Striker's guide

Everything related to tactics, coaching and refereeing
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Ok this is gonna be my last attempt at a striker guide here I will put in all the info that I have so it's gonna be long but hopefully helpful I put together some stuff from my other posts and a bunch of new stuff.


Nowadays the forward has to be at tip top shape because they must close down defenders rather than simply hold a central position strikers that play upfront on there own have to be supremely fit as they must cover a huge amount of space. To develop this kind of stamina you'll need to follow a programme of running. Whatever sytem your team plays you will need to have good explosive power and acceleration in order to play up front.

Resistance training is the best way to develop this type of speed.(Upper body strength is also essential for a forward.)

Sprint training:

Football is a game that requires both aerobic & anaerobic fitness.(Anaerobic means "Without air" & it is used to describe exercise which is intense such as sprinting or weight training. It is inefficient compared to aerobic activity & requires you to work your heart very heard remember anaerobic activity cannot be sustained for long periods of time.)
For parts of a game you will work anaerobically (most commonly this will come in the form of short sprints) during which you will build up an oxygen debt & lactic acid in your muscles. These periods are followed by longer spelles of jogging & walking.

However at any time during a game you must be ready to enter oxygen debt & go anaerobic in order to sustain these periods of exertion you must build up your tolerance to anaerobic exercise by working it into your trianing. In this way your body will be better prepared to adapt & cope w/high-intensity exercise & lactate pressure. You will also reduce your recovery time(not to mention your desire to stand w/your hands on your hips gasping for air after a 30 min run) If you are gonna compete for 90 mins you have to expose yourself to anaerobic training.

Short burst training will improve your anaerobic fitness sprints of between 5 & 10 seconds followed by a walk back to the start w/several repeats are ideal. Players should work to their maximum capacity for these short periods (this sort of work helps to increase your lactate threshold). The danger w/anaerobic trianing is that you are pushing your body so hard for this reason you should not do this type of exercise too often do it occasionally like every 2-3 weeks in order to supplement your regular training programme.

(If your body can cope w/this sort of high-intensity workout than you have a better chance of making that last 50m surge in the last few mins. of the game.

Shots Pt. 1:

How To Strike The Ball Correctly:

To make a good contact w/the ball you must get your body into a good postion as you approach it this will maintain the correct body shape throughtout the strike resulting in a deliberate follow through & most importantly a accurate kick.

Here's a vid clip that shows you how to strike the ball correctly. ... 0&q=soccer

The Kicking Areas Of The Foot:

The Inside- Probbly the first area of the foot you have or will use for kicking used for contorlling & passing the ball w/the greatest degree of accuracy.

The Instep- Used more often than any other part of the foot passing,crossing,chipping & shooting the instep is used in the execution of all these arts.

The Top- The most powerful contact area of the boot the "sweet spot" as some like to call it used for driving the ball long distances,shooting or clearing.

The Outside- Used for bending or swerving the ball around opponents normally from deadball situations.

When Kicking The Ball:

-Avoid using your toe unless you have no other alternative.
-When possible try to use the inside,outside,top or instep of the boot.
-For the greatest degree of accuracy when in passing or controlling the ball use the inside of the foot.
-It is important to practice using both feet & not be dependent on one strong foot.
-Practice regularly & try to master the different ways (inside,outside,top and instep) of striking the ball.
-Check where you are aiming the ball before striking but remember to keep an eye on the ball when making the kick.

Placement or Power ?

The fundamental decision faced by an attacker w/the goal at his mercy is whether to go for power or placement each approach has it's pros and cons and while some players tend to favor one or the other a good striker makes their decision based on the circumstances.


A shot hit powerfully toward goal is guaranteed to create havoic (unless you get underneath the ball and send it screaming over the crossbar) presuming that you have avoided this a driven strike has several benefits.

-The harder the shot the more difficult it is for the keeper to pull off a save

-If the keeper does get a hand to it it will take a very strong hand to devert it away from his goal

-It might end up deflected off a defender into a teamamtes path(or into the back of the net)

A shot driven towards goal is also unlikely to be controlled and cleared by an opponent so at the very least you can expect to regain possession from a hurried clearance.

