Soccer is a game of passing and shooting, and when it comes to scoring goals, the striker rules. The team's striker, who plays in the forward position, has one primary function: to score goals. While this position has a skill set that develops with time and experience, there are certain fundamentals that each striker should learn immediately.
Setting Yourself Up
While most strikers can dribble down the field and through defenders without losing possession of the ball, the striker is not always a one-man show. He needs to know how to set himself up for scoring opportunities. Two of the best ways to do this involve diagonal runs toward the goal. If your teammate has the ball behind you, run diagonally in front of the player defending you and behind the next defender, if there is one, to receive a through-ball setting you up for a goal. If your teammate has the ball on the other side of the field, run the same play to receive a cross that may set you up for a goal opportunity.
Setting Others Up
If you are on a team with more than one striker, you will need to know how to set your teammates up for scoring opportunities. You will need to master the cross and the through-ball, only this time from the side of the passer. To pass through many defenders, especially on a cross pass, lob the ball through the air over their heads. This requires a good deal of accuracy but will greatly reduce the probability of the pass being intercepted on the ground. When passing, be aware of the last defender on the opposing team. Be sure to get your pass off before your teammate goes offsides.
Shooting
The first thing to consider when shooting is the goalie's position. Where he is in relation to you and the goal will likely determine your next step. You must decide if you need to make a power shot or a finesse shot. A power shot, typically taken from the open field at a distance from the goal, involves kicking the ball with the laces of your kicking foot while your other foot is firmly planted next to the ball, pointing toward the ultimate aim of your kick -- the goal. Try to aim for the corners, where it will be more difficult for the goalie to deflect. A finesse shot, usually taken close to the goal, may involve using the side of the foot, your off-foot or a chip shot over the goalie's head.
Corner Kicks
During a corner kick, your aim is to either head the ball into the goal or to kick it in midair. The key is to position yourself in front of the opposing defender. Push your way in front of him and watch the ball. Assess whether you can kick it in from that trajectory or if you need to head it. If you need to head it in, remember that a header requires just as much accuracy and practice as a regular kick. You will need to guide the ball into the goal using your head.
Offsides
Always stay in front of the last defender on the field. If you receive a pass when you are behind the last defender, you will be called offsides and play will stop. As soon as the ball leaves your teammate's foot, you are free to go where you please. Set yourself up just in front of the last defender; then, just as your teammate kicks the ball, run past the defender, toward the goal. Be wary, because many defenders will run forward before the pass to get you called offsides.
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