Be a Good Soccer Striker

This is a quick guide on how to become a good football (soccer) striker. In the game of 'soccer', a striker plays up front and is responsible for the majority of goal scoring. What is equally important is how you create goal scoring chances. To be a good striker, you truly need to have many elements to your game. Huge responsibility is often put on strikers and this is somewhat indicative of how much more they get paid than other positions professionally. These steps assume you have basic football (soccer) playing abilities and are ready to fine tune your game as a quality striker.

Steps

  1. Learn the touch. Even the best players in the world work on their 'touch' consistently. This is your feel for the ball and your ability to control it quickly first touch. To begin working on other areas of your game, you need to have a great first touch first. Individually, kicking repeatedly against a wall and controlling it (although simple) is extremely effective. However small possession games like 2 Vs 2, 4 Vs 4, or even 1 Vs 1 with small cones as goals using a '2 touch rule' is ideal. In small possession games be as 'creative' as you can. Even if you think it looks stupid, do it. Creativity is the centre of a striker's game. For creativity and effectiveness, you need constant movement from teammates.
  2. Learn the movement: You always need to be on your toes. Improving speed, strength, and agility. As a striker, it is critical to keep moving (in different directions). As a striker, you must annoy and confuse defenders. Next time you play a game with your back to goal, try running circles around a couple of defenders before curling out for a run or check out before you come in to receive the ball and hold it up. You always have the edge if you are constantly moving. Don't make yourself easy to mark, as it will also give you less time on the ball. The number one rule is not to run straight, but always curl your runs. This will also allow you to beat even the most aggressive offside traps with practice.
  3. Practice shooting. Shooting is a striker's number one skill. Technique in shooting is a fine art. Practice against a wall if by yourself by standing about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} away and hit the ball slightly with the outside of your foot, just slightly off the instep. Keep doing this although it seems too 'straight' and a bit awkward with no power. After this move {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} back and start to drive the ball. You want to hit it so it just hovers a bit off the ground (Cm's) with maximum power and accuracy. Most common mistakes are getting "cross footed" which is swinging your leg around too much and leaning back and taking eyes of the ball. Don't be fooled, top corner shots and curling free kicks are attractive but the very best strikers can powerfully drive the ball low.
  4. If you think you have mastered this, try it after turning on the ball and after receiving it first touch, then try shooting first time. Heading is different altogether. Get someone to cross the ball to you and don't be afraid. It hurts when you don't 'go for it' and just let it hit your head. Look closely at the ball (don't close eyes!) and put your head and body behind it. You tell the ball where to go. Don't let it bounce off you.
  5. Finish well. Compared to shooting, finishing is a bit of an art. In situations where you have just the keeper to beat or finish a fine passing build-up, you need to have a quick mind and a calm head. Too many strikers try to 'smash it' in these situations where you are more likely to score by 'slotting' it or 'placing' the ball in the net. The only way to practice this is by putting yourself in these situations. Game practice is essential. Good touch is so important again.
  6. While different coaches may think different things are more important than others, the listed requirements above are musts. If you master these general concepts entirely, you will most definitely improve. Everyone has their own strengths.
  7. Work around your strengths with the team, since it is a team game.
  8. Improve what you are good at. Self technique is crucial. It very important for you like when you face enemy defender and you can use your self technique to 'duke them out'. For self technique, don't do dukes and dribble like a robot. Do each one the way you feel natural doing it. If the same duke is done differently each time, then the defenders will be in awe whenever you get past them.



Tips

  • Watch good strikers on TV or live.
  • Be confident in your ability and others. Never let lost chances affect what happens next.
  • Improve your cardiovascular fitness, as this will also improve things like concentration and game awareness at crucial times.
  • Be as calm as you can with the ball. If you have a good first touch you can trust it and from their everything else will flow.
  • In small possession games, be as creative as you can.
  • Have a balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates and always keep hydrated.
  • Bend your body down, look at the ball, then at the goal and shoot. This will give you a powerful low shot.
  • Keep calm with the ball and take is slow and steady.
  • Improve cardiovascular fitness as much as possible while maintaining strength and power. Should aim for a number greater than 13 least in the 'beep test' (This is usually around the minimum for professional players).
  • Buy a cheap football net, and go to a local oval to set it up. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot!
  • Think about how a goalkeeper thinks. For example, does he or she prefer to dive to the left side, suggesting you should go to the right? Look for the gaps and learn the goalkeepers' moves well.

Warnings

  • Don't hog the ball. Keeping the ball moving is just as important as yourself keeping on moving.
  • Skills aren't developed overnight, but every good touch on the ball you do makes you better.
  • Work with your team and listen to coaches tactics.
  • Don't be creative all the time. Balance is essential.
  • The journey of professional football is frustrating. Coaches have opinions on who gets selected into teams and often they are wrong and it is all subjective. Play for enjoyment and passion. Your own ability and self satisfaction is your reward, don't play for money or fame.

Things You'll Need

  • Football (soccer ball)
  • Cleats
  • Training partner(s)

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