Attacking



1. The Attacker's job is to score goals and help other players score goals.

2. When the other team has a goal kick our attacker must stand on the edge of the penalty area in front of the ball and make their goalkeeper kick the ball wide.

3. Attackers should usually do one of two things when they get the ball. (a) shoot or header at goal. (If are in the shooting area) (b) pass to a team mate. Both of these things should be done as quickly as possible. (See 7 below)

4. When we are defending, attackers can come back to just over the halfway line. Ready to receive the ball and attack again.

5. When we are attacking, at least one attacker must be in position in front of goal waiting for a pass. (You can't score unless you're in front of goal!!!)



6. When our midfield player has the ball the attacker should take up a position, diagonally in front of him. The attacker should be at least half facing toward the other teams goal.

7. Attackers should not dribble except in the last third of the pitch in a one-on-one situation. (Most children have not been taught how to dribble correctly and slow the team up or lose the ball. A good rule is not to dribble at all unless you have learnt a recognised technique. (The ‘Matