Playing striker involves much more than shooting. A forward can help the team by creating space, connecting passes and occupying defenders, even in a match without a goal. This guide looks at the decisions before the finish. Our separate shooting-accuracy article covers striking practice, while this one explains how to arrive in a position where a finish becomes possible.
Decide whether to come short or run behind
Look at the passer first. If she is under pressure and looking for support, showing to feet may help. If she has time and space to pass forwards, a run behind a defender may become useful.
Vary your movement rather than making the same run every time. A short movement towards the ball can draw a defender out; a later run into the space behind may create a different option. The passer still decides whether the ball can reach you.
Time the run with the ball carrier
Starting early can leave you waiting beyond the defence or in an offside position. Watch for the passer preparing to release the ball and check the defensive line. A curved run can help you remain available while changing direction.
Practise with a passer and a moving defender rather than only a stationary cone. Ask whether the pass and run met at the same moment. A good run may still go unused, so do not judge every attempt by receiving the ball.
Link play with a simple next action
When receiving with your back towards goal, check whether you can turn safely. If pressure is close, a short lay-off to a supporting teammate may help more than trying to spin through a defender.
Move again after the lay-off. You might create a return passing lane, pull the defender away or become available nearer the box. Keep the first practice gentle so the receiver can learn the pattern before coping with contact.
Find space in the penalty area
Standing beside a defender makes a pass easier to track. A small movement away, followed by a change towards an available lane, can make the defender adjust. Watch the player delivering the ball and arrive where the pass can actually travel.
Near-post, far-post and cut-back spaces are possibilities rather than compulsory destinations. Coordinate with teammates so everyone does not attack the same lane. A ground-pass finishing activity can teach this timing without aerial challenges.
Help when your team does not have the ball
Ask the coach where pressing should begin and which passing route she wants you to discourage. Running directly at every defender may use energy while leaving an easy pass open.
A curved approach can put pressure on the ball while reducing one option, but the rest of the team needs to act together. If teammates are not ready, holding position and screening a pass may fit the plan better.
A three-player striker practice
Use a passer, striker and supporting player, with a broad target gate beyond them. The striker can come short, lay off and move again, or run towards the gate for a through pass. Begin without a defender.
Add a shadow defender who chooses to follow closely or leave space. The striker and passer now choose together. Rotate roles, keep distances comfortable and discuss the information behind the action rather than insisting on one rehearsed sequence.
What if the goals are not coming?
Review useful actions: creating a passing option, keeping possession, making a well-timed run or helping the team defend. Goals depend partly on service and match situations, so a scoreless game does not explain the whole performance.
Choose a specific next step with the player. For example, work on checking the passer before a run, rather than setting a goal quota that she cannot fully control. Keep ambition connected to actions she can practise.
FROM READING TO PLAYING
Something to try
Try the come-short or run-behind activity with a partner showing different passing pictures. Pause before the pass and explain the choice. Later, add a defender and let the decision happen naturally.
Take it into your football
- Read the passer before committing to a run.
- Link play and move again.
- Judge contributions as well as goals.
Further reading
Explore related guidance from these primary sources. Practice examples and suggested conversations on this page are STAR’s own guidance.
Explore girls’ football coaching in Taunton, Bridgwater and Wellington.
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