What is a Striker in Soccer? The Complete Guide to the Striker Position in Soccer

March 18, 2023

Soccer is a game that involves many different positions and roles on the field. One of the most important and exciting positions to play and watch is the position of striker. But what is a striker in Soccer and what do they do? A striker in Soccer is a player on a team who plays nearest to the opponent’s goal and whose main responsibility is to score goals for their team. The word striker comes from the action of striking the ball with power and precision to beat the goalkeeper and find the net. Strikers are also called forwards, center forwards, or number 9s, depending on their role and position on the field. Some strikers play alone as the only attacker, while others play in pairs or with two wingers to form different formations. In this article, we have thoroughly explained the question “What is the striker in soccer?”. Read below to find all the details.

What is a Striker in Soccer? The Position and Role

soccer striker

The primary responsibility of a striker in Soccer is to score goals. The striker position in soccer is the closest to the opposing team’s goal. He is expected to take shots on goal, make runs into the box, and finish off passes from teammates. In addition to scoring goals, a striker is also responsible for creating opportunities for other players on their team by making accurate passes, holding up the ball, and drawing defenders away from other attackers. A striker plays in the position closest to the opponent’s goal because they are the player given the responsibility for scoring the most goals for their team. They are usually based in the center of the field but they can also move into wide areas or drop deeper to receive or create passes. The striker position in soccer can be used in a variety of different ways. A striker in soccer can play alone or with other attackers to form different formations. For example, some teams play with a lone striker and two wingers who support them from both sides. Other teams play with two strikers who work together to create and finish chances. Some teams even play with three strikers who interchange positions and make opposite runs.

Key Skills Every Striker Should Possess

  • Hold-up play: This is when a striker receives the ball under pressure from defenders and uses their body strength and balance to shield it and keep possession until their teammates arrive.
  • Dribbling: This is when a striker uses their footwork and agility to move past defenders with speed and skill.
  •  Creating space: This is when a striker uses their movement and intelligence to find gaps in the defense and get into positions where they can receive the ball or shoot at goal.
  • Making runs: This is when a striker uses their speed and timing to run into space behind or between defenders and get on the end of passes from their teammates.
  • Finishing chances: This is when a striker uses their technique and composure to strike the ball with accuracy and power and beat the goalkeeper.
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The Types of Strikers in Soccer

Not all strikers are the same. They can have different styles and functions depending on their attributes and their team’s tactics. Some of the common types of strikers in Soccer are:

  • False 9: This is a soccer striker who plays in a central position but drops deep into midfield to create confusion among defenders and open up space for other attackers. They are usually skillful players who can dribble, pass, and shoot from distance. An example of a false 9 is Lionel Messi.
  • Target man: This is a striker who plays in a central position but stays close to the opponent’s goal. They are usually tall and strong players who can win aerial duels, hold up the ball, and lay it off for other attackers. They are also good at finishing crosses or headers. An example of a target man is Harry Kane.
  • Poacher: This is a striker who plays in a central position but focuses on staying inside or near the penalty area. They are usually quick and alert players who can anticipate rebounds, loose balls, or mistakes from defenders or goalkeepers. They are also good at finishing with one touch or from tight angles. An example of a poacher is Robert Lewandowski.
  • Inside forward: This is a striker who plays in a wide position but cuts inside toward the goal. They are usually skillful and fast players who can dribble past defenders, create chances for themselves or others, or shoot from distance. They are also good at finishing with either foot. An example of an inside forward is Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

Attributes of a Great Striker

To be a great striker, a player must possess a combination of physical, technical, and mental attributes. Here are some of the key attributes that make a great striker:

