So you want to be a better striker? Here a 5 things you need to know, video included. Just remember, there are only a hand full of strikers who can do all of these, so don’t think you have to be great at all of them. Although, you do want to practice and improve at each one.
Not everyone has blazing speed… The good news is these five qualities don’t require you to be strong or fast.
With a hard working attitude you can improve at all of these.
2 players to watch…
Harry Kane is a player who does so many things well. He doesn’t have blazing speed like Mbappe, but is great at all these thing you can improve on. On the women’s side, Alessia Russo is a solid striker with many attributes.
1) Your first touch
If you don’t have a good touch, then you won’t get as many shots as people who do.
When in congested areas like the 18 yard box, you can’t dribble like you can on the flank. Therefore, being able to have a good first touch allows you to get quicker shots off.
A complete striker can do more than just score goals, you need to be good at receiving the ball on the ground and in the air.
Use a wall to improve your first touch:
- Receive with the inside, outside and bottom of the foot – video drills.
- Kick balls high so that when it bounces back you are used to trapping bouncing balls.
- Punt, volley or throw the ball against the wall so you can work on settling it down with the feet, thigh and chest.
2) Finishing drills for strikers
Having the ability to use both feet is important.
Think about all the times you see the ball on a players weak foot and they don’t take the shot… Imagine if they could strike with both feet!
There are different ways a striker scores goals… Some are great up close from 6-12 yards out, while others can strike from distance.
Train to be proficient in and outside the box.
Movements outside the box and striking at speed is one of the main things you want to work on as a striker.
Remember to bring the intensity when you train!
Video below is me working with Cole Swett over the summer. He goes to the University of Biola in Southern California.
3) Defensive work as a striker
Spain won the world cup in 2026 and everyone talks about how talented they are… Arguably the best element to their game is how they play defense as a unit.
A great defensive team isn’t just having a solid back line and keeper… The striker and midfielder players have to lead the way!
Being the first line of defense, it’s very important that you do these things.
- Study who on the other team is not comfortable with the ball. When it’s near them, pressure like crazy. You might score half of your goals from making the other team make mistakes.
- Be aware during transition.
- During the press work hard yes, but also be smart on how you step to the defenders. Example: Most right footed players do a better job at passing to their left side because it’s more natural. So cut those areas off and force them to take extra touches where they don’t want to go.
4) Scanning
First off, scanning is easier than it sounds…
The opposite is to ball watch, which is very easy to do and honestly what most high school players do, much less younger ages.
To scan in a game or scrimmage it makes things easier at the same time more difficult.
The difficult part is everything happens faster because as you scan/check your shoulder, before you know it the balls is coming to you.
What makes things easier is when you do get the ball you have a better idea of where people are. This allows you to avoid losing the ball.
Drills to help you improve scanning:
- First off, remind yourself often to scan.
- A three person drill allows you to trap, pass and scan before receiving it again.
- Use a wall and after you pass take a quick peek to the side or behind and then see the ball before it comes back to you.
“The best players will remind themselves, not wait for the coach to tell them every time.”
5) Positioning as a striker
Off the ball movement is how you are going to get the ball more without a defender on you every time.
Of course there will be times you receive the ball with immediate pressure and have to hold up play. Especially at the higher levels.
Regardless of how good the defender marking you is, there are ways to get open and make life hard on them.
3 ways to get into good positions:
- Checking to the ball at the right time, with quick change of speed.
- When the ball goes wide to the right, get into a position on the opposite side of the defender. This way they can’t see you and the ball at the same time.
- Know where most goals are scored. This is key!
A striker is a key player that should be the leading goal scorer. For most, finishing is the key element you want to work improve in.
Although, just remember that some of the best strikers are more hold up players who set things up.
Some of the best teams have a mix of these qualities to help compliment each other.
Players like Drogba and Olivier Giroud are hold-up strikers, who excelled at using their physical strength and technical ability to keep the ball. You need a player like this when matched up against a solid defense.
