A grassroots football coaching publication

7v7 · Issue 01 · Chapter 3 · Position five of five

Striker

Give us somewhere to play

9 · Striker7v7 · 2-3-1
Sometimes come towards the ball to help us connect.Number 9 moves towards the midfield line to become a shorter pass for number 8, with the wide midfielders providing width.989117

Sometimes come towards the ball to help us connect.

Other times run into space beyond the defence to help teammates.Number 9 runs higher behind a pair of opponents while number 8 stays available as a supporting passer.989117SPACE AHEAD

Other times run into space beyond the defence to help teammates.

How We Play illustration based on reviewed guidance. Starting positions are not fixed.
Key
  • Us
  • Ball
  • Run
  • Pass
  • Started here
  • Them

Ask yourself

Do we need a short pass or space ahead?
✓ Coaching reviewed · 22 October 2026

Written by Niall Walsh, grassroots football coach and founder of How We Play. Coaching reviewed by David Wilson on 22 October 2026.

Your jobs

  1. Stay available ahead so we have somewhere to play forwards.
  2. Sometimes show towards the ball to support 8 and the wide players.
  3. At other times, threaten space behind the defenders to create room for teammates.
  4. When the opposition build, help slow their options instead of chasing everyone.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 2Big with it, small without itBall ours? Wide. Ball theirs? Closer.
  2. Principle 4Lose it, find homeWho slows them? Where do I help?