, average short distance speed and decent kicking skills.
Players that are below average in speed can make up for this with good game
knowledge and positioning. Exceptional dribbling skills are not a major
requirement in this position. Fullbacks do need to be good communicators,
constantly directing and offering information to teammates.

Sweeper
This position is similar to the fullback characteristics, however, there are
certain differences. This player needs above average short distance and long
distance speed, good kicking technique, a very good understanding of the
team shape, and good communication skills. He needs to be able direct the
players in front of him and run down through balls and breakaway attackers.
Since he is support to the players in front of him, he must be able to pick
up dribblers as they get past their marks or track down unmarked attackers
as they make off-ball runs on goal. Often the sweeper is the first or second
best athlete on the team and one of the fastest. This player must be a
thinker with decent reaction time.

Stopper
This position requires a combination of sweeper, fullback and center half
characteristics. The stopper often has some free rein, must be able to
distribute the ball, win balls in traffic and get back to pick up unmarked
attackers. At times, the stopper needs to recover into the sweeper
position (deep center) if the sweeper is pulled out.


Ken Gamble
http://www.decatursports.com



----- Original Message -----
From: "Forsyth, Peter" <pforsyth@...>
I have a daughter playing competitive U13. Her coach is using her in a
number of positions and being a guy raised playing hockey, I have a good
understanding on how the positions in hockey work. Soccer introduces two
positions that are a bit foreign to me and I am hoping that somebody can
explain what the responsibilities are of the Stopper and the Sweeper. I
understand where they play on the field but I a bit lost on what they are
supposed to do.
Thanks.