  • Finishing ability: The ability to put the ball into the back of the net is the most important attribute for a striker. A great striker has excellent technique, accuracy, and composure when shooting at a goal.
  •  Speed and agility: Strikers need to be fast and agile to make runs behind the defense, create space, and get into scoring positions.
  •  Strength and physicality: Strikers need to be strong and able to hold off defenders when receiving the ball with their back to the goal. They also need to be able to compete for aerial balls and win physical battles against defenders.
  • Tactical awareness: A great striker in soccer needs to understand their team’s tactics and be able to make intelligent runs to create space and opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
  • Anticipation and fast reactions: This is when a striker can read the game and predict where the ball will go or where the defenders will move. They are always alert and ready to pounce on any loose balls or rebounds.
  • Composure and confidence:  A composed striker in soccer will stay calm and focused under pressure and in front of the goal. They can also handle criticism and expectations from fans, coaches, or teammates. They have a strong mentality and belief in themselves and their abilities.
  •  Creativity and vision: A talented striker in soccer must be able to see and exploit gaps in the opposing team’s defense, create chances for teammates, and be able to improvise in tight spaces.
  •  Mental toughness: Strikers need to be mentally tough and have the confidence to take risks and make mistakes. They also need to be able to handle the pressure of scoring goals and facing tough defenders.
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Some of the Greatest Strikers in Soccer History

striker in soccer

Below are some of the greatest soccer strikers to ever play the beautiful game:

  • Pele: The Brazilian legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Pele scored over 1,000 goals in his career for club and country, including 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil. He won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and was known for his skillful dribbling, powerful shooting, and aerial ability.
  • Ronaldo Nazario de Lima (R9): The Brazilian phenomenon is regarded as one of the best strikers of all time. Ronaldo Nazario scored over 400 goals in his career for club and country, including 62 goals in 98 games for Brazil. He won two World Cups (1994, 2002) and was the top scorer in both tournaments. The former Real Madrid player was known for his explosive speed, clinical finishing, and amazing skills.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7): The Portuguese superstar is one of the best strikers in soccer. He has scored over 800 goals in his career for club and country, including 115 goals in 180 games for Portugal. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and four Champions League titles. The Portuguese striker is known for his incredible athleticism, versatility, work ethic, and consistency.
  • Lionel Messi (LM10): The Argentine magician is one of the best players of all time. He has scored over 750 goals in his career for club and country, including 79 goals in 153 games for Argentina. Messi has won six Ballon d’Or awards and four Champions League titles. The Argentine superstar is known for his sublime dribbling, vision, passing, and free kicks.

 

5 Tips for Soccer Strikers

If you want to become a better striker in soccer, here are some bonus tips that can help you improve your game:

  1. Tip #1: Practice Makes Perfect:  The best way to improve your skills and technique as a striker is to practice regularly and with purpose. You can practice different aspects of your game such as shooting, dribbling, passing, heading, etc. You can also practice with different types of balls such as hard balls, softballs, small balls, big balls, etc. to challenge yourself and develop your touch and control.
  2. Tip #2: Work on Positioning and Timing: One of the most important skills of a striker in Soccer is to know where to be and when to be there on the field. You need to work on your positioning and timing to create space for yourself or your teammates, to get into scoring positions, and to avoid being caught offside. You can study how other strikers move and make runs on the field and try to emulate them in your own game.
  3. Tip #3: Improve Your First Touch: A good first touch can make a big difference in your game as a striker. A good first touch can help you control the ball under pressure from defenders, set up your next move or shot, and keep the ball away from your opponents. You can improve your first touch by practicing with different parts of your foot such as your instep, outside, heel, etc., and by receiving the ball from different angles and speeds.
  4. Tip #4: Build Your Physique: A strong and fit physique can help you perform better as a soccer striker. A strong physique can help you withstand physical challenges from defenders, win aerial duels, hold up the ball, and shoot with power. A fit physique can help you run faster, longer, and more efficiently on the field. You can build your physique by doing exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, etc., and by following a balanced diet and hydration plan.
  5. Tip #5: Learn From the Best: One of the best ways to improve your game as a soccer striker is to learn from the best strikers in history or the present day. You can watch how they play and analyze their skills, techniques, movements, decisions, etc. You can also read their interviews or biographies and learn about their mindset, and attitudes.
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In summary, a striker in soccer is arguably the most important player on the team. A great striker can change the course of a game with their ability to score goals, create opportunities, and influence the team’s tactics. To become a great striker in soccer, a player needs to possess a combination of physical, technical, and mental attributes. With the right training, practice, and mindset, anyone can become a great striker and make a significant impact on their team’s success. Now, that you know what is the striker in soccer, make sure to score plenty of goals!

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