Six weeks as a striker
Strikers score, hold the ball up and lead the press. These weeks build finishing, then movement, then pressing.
Each week runs from on your own to with others to a real match moment. Move on when you can do the check at the end of the week, not before. Two weeks on one is fine.
Week one
Hit the target
Shoot low and across the keeper.
- On your ownStriking with the lacesTen minutes, most days.
- Drill on your ownStrike the corners15 minutes. Just you, or with a friend in goal.
- In a matchThrough on goalPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when Seven out of ten shots on target, aimed at a corner.
Week two
First time
Finish with one touch from crosses and cut-backs.
- With a friendFirst-time finishing12 minutes. You and a friend, plus a goalkeeper if you have one.
- In a matchGo round themPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itThe cut-backWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You score from a cut-back without taking a touch first.
Week three
Hold it up
Back into the defender, protect the ball, and lay it off.
- On your ownShielding the ballTen minutes, most days.
- With the team4v4 with three floaters15 minutes. 11, or adapt to 3v3 with three.
- In a matchGo over themPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itLong ball, then the second ballWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You keep the ball long enough for a teammate to arrive.
Week four
Run in behind
Stay on the last defender's shoulder and go when the passer looks up.
- With the teamEnd-zone game15 minutes. 8 to 12 (4v4 to 6v6).
- In a matchThrough on goalPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itRun in behindWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You are onside when the pass is played and goal side of the defender after.
Week five
One against the keeper
Stay calm: shoot early or take it round.
- On your ownThe body feintTen minutes, most days.
- With the team1v1 with the goalkeeper12 minutes. 4 to 12, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchOne against the keeperPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when You decide what you will do before the keeper reaches you.
Week six
Lead the press
Curve your run to cut off one pass while you press.
- With the teamWin it high18 minutes. 8 to 14.
- In a matchPress their goal kickPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itPress on a triggerWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when When you press, the ball goes where your team wants it to go.
After six weeks
Go back to week one and do the checks again. Then try a week from the position next to yours: a centre-back who knows a holding midfielder's job, or a winger who knows a full-back's, is the player coaches want.
Back to the striker guide Next: six weeks as a goalkeeper
Practise in a safe space with an adult nearby, and warm up first. If anything hurts, stop.