To hit a low hard shot you must strike the ball with your instep place your non striking foot alongside the ball w/your toes pointing towards the target. Fix your eyes on the ball and keeping your head and shoulders over it strike through th ball w/the center of your instep.(This is also important you don't hear this as much as the others listed above but with every strike you need to get both of your thighs pointed square towards the target) Try to keep your knee over the ball at impact to keep the shot low.

Going for Accuracy:

Shooting for an unguarded corner of the net requires the player to be cool,calm & to have a great deal of confidence when a placed shot finds its intended target you'll look like a international scoreing super star ! But when the shot is scuffed ,wide or too near the keeper all you'll feel is embarrassment.
The most commonly made error is to "quit" on the shot so make sure that you strike the ball w/purpose (the side of the foot is best for this type of shot but you can also use the instep).

When to choose power:
-When the ball may get held up in a muddy penalty area
-When you don't have a clear sight of the goal
-When you are being closed down by an opponet and have no time to think about your spot

When to choose placement:
-When the keeper has left a large chunk of his goal exposed & unguarded
-When the keeper is coming off his line
-When an unexpected gap appears in a crowded penalty area.

Shots Pt 2:

The Bent Grounded Shot (Inside foot) Or How to Curl The Ball:

Passes or shots are bent for three reasons

-To get the ball around the obstacles such as a well placed opponent.
-To turn the ball into the path of a running teammate.
-And to make it difficult for opponents to judge the trajectory of a pass or shot.

In this skill the ball is spun in a anti-clockwise direction(or clockwise if you do it w/your left foot) by kicking the ball on the outside w/the inside of the instep(blah say that five times fast).

-From deadball situations and for extream spin the approach should start from a positon well inside of the ball's position. This enables the back outside area of the ball to be hit on the run when extreame spin is required the foot has to be moved diagonally across in relation to body postion to compensate for being directly behined the ball.

-For ground shots or passes the ball needs to be kicked through the "horizontal center" & to the extreame outside of the "vertical line". The foot surface for this kick is the inside instep at the base of the big toe.

-The line of follow through depends on the degree of spin you are trying for. Limited spin requires the foot to follow through the side of the ball while extreame spin requries a diagonal follow through more to the back of the ball.

You should familiarize yourself w/the relationship between power,spin & distance. (So you'll know what I'm talking about) when you hit the ball with X amount of power and address the ball at a particular point what is the curve of the ball and is it suffcient to round a wall standing at 10 metres and enter a goal at 35 metres? (see kids stay in school you'll play better football if you do :wink: )

The Bent Volley:

The volley is a precise skill particularly when swerve is added.

The ball is struck while still in the air the outside surface of the ball (i.e. the righ hand side for a right footed volley) is struck w/the upper inside surface of the instep to produce spin (or curl or English) causing the ball to follow a curve. This volley is hit w/the body in an upright stance or w/a slight lean away from the ball.

-When practising the ball should be served from a throw so that it is descending at the time of impact to facilitate the correct stright stance.(fall away techniques are usually applied to overcome a rising ball)

-There are a number of adjustments that can be made to comepnsate for diffirent hights that you may be faced with. If the ball has been droped at a low level the leg can be fully extended at the time of contact but when the ball is higher up the upper leg needs to be flexed at the hip joint and the kicking action is initiated at the knee joint.

-The ball should be struck on the far outside when hight and distance are required the ball should be struck on the underside of the foot following through. When the ball is to be kept low it should be struck to the outside of the "horizontal center line" with the toes pointed down.

-The upper inside area of the instep at the base of the toe is the striking surface.

Overhead Kick (Scissors Kick):

There is nothing more impressive than scoring with an overhead kick.

It's tough but once you master it you'll be able to at least get in a shot.

You'll also be able to clear the ball when needed.

Practise it on soft ground to prevent injury (but don't overdo it).

(You won't make clean contact every time so make sure you're not just going for an overhead kick to try and impress some girl :wink: )

Get into line with the flight of the ball and keep your eyes on it throughout
(This skill is all about timing).

