Most new soccer fans ask the following question, what is a striker in soccer? People know strikers score goals, but that’s not the job done. There’s more to it, than waiting in the box for a pass. Good strikers create chances and can change games. And if you want to play the position or coach it, you need to understand exactly how this role works.
In this guide, I’m going to talk you about the striker position using my actual soccer experience. I’ve played up front, coached young forwards, and studied the game for years. This isn’t copy-paste information. This is a simple but complete guide that anyone can follow, parents, players, or new fans trying to learn the game.
What Is a Striker in Soccer?
The primary goal scorer in soccer is a striker, whoever is closest to the opponent’s net. Scoring goals and supporting the team’s attack is their easy-to-say but difficult-to-do task. Strikers punish errors, stay dangerous, and play high-up in the field.
The striker is frequently referred to by the number nine. Conventional shirt numbers are the source of that. Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Lewandowski, and Ronaldo Nazário were among the many legendary people who play as striker. The phrase “he’s a pure number 9” refers to a striker by nature.
What Does A Striker Really Do?
Strikers must:
- Score goals
- Create chances
- Beat defenders
- Hold up the ball
- Pressure defenders
- Attack space
- Stay ready inside the box
A smart striker makes hard runs, times movement, and stays calm in front of goal. A lazy striker loses the game before halftime.
Where Does a Striker Play on the Field?
Strikers stay in the attack zone, the final third. They drift between defenders and look for space. Here’s a simple view:
| Zone | Striker Position |
|---|---|
| Defense Third | Rarely here |
| Midfield Third | Drops here sometimes to receive |
| Attacking Third | Main workspace |
| Penalty Box | Prime scoring area |
Most strikers float between the center-backs. They play off the shoulder of defenders and attack passes behind the back line.
Main Responsibilities of a Striker
Let’s keep it simple. Scoring is #1, but good strikers do much more.
Key Striker Responsibilities
- Finish chances: Must score when given even half an opening
- Hold the ball: Control passes and let the team move up
- Find space: Read defenders and make runs
- Link play: Set up midfielders or wingers
- Press defenders: Force mistakes when team loses ball
- Stay dangerous: Keep defenders nervous at all times
Some players think “striker” means standing up top and waiting. No, work rate matters. The best strikers move non-stop.
Different Types of Strikers
Not every striker plays the same way. There are styles.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Poacher | Stays in box, scores rebounds | Filippo Inzaghi |
| Target Man | Tall, strong, wins headers | Olivier Giroud |
| False 9 | Drops deep to link play | Lionel Messi (Barça 2009) |
| Second Striker | Plays behind main striker | Paulo Dybala |
| Complete Forward | Does it all | Karim Benzema |
| Pressing Forward | High work rate | Roberto Firmino |
Every coach uses strikers differently. Some need a finisher and some want a strong hold-up forward. Others want movement and speed.
Key Skills Every Striker Needs
To play striker, learn these skills first:
Core Offensive Skills
- Finishing: Inside foot, laces, volleys, headers
- Composure: Don’t panic in front of goal
- First touch: Control fast passes
- Positioning: Be in the right place
- Movement: Timed runs behind defense
Physical Skills
- Strength to survive defenders
- Speed to beat the line
- Balance to hold the ball
Mental Skills
- Confidence under pressure
- Game awareness
- Decision making
Difference Between Forward and Striker
People mix these terms. They’re close, but not always the same.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Forward | General attacking role including wing players |
| Striker | Central Attack, main goal scorer |
Although all forwards are not strikers, it is true that all strikers are also forwards.
Modern Striker Roles in Formations
Formation changes how a striker plays.
| Formation | How the striker plays |
|---|---|
| 4-3-3 | One primary striker at the top |
| 4-4-2 | Two strikers play together |
| 4-2-3-1 | A forward behind another striker |
| 3-5-2 | Two strikers with further help from wide players |
| 4-3-1-2 | Narrow attack with two central strikers |
Unlike older attackers, modern strikers work harder, go deep and assist to building up.
How Strikers Score Goals
5 simple ways strikers score:
- Through balls
- Crosses
- Cutbacks
- Rebounds
- Set pieces (free kicks and corners)
Timing and Execution are more important than power.
Movement Off the Ball
This is where elite strikers separate from average ones.
Types of striker runs:
- Diagonal run: Behind fullback
- Near-post run: Attacking crosses
- Drop-off run: Create space
- Blindside run: Sneak behind defender
Movement wins games.
Common Mistakes Young Strikers Make
- Standing still
- Watching the ball
- Weak first touch
- Waiting for perfect pass
- Not shooting enough
- Losing confidence
Fix these early.
Training Tips to Improve as a Striker
- 30 finishes per training
- One-touch shooting drills
- Weak foot every day
- Movement and timing drills
- Wall passing for first touch
- Attack headers
Famous Strikers in History
Some of the best ever:
- Ronaldo Nazário
- Wayne Rooney
- Thierry Henry
- Gerd Müller
- Luis Suárez
- Sergio Agüero
- Didier Drogba
- Robert Lewandowski
Study their movement. Learn from them.
Equipment for Strikers
- Light boots
- Grip socks
- Shin guards
- Training cones
- Resistance bands
- Low bounce size 5 ball
Table: Striker Skills and Why They Matter
| Skill | Importance |
|---|---|
| Finishing | Turns opportunities into goals |
| Movement | Crosses defensive lines |
| First touch | keeps the ball under pressure |
| Composure | Don’t panic during crucial times |
| Strength | Hold-up play and shielding |
| Speed | Running behind the defense |
FAQs
1. What is the main job of a striker in soccer?
Score goals and lead the attack.
2. Is a striker the same as a forward?
Not always. A striker is a forward but plays centrally.
3. Do strikers play defense?
Yes. Modern strikers press defenders when out of possession.
4. Can short players be strikers?
Of course. Look at Sergio Agüero or Diogo Jota.
5. How can I become a better striker fast?
Daily finishing, first-touch drills, and movement practice.
I’m Michael Green, bringing you player profiles, in-depth match analysis, key stats and records, tactical breakdowns, and the top plays that define every game.
