The forward (or striker) scores most of the goals. This player can be absolutely vital to the team because he receives the most chances close to the goal. The forward usually plays defense only when the ball is in the opposite team’s defense half. He is the only player that can ball-watch while the ball is in his team’s defensive half. He should always be prepared to make a run though.
Aspects of a Forward
These traits make up a good forward. If you have them, consider becoming a forward. If you don’t have some of these traits, and you are a forward, work on them.
Speed
To be a successful forward, you need blazing fast speed. You will often receive balls over the heads of defenders that you must run on. You also will be making runs, beating players, and attempting to block passes. All of these things require speed.
Note that there are some forwards that aren’t very fast. Most of the time these forwards play a supporting role to a fast forward. Still, the faster you are the better.
Read Soccer Speed Guide
Shooting Ability
Shooting ability is what makes forwards like David Villa and Fernando Torres great. To be a forward, you need to master every shot. You should be able to shoot a bomb from far distance, straight kick when you don’t have space for an angle shot, and place the ball passed the goalkeeper. You should also focus on faking shoots or shooting with defenders near you.
Dribbling Ability
You will have to beat players one versus one to get a shot off and dribble at speed to set off a break-away. You need to be comfortable dribbling with speed and beating players one versus one.
Ball Control
As a forward, you will receive balls in the air, balls on the ground, and through balls. You need to know how to effectively receive all of them. There will be times where receiving it well on your chest or feet can create a great goal, but without good ball control, you will fail as a forward.
Read Soccer Ball Control
Volleying Ability
As a forward, you will receive many crosses. It is very important that you can volley the ball into the net.
Heading Ability
Again, you will receive crosses. You need to be able to use your body and win a header. You should know how to head the ball downward so it is harder to save and doesn’t go over the goal.
Soccer Forward Tips
These are some general tips that will help you play forward better.
Shoot
A forward’s primary job is to score. To score, you must shoot. This means shoot at every opportunity. Shoot from far away, shoot whenever you are in or near the box. If there isn’t a shot available make one.
Check and Shield
It’s bad practice for your team to always kick the ball over the defense. Sometimes, you want to check to the ball. Once you receive it shield, and look to play someone on the wing.
Play Defense
Just because you’re a forward, doesn’t mean you can just sit back and wait till your team has the ball. When the ball is in the defensive half apply pressure. It can make the defenders nervous and they might play a bad ball. Pressure the goalie when he receives it. If you do win the ball, you have a great opportunity to score.
Stay Close to the Other Forward
The main reason for two forwards is so you can play together. This means you should stay close together so you can pass. This results in one-twos, overlaps, and general passes.
Make Runs
A good forward should constantly be making runs. Make diagonal runs to the corners. Run horizontally than cut forward when the ball is played. Switch with the other forward. The possibilities are endless. You need to make runs if you want the ball.