Most of the time you will be attempting this trick the ball will be coming at you fast from a tricky angle so a good connection is vital.

Don't try and kick it hard just kick it clean (the movement of your body will generate the power).

Jump up leaving your kicking foot on the ground and using the foot that you will not be kicking the ball with to propel you upwards.

Begin to fall backwards keeping your eyes on the ball (this is very very important).

As your body sinks towards the ground your non-kicking leg will be rising into the air.

When the ball is in the ideal range whip your kicking leg off the ground into the back of the ball bringing your other leg back down quickly.(make sure that your foot is completely behined the ball)

At this point your upper body should be almost horizontal to the ground.

If the ball is flying too high your body is probably too upright. (It is the scissor movement of your legs that creates the power).

As you fall stretch out your hand to steady your impact.

Twist your body sideways to avoid landing flat on your back.

Use your arms to cushion your landing but avoid landing on your elbows or your head.
(The mechanics of the kick will depend on the position of the body in relation to that of the ball if on reaching maximum height the ball is still at a distance then the leg is extended and power is initiated from th hip. If however the ball is close to the kicking foot flexion will take place at the knee though power will still come from the foward rotation at the hip joint.)

Shot From Behined The Supporting Foot:

This skill is designed to take opponents by surprise. When a player is at the side of the ball he must jumpoff both feet landing next to the ball with his kicking foot croosed behined the standing leg (by swinging by the knee it is than brought into contact with the ball).
-Both feet need to be inside the ball (if the line of the shot is straight this is not necessary if the ball is to travel across the front of the player) the chest must face the target at the moment of impact (whether the shot is straight or across). The arms play a big role in swinging the trunk when the shot is diagonal.

-For the straight shot the feet (before the jump) need to be level with the back of the ball the standing foot needs to have the toes level w/the far side of the ball at the moment of impact.
(for the diagonal shot the standing foot can afford to be a couple of inches further back)

-Two surfaces are availableand can be used to strike the ball. The toe can be used by driving it beneathe the line of the ball or the instep close to the toes can also be used (you have to be near the ball) the toes should be on the ground at impact bringing the instep higher up the ball.

Shoulder Shot:

This skill is not seen as often as others.
-You should be chest on to the on coming ball your feet should be shoulder lengeth apart to aid ballance preceding impact the striking shoulder is withdrawn away from the ball before being thrusted at it before contact.

-The bony area at the front of the shoulder is the conatct spot

-The ball should be hit through the "horizontal" & "vertical" center lines of the ball.

The Back Spin Chip:

This chip is used when early height is needed to pass the ball over the head of an opponent who is close back spin helps and also slows the ball when it lands. The foot strikes beneath the ball without follow through needed for a drive.

-Approach can be direct or angled (here I'm talking about the direct approach)

-The standing foot is placed to the side of the ball while the kicking foot stabs beneath the ball w/the toes and the baseof the instep.

-This skill is viable even where the ground is hard when the toes and than the instep are beneath the ball the leg remains bent at the knee w/the leg completing a half-circle of backward rotation at the hip.

-Where distance is required straightening at the knee will be necessary (but on dry ground this will be at the expense of height).

The Thigh Shot:

A thigh shot cannot be compared in power or accuracy w/the range of shots w/ the feet but in those occasions when waiting for the ball to reach the foot means a probable loss of possession.

-Get beneath & where possiblein line w/the flight of the ball.

- Where the ball comes in from the side & the shot is to be made in a foward direction you should face the ball the tigh is raised & brought across the standing leg w/sideways rotation at the hip.

-If the ball is played w/the thigh at or above the horizontal position it will rise vertically. The ball should be allowed to fall beneath the hips so that contact can be made w/ the thigh between the straight & horizontal position.

-Where the angel of the shot differs from the angel of the incoming ball at the point of impact the player pivots on the standing foot so that when the skill is completeted you are facing the target.

The Sling Shot :

The first part of this skillful shot is the foot stall. Once the ball is caught the leg is withdrawn (still clasping the ball) & thrust the ball foward.

