Soccer's top strikers train to perfect a range of skills. To play as a striker, you need to learn to shoot the ball on target in open play or in situations where your team has a free kick or penalty. You need strength to be able to deal with tough challenges from defenders and speed to get to the ball first and create chances to score. Your training as a striker should focus on your physical attributes and your ball skills.
Features
A striker's training program will include essential components. Certain exercises and drills will be similar to the training carried out by your teammates who play other positions in soccer. It is essential for every striker to learn basic ball control, accurate passing and precise shooting technique and the attacking header.
Types
Ball skills can be improved with training drills and by playing small-sided games or full practice matches. Fitness work can involve circuit training for players to improve strength without building excessive bulk or neglecting ball-skills. Ball-skill drills exist for individual practice and practice with other players. Reading FC academy coach Eamonn Dolan recommends working with a partner to practice basic control. Your partner should throw the ball to you from about five yards away. Control the ball with your foot, knee or chest and pass it back without getting it stuck at your feet. Pass the ball back to your partner.
Timing
The type of training that you do will be influenced by the time of the season. Pre-season training will feature fitness work to prepare you for the demands of a game. Training at this time of the season also includes basic ball-control drills so players can get a feel for the ball. You'll progress to more complex skills and tactical training as you switch to full-scale training.
Considerations
A striker needs explosive strength combined with speed and endurance for a 90-minute match. Build an endurance base with jogging and progress to interval training by doing shuttle runs. This will help you to practice turning quickly and develop your speed over short distances. Circuit training with bodyweight exercises will help you to develop the strength you need to play as a striker.
Expert Insight
To get the edge you need to score goals, listen to the advice of top strikers on important skills such as heading. Mali international striker Frederic Kanoute says that you should attack the ball with your head instead of waiting for the ball to come to you. Keep your eyes open and head the ball with your forehead, while always looking at the ball. Head the ball downwards to make it harder for the goalkeeper to save. He suggests popping up the ball repeatedly with your head to improve your ball control.
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