Forwards/Strikers
- Strikers/Center Forwards most common and what we are talking about
- Forward and Striker often used inter changeably
- A little difference between a Forward and Striker
- Basically a Striker is most Forward player and really only looking to score goals
- Forward can have players in front of them and also looking to create chances on net
- Striker is type of Forward, but Forward can be many other positions
- Really comes down to the player in the position, how the team is structured, and how the coach has them playing
- Wingers and Attacking Center Mids can be considered Forwards, but already talked about them in Center Midfields and Outside Midfield episodes so going to leave out
- Go listen to episodes 6 and 7, ones before this one, if you want to hear more on them
- If want to go more in depth in any position feel free to email or make posts in forums on webpage and will
- Closest to the opponents goal (most forward hence the name forward)
- False Nines
- Forward or Striker thats just as good at assisting goals
- Work to draw defense attention and then feed other players the ball to score goals
- Forces defenders between deciding to mark False Nine opening up space for other players or leaving them and giving them time to dribble or pass
- Second Striker
- A striker that doesn't play as high as a striker, usually plays behind a traditional Striker
- Has some cross over with the "Number 10" role but they are different
- "Number 10" sits farther back then Second Striker and is more of an attacking midfielder
- Examples of Number 10's are Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Kaka
- Examples of Second Stiker are Wayne Rooney behind Robin Van Persie or Zlatan and Dennis Bergkamp behind Thierry Henry
- Poacher
- A type of Striker
- Pure goal scorer
- Always in the right spot to finish the goal
-Usually using high game IQ to find them in the right place at the right time
- Hard to find a great poacher, but when you do you know it and they are highly prized
- Target Forward
- Also called a number 9
- Target man a type of Striker or Forward
- Receives balls from teammates and usually holds them while team works up and plays off them
- Usually big and strong, wins balls in air a bunch
- Similar to False Nine but a bit more balanced between scoring and assisting
- False Nine is more concerned with passing
- Second Striker usually looking to feed striker
Main Responsibilities of Forwards/Strikers
- Finish goal scoring opportunites
- Create chances for others
- Disrupt defenses with off the ball movement to confuse them and open up space for your teammates to move into
- Support defense
- usually by providing a relentless push up high to win ball back
- should try not to push too deep in defense to keep other teams defense honest and open for quick counters
Qualities of good Forwards/Strikers
- General athletic ability
- Speed (big one)
- Jumping (big one)
- Agility
- Endurance
- Strength/Power
- Geneal technical ability
- Shooting (biggest)
- Passing
- Dribbling
- Crossing
- Ability to read and exploit defense
- Ability to anticipate play and be in right spot (Often called a nose for goal)
- Confidence
- Composure
- Patient
Famous Forwards/Strikers
- Messi (Forward)
- Neymar (Forward)
- Lewandowski (Striker)
- CR7 (Striker now)
- Sergio Aguero (Striker)
- Mario Gotze (False Nine)
- Thomas Muller (Forward)
- Erling Haaland
- Harry Kane
- Karim Benzema
- Pele
- Ronaldo
Best American Forwards/Strikers
- Jozy Altidore (2nd but third on list with 42 goals and still playing)
- Landon Donovan (Second Striker) (Tied leading scorer at 57 has 157 caps)
- Clint Dempsey (Second Striker) (Tied leading scorer at 57 has 141 caps, so winner)
- Eric Wynalda
- Brian McBride
- Abby Wambach (Target Forward)(current leading goal scorer)
- Alex Morgan
- Tiffany Milbrett
- Mia Hamm (Former leading goal scorer)
Things of note
- Have web page up and running, go visit https://www.socceraperspectiveforparents.com
- link should be provided by most platforms listening on
- If link is not in description, email and Ill hook you up
- Go visit and lets begin having discussions and ask any questions you have
- Also have email up and ready, soccerpodcastforparents@gmail.com, email me any questions, comments or gripes you
have
- Don't forget to leave a rating and comment on your whatever platform you are listening, it helps a ton.
- Also I see you Australia dropping in.
Online Sources
- https://yoursoccerhome.com/soccer-forward-responsibilities-position-and-role/
- https://yoursoccerhome.com/soccer-forward-vs-striker-whats-the-difference/
- https://www.rookieroad.com/soccer/positions/forwards/
- https://www.soccercoachingpro.com/soccer-forward/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward_(association_football)