-The ball should be well "stuck" between your foot and shin.

-With the ball clasped between the upper surface of the toes & shin it is held w/the thigh just below the horizontal point the leg is drawn back straightening the thigh.

-The foot is then thrusted foward explosively w/leverage at the knee.

-Just before release the foot is pointed & the ball rolled to the upper toe surface. (This gives the shot trajectory & extra power.

The Heel Shot:

This skill is useful when running beneath a bouncing ball & arriving too early to make a shot. With an explosive flexing of the knee towards the player's rear he hits the ball w/the heel.

-You need to run in so that the descending ball is slightly to the outside of the playing foot.

-Timing is essential having run beneath the ball the playing leg (which is the the trailing leg) is fully flexed at the knee in the position a hurdler's trailing leg would occupy as he cleared the hurdle.

-You must incline your trunk foward to get height for the back leg.

-The combo of obtaining maximum flexion at the knee your foward momentum & the tilt of the trunk all combine to produce a very powerful shot.

-The lower leg is angled to be outside the line of the upper leg at the point of contact so as to give clearance along the outside of your body. (the point between the rear of the ankel & the heel is the striking surface)


(I got this from some mag.)

Research carried out by Liverpool John Moores University came up with at least one definitive solution, as Professor Tom Riley revealed.


Professor Tom Riley, Liverpool John Moores University



Although the top corners may have a 100% strike rate - the shot is very tricky to pull off and therefore a bigger gamble.


Hitting the inside of the side netting, low down just inside either post is often the target for many a penalty taker.

According to Professor Riley's theory, it has a greater chance of being saved - as unless the ball is well struck the keeper can still reach it - but is easier to pull off.


Basic Headers:

Heading the ball is a vital skill to have no matter what position you play in.

The forehead is the safest and most effective part of the head to use so get yourself into the best position and get the timing of your headers right the most important thing to do is keep your eyes focused on the ball and also move into the line of flight.
How To Generate Power Into The Ball:

-Bending the knees

-Arching the back

-Thrusting your head and body forward on contact keeping your neck muscles tensed. Use your arms for balance as you will be off the ground for many of the headers.

(Be careful not to raise them too high or wave them around or you might be in trouble with the ref)

Try to head the ball at the highest point of your jump (letting the ball drop will only raise the chances of an opponent beating you in the air)

Head the ball with your forehead (the area directly above your eyebrows duh )be positive as you make contact with the ball (*NOTE THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) keep your eyes open and focused on the ball.

Attacking Headers:

Unless you work hard and pracice on your attacking headers you will see many of your attempts go over the bar.

You need to try and head downwards the only way to do that is to get over the ball (try to get over the center line of the ball the center is that invisble line right across the middle of the ball) then you can direct the ball down towards the bottom corners of the goal. (which are the hardest areas for a goalkeeper to defend)

Get into line with the ball as quickly as possible.(try to time your run so that you come from behind a defender and get in front of them just as you are meeting the ball if the pass or cross is deeper then take a step back away from the defender and create yourself some space that way)

As you are in an attacking area with the chance of scoring or creating a goal be really positive in your attempt to win the ball.

(Because remember it is the defender who has more to lose)

If you make your jump early then you can"'hang" in the air and that will make it very difficult for a defender to beat you to the ball (without fouling you).

First Touch:

You always hear how important a good first touch is so alongside shooting this is an area that will hugely improve your game if you can get it right.

The basics of control are the same whether you are controlling the ball with your feet, thigh, chest or head. Get into line with the flight of the ball as quickly as you can and decide how you are going to control the ball. (You need to work on practising your control with your feet, thigh, chest or head as you can receive the ball at any height trying to control a ball above waist height with your feet is not an easy skill so why risk it when you can use your chest?)

Present the area of your body that you want to control the ball with (your thigh for example) get as large an area behind the ball as you can (if you are controlling the ball with your thigh then get the full face of it in line with the ball) as you make contact with the ball relax the surface (thigh) area so that you can cushion the ball.

It will then hopefully drop to the ground and you can then pass the ball or shoot depending on where you are.

