What is a Striker in Soccer?
The striker is a key position in any team’s attack. The striker’s primary role is to score goals and create chances for their teammates by getting into opportunistic situations near the goal.
A good striker on any team creates a competitive advantage.
In youth soccer, I’ve seen teams dramatically improve because they added a strong and physical striker up top to their formation. I’ve also seen the other side, where the ball just “dies” with the striker.
This article will discuss what makes a great striker and how they can help their team win games.
We will also look at examples of top strikers worldwide who have made a name for themselves with their impressive goal-scoring abilities.
What is the Role of the Striker?
A striker’s role is to score goals by shooting or heading the ball into the back of the net as well as create scoring opportunities for others.
A striker’s job also includes holding up play, linking passes with their teammates, making runs into space behind defenders, and putting defensive pressure up front.
But let’s dive a bit deeper into that.
The striker’s goal is to position themselves as they may be the only player available to receive a pass upfield.
The striker must be alert about their surroundings and constantly watch their line for offsides. They must look for passing lanes and move into them so their teammates can find them and pass to them.
However, in addition to finding space and being open to receiving passes, a striker should also be making space for others.
For example, a striker can play it back to the central attacking midfielder (CAM) and proceed to make their run. From here, the striker may look to pass a through-ball where the CAM is making a push towards.
Soccer is a game played by a team; thus, it’s not all about the striker. Each of the positions on the field has an impact on the others.
Another crucial, let’s say, mental responsibility of the striker is to have self-assurance and not be scared to take risks. I love strikers who think they are the best when they step out on the field. Having a “mamba mentality” in soccer can separate good from great strikers.
What Are the Attributes of a Good Striker?
Strikers are often fast, agile, and strong players who can dribble past opponents as well as shoot accurately from short and long distances.
Great strikers have very good field awareness and a fantastic eye for goal.
These players need to be able to make quick decisions to find space and create chances for themselves or their teammates.
An experienced striker should be able to use his or her body well. They need to shield and hold the ball up while trailing players can get in the mix.
Lastly, as I mentioned before, strikers should have full confidence in themselves to make things happen on the field!
Who Are the Top Strikers from Around the World?
Some of the world’s best strikers have become household names due to their impressive goal-scoring records.
Some of the best male strikers in soccer include:
- Erling Haaland
- Karim Benzema
- Harry Kane
- Alexander Isak
- Robert Lewandowski
- Kylian Mbappe
On the female side, strikers such as Alex Morgan, Sam Kerr, Asisat Oshoala, and Ada Hegerberg have become stars in their own right.
How to Improve Your Striking Abilities
If you want to become an effective striker, there are a few key things that you should practice.
First, develop your foot skills with the ball and make sure you can dribble past defenders. You’ll want to practice in tight spaces and also long sprints as this mimics game situations.
Second, I also recommend building your strength and balance to hold off oppositional challenges. These are intangible skills that will pay off as you play against stronger players.
Third, work on your positioning to know when to move into space and how to create chances for yourself and others. Always be aware of your surroundings especially the last line of defense.
Finally, work on your shooting (with both feet). You’ll want to build strength and accuracy into your regime.
Here are some great drills to practice at home.
To become a great striker, practicing at your club’s training sessions AND at home is essential.
With hard work, dedication, and determination, you may be able to go from amateur to elite status in the blink of a season!
