Strikers must play the game in congested areas resulting in limited space / time to make decisions and execute those decisions. Close attention from Defenders makes it difficult to create goal-scoring opportunities; it is therefore vital that Strikers develop a wide range of movements to create space/time for themselves and their teammates.

The following activity can be utilized to develop an understanding of key Striker movements – individually and as a working pair. Teams may opt to play with 2 clear Strikers, whereas other teams may opt for 1 Striker and a withdrawn #10; this choice may affect the choice of movements but key elements will remain the same.

The movements included in this activity are not the only movements possible; Coaches must encourage their players to be creative and find other options to create scoring opportunities.

Download / Copy Session:

1.

Setup:

A 5v3 in Zone-A; 2v2 + GK in Zone-B. Defensive team (Black) are setup with 2 Central Defenders, 2 screening Central Midfielders and 1 Striker.

Instructions:

Play begins with a pass from the Coach (C) to any of the Attacking (Red) players in Zone-A; these players must maintain possession in a 5v3 to create an opportunity to play forward to the Strikers. Defensive players (6 + 8) must work to block passes to the Strikers. On receiving passes, the Strikers target is to create scoring chances.

Counter mini-goals are in play for the Defensive team.

Coaching Points:

• Zone-A:
  • Quick ball circulation and movement to create passing lanes to Strikers
• Strikers:
  • Vary movements to receive passes and/or create space for teammate

2.

Setup:

A 5v3 in Zone-A; 2v2 + GK in Zone-B. Defensive team (Black) are setup with 2 Central Defenders, 2 screening Central Midfielders and 1 Striker.

Instructions:

Options:

In the Diagram Red (6) has pulled away from his marker and received a ball to feet; this enables the player to face in front and provide a passing option to the Strikers. Striker #9 has moved short and then exploded into the space; the 2nd Striker has moved short to receive a ball to feet – he then plays a one-touch pass behind the Central Defender into the path of #9.

Coaching Points:

• Zone-A:
  • Quick ball circulation and movement to create passing lanes to Strikers.
• Strikers:
  • Explosive movements to receive or get behind C. Defenders
  • Drawing C.Defender to make contact and rolling / turning to shoot
  • Combinations with partner / Striker; move short to go long; move long to come short
  • One-Two combinations

3.

Setup:

A 5v3 in Zone-A; 2v2 + GK in Zone-B. Defensive team (Black) are setup with 2 Central Defenders, 2 screening Central Midfielders and 1 Striker.

Instructions:

Options:

In the Diagram Red (2) has has received a pass in space. Striker #9 has moved to the ball and then pulled accelerated into the inside channel; the 2nd Striker has moved towards the ball (to drag the Central Defender inside) and has pulled away into the space with a bent run. #2 now has options to #9 or a lofted pass to the 2nd Striker in space.

Coaching Points:

• Zone-A:
  • Quick ball circulation and movement to create passing lanes to Strikers
• Strikers:
  • Explosive movements to receive or get behind C. Defenders
  • Drawing C.Defender to make contact and rolling / turning to shoot
  • Combinations with partner / Striker; move short to go long; move long to come short
  • One-Two combinations

4.

Setup:

A 5v3 in Zone-A; 2v2 + GK in Zone-B. Defensive team (Black) are setup with 2 Central Defenders, 2 screening Central Midfielders and 1 Striker.

Instructions:

Options:

Combining with the Midfield Players.

Striker #9 has moved short to receive a pass to feet; he plays a one-touch layoff to supporting Midfielder (6); Midfield #6 receives the ball; this affects the position of Central Defender (4) – this allows the 2nd Striker to pull into the space to receive a pass from #6.

Coaching Points:

• Zone-A:
  • Quick ball circulation and movement to create passing lanes to Strikers.
• Strikers:
  • Explosive movements to receive or get behind C. Defenders
  • Drawing C.Defender to make contact and rolling / turning to shoot
  • Combinations with partner / Striker; move short to go long; move long to come short
  • Support play from Midfield players – moment / direction + speed of support play