Forward

Forwards, also known as strikers, have the main objective of scoring goals. They are often the players who get the most attention since their role is designed to be in a scoring position.

They start the game on the midfield line (the line that divides the field in half). During the game, these players typically go as far forward as the opponent’s goal line (the end of the field). They do not usually get much closer to their own goal than the midfield line. When the ball is in play near their own goal, forwards are expected to stay around the midfield line so that the defensive players can do their job. They need to be ready to attempt to score when the ball comes back their way.

Forwards are often the players that take penalty kicks and corner kicks when the opposing team kicks the ball out of bounds. They are usually the players responsible for kicking off at the beginning of the game and at halftime.

Centre forward

These types of forwards, also known as the main striker, specifically have scoring goals as their main objective. They are typically the main focus of offensive plays. If a team opts for a more defensive formation, a centre forward may find themselves attacking a goal alone or holding onto a ball while their team comes in for a play.

Second Striker

This position, also known as a support striker, lies somewhere between a traditional forward and a midfielder. Their main duty is to make passes through openings to create shots for centre forwards as well as score goals themselves.

Winger

These types of forwards can play on either the right or left side of the field near the touchlines. Their objective is to quickly dribble past their opposing full-backs and pass the ball to a striker. If a team plays a more narrow formation in the midfield, they may not even use wingers.

These are the top 5 traits that good forwards possess (in order of importance):

1. Shooting ability. Forwards have one job – kicking the ball into the back of the net. Forwards should have excellent finishing ability. They should know how to shoot while under pressure and while running. They should know how to use every type of soccer shot effectively.
2. First touch ability. Forwards are marked tightly. They need the ability to receive passes (in the air and on the ground) under pressure without giving up the ball. Forwards need the ability to turn in one touch and touch balls away from defenders and shoot. Forwards need to act quickly to set up goals. By the time they’ve taken three touches the opportunity to score is gone.
3. Strength/Shielding ability. Forwards receive the ball with a defender on their back, get pushed around by small defenders, and need to get in a good position to win a header. You need strength and shielding ability for all of these situations (and many more). Shielding is also helpful when being double-teamed by defenders. A good forward can shield, slow down the play, then make a good pass.
4. While strength will help you succeed as a forward, weak, fast players can still be effective. Many teams use two forwards – one strong forwards who plays a supporting role and wins headers and another with great speed. Speed will help you dribble past defenders, make runs to the sidelines that result in crosses, and run after through balls played over defender’s heads. Speed also helps you pressure the defense.
5. Heading ability. You can score countless goals if you have good heading ability. Positioning, height, strength, and speed all help you win headers, but you need good heading technique to score consistently.