The Side Of The Foot:

This is the most simple & effective method of controlling the ball if it is done correctly the ball will come to rest enough for you to make your next move.

-Get in position early & try not to put all your weight through your standing leg.(if you stand on the balls of your feet you'll be able to adjust if the ball bounces awkwardly.)

-Watch the ball onto the large area of the foot & cushion the impact by pulling your foot back slightly.

-Try to guide the ball into your stride rather than at your feet (if it finishes too close you will be forced to take a step back before passing/shooting it.)

Top Of The Foot:

The top of the foot cushion is the most difficult technique it employs a small area of the foot & the potential for miscontrolling the ball is great. The top of the foot is best used to controll a dropping ball & when mastered this skill is not only effective but also impressive.

-Position your foot as early as you can and watch the ball onto the top of your foot. As the ball arrives you should pull your foot down w/the ball almost resting on top of it.

Chest & Thigh:

The technique for controlling the ball either with the chest or the thigh is much the same it is all about watching the ball & cushioning it so that it drops nicely at your feet. When useing the chest it is important to be in a good body position on your toes & leaning back slightly as the ball makes contact w/you when the ball hits your chest it will begin to drop & you will be in position to complete the controll w/your feet.

When controlling the ball w/your thigh remember to watch the ball until contact is made your thigh should be positioned at an angel of 45 degrees to the ground. Once again cushion the ball & as you bring your leg down the ball will drop to your feet.

Well that's it I hope this will help someone because it took me a long ass time to put this up (my fingers have cramps :( ) anyway good luck.
Those who race towards death
Those who wait
Those who worry

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wow. i just kind of skimmed through that, but what i read was really good. very comprehensive. really nice post.
Hala Galacticos

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I have no words. Absolutely amazing. :clapping:

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Hey this is a great post! This guide is really informative, lots of detail. I really like that video clip showing how to strike the ball correctly.

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terrific post. amazing keep it up :D

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Awwwwwww shucks :oops: lol I didn't think I did that good of a job because I left a lot out but I guess I did right now I'm working on the last parts of a GK guide and I'm starting one for the other positions so uh all i can say is kepp your eyes open.
Those who race towards death
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Those who worry

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must say i havent read it yet S&M, only a quick visit, but i rated it 5* for all you who seem to like it so much :wink:

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great post dude

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it's a great video indeed.but can u show me a picture showing where is inside,outside,instep and top of the foot?

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Well I have drawn a couple that shows where to strike the ball,where the "center line" of the ball is at and all the parts of the foot but my scanner is not working so it'll be a while befor I get them up.

But you should check out Jdefo's guide ... 4314#44314 it has some pics of where the instep is so this might be of some use.
Those who race towards death
Those who wait
Those who worry

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Whats the difference between the top and the instep?

Is this the instep?

And is this the top?

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Joined: 21 Feb 2006, 15:26


is there anyone uses instep or top of the foot to kick freekick?(i know all use inside to kick penalty kick).mostly,players use inside of their foot to kick free kick.when playing,some players use instep or top to kick volley or half volley.what's the dif?

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Yes you got it right with those photos.

You can take a freekick with your instep but I find it to be harder to get a good curl (while at least one with a decent amount of pace).

But this is also how R.Carlos,Junhio,Requlime(sp?) take their shots (with the instep) get right behined the ball and step back a couple of feet and slight to the left (or right) and start a little jog to the ball and hit the low center part of the ball to send it up and straight. Or hit it low and slightly to the right to send it up and twoards the right. (smae thing with the left side of the ball).

I hope this helps out
Those who race towards death
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just adding on to what mrsoccermojo already said:

you can get a pretty decent curl with your instep; the key is the follow through on the shot. if you think about it, all you need to do is hit the ball in the middle, and follow the shot through either the left or right side, depending on which way you want it to curl. this is a pretty common method. you still get a decent amount of power, while maintaining the spin
Hala Galacticos

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wow that helps a lot man. But i still want to learn how to top spin the ball. Does anyone have a walkthrough for it around here?
Tigers of Asia, Corea

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