Soccer Position Guide
Striker / Forward (#9)
ForwardThe striker (#9) is the goal scorer — the player closest to the opponent's goal whose job is to finish chances. Strikers must score with both feet and their head, move cleverly off the ball to get open, hold up play with their back to goal to bring teammates into the attack, and poach rebounds. Above all, a striker needs composure: the calm to finish when the goal is gaping.
What Does a Striker / Forward (#9) Do?
The striker (#9) is the goal scorer — the player closest to the opponent's goal whose job is to finish chances. Strikers must score with both feet and their head, move cleverly off the ball to get open, hold up play with their back to goal to bring teammates into the attack, and poach rebounds. Above all, a striker needs composure: the calm to finish when the goal is gaping.
Key Skills for a Striker / Forward (#9)
| Skill | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Finishing (both feet + head) | Putting the ball in the net with either foot or a header, from any angle and distance. |
| Movement off the ball | Making runs behind the defense, splitting center backs, and finding space to receive. |
| Hold-up play | Receiving with your back to goal, shielding the ball, and laying it off to a running teammate. |
| Poaching | Sniffing out rebounds and tap-ins — being in the right place at the right time. |
| Link-up play | Combining with the #10 and wingers in the final third. |
| Pressing | Leading the defensive press from the front to force turnovers high up the field. |
Training Focus
- Finishing under pressure (keeper closing the distance)
- Movement patterns — splitting center backs, diagonal runs, near-post runs
- Receiving with back to goal and turning
- First-time finishing from crosses and cutbacks
- Heading technique for goal scoring
- Front-foot pressing to force turnovers
Striker / Forward (#9) Drills
Position-specific drills you can run at practice or in the backyard.
- Finishing circuit — one-touch finishes from crosses, cutbacks, and through-balls.
- Movement drill — striker makes timed runs behind a defensive line to receive and finish.
- Hold-up play — receive with back to goal, shield, lay off to a running midfielder.
- Rebound poaching — coach forces a save; striker reacts to the rebound.
- Pressing drill — striker leads the press to force a turnover high up the field.
Physical Requirements
What coaches look for physically — and how important each trait is for this position.
| Trait | Importance |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | Critical |
| Strength (hold-up play) | Important |
| Composure in front of goal | Critical |
| Aerial ability | Important |
| Finishing technique | Critical |
| Speed (to get behind) | Important |
College Recruiting Standards
DI strikers are evaluated on goals and assists — production matters most. Coaches weigh finishing technique, movement off the ball, composure in front of goal, and hold-up/link-up play. NCAA DI offers 9.9 scholarships for men and 14.0 for women (equivalency, split among the roster). ~1.3% of HS boys and ~2.0% of HS girls reach DI soccer.
When Should Kids Specialize?
Striker specialization typically begins at U12+. Because finishing is a specialized skill, dedicated striker training is valuable — but multi-position experience (including time on the wing or in midfield) helps a striker read the game and combine with teammates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Snatching at chances instead of staying composed.
- Standing still off the ball — a striker must constantly move to get open.
- One-footed finishing — elite #9s score with both feet and their head.
- Failing to hold up the ball and bring teammates into the attack.
- Not pressing from the front, letting the opponent build freely.
Pro Tips
- Composure beats power — place the ball where the keeper isn’t.
- Move constantly; the best strikers are never where the defender expects.
- Master your weak foot and heading — a one-dimensional scorer gets marked out.
- Hold the ball up and link with your #10; a striker who brings others in scores more.
Striker / Forward (#9) FAQ
What is the #9 position in soccer?
The #9 is the central striker / forward — the primary goal scorer who plays highest up the field, closest to the opponent’s goal. The #9 finishes chances, holds up the ball to bring teammates into the attack, and leads the defensive press from the front. Famous #9s include Haaland, Lewandowski, and Sam Kerr.
What is a false 9 in soccer?
A false 9 is a striker who drops deep into the midfield instead of staying high — drawing center backs out of position and creating space for wingers to run into. Lionel Messi famously played as a false 9. It is a tactical variation that sacrifices a traditional target man for a playmaking striker.
What do college coaches look for in a striker?
Production — goals and assists — matters most. Coaches also evaluate finishing technique, movement off the ball, composure in front of goal, hold-up and link-up play, and willingness to press from the front. A striker who scores but doesn't work off the ball is less valuable than one who does both.
When should my child specialize as a striker?
Striker specialization typically begins at U12+. Finishing is a specialized skill worth dedicated training, but multi-position experience (on the wing or in midfield) helps a striker read the game, combine with teammates, and stay unpredictable. US Youth Soccer recommends late specialization.