Position of the Month - Striker
Goals win games and it is the striker’s job to score goals, hence their role in a team is vital. Centre forwards can be asked to fulfil varying roles within a team: as a target player (who will be required to play more with their back to goal) or a link player (who might be expected to drop deeper for the ball and also make runs at the defense), for example. Here we concentrate on the simple characteristics and requirements of the ideal, out and out, goalscorer.
When their team does not have possession:
They must track passes and pressurize defenders to try and force errors and make play predictable. Plus, if a defender makes an attacking run they may need to pick up that player, so that the opposition do not have spare bodies in an attack. Remaining alert is also key, the speed of a transition from defense to offense and the difference between a goal and a wasted opportunity can depend on the reaction of a striker.
When their team does have possession:
They need to find space to receive a pass, to turn, to run at the defense and to maybe have a shot on goal. If they are marked they must be aware of how to lose their marker or make space for an opening for a team mate by moving intelligently to take away a defender and create space. Diagonal runs, checking runs (change in direction) and curved runs are all part of a striker’s movement. They must try to retain possession and remain ONSIDE.
Character
Brave: Strikers might need to ‘go in where it hurts’ with any part of their body to score goals. Defenders and ‘keepers will do everything to try to prevent a goal. A striker must do everything they can to score a goal.
Resilient: If they miss a chance, they cannot let it affect them, they must lift their head and try again. In some games chances will come and in others they might not but the work rate is needed none the less.
Positive: They must believe in their ability and sometimes take risks and gamble on other players making mistakes to score goals.
Selfish: They need to be single minded with the killer instinct to punish mistakes by defenders and sometimes go for goal when a team mate may be demanding a pass.
Physical Attributes
Height: To win headers from high balls forward or crosses.
Speed: To get past or in front of defenders.
Strength: To win the ball, shield the ball and not be pushed away from an opportunity to score.
Power: Not just in shooting and heading but in springing/leaping for the ball. To win the ball and at the same time get direction and downward pace on a header requires extra power.
Balance: To have accuracy in shooting, players need good balance, especially when under pressure from defenders.
Quick Reactions: A chance can come at any time and might only require the faintest of touches with any part of the body available.
Stamina: To produce consistent bursts of speed, often without the ball, throughout a 90 minute game.
Techniques
Ability to strike a ball: It goes without saying that if you can shoot with power and accuracy with both feet then you are on your way to being the ideal striker.
Heading: Again, if you can win and direct headers goalwards or to a team mate and with necessary power AND accuracy then AWESOME!
Control/one touch passing: Despite the close attentions of defenders, can you control the ball, shield it and lay it off or bring in a fellow forward to score a goal with just one touch?
Skill: If you can do the unexpected or wrong foot a defender just for a second then you will have created an opportunity to score.
Players to Watch:
For an example of the ultimate in power and bravery look no further than Abby Wambach (USA), for great finishing it’s Christine Sinclair (Canada), for sheer pace and skill it’s Marta (Brazil).
Area of the Field Covered:
Although the main priority is working centrally and as close to the opposition’s goal as possible (red), the striker will have to work in most areas of her team’s middle and attacking third to help defend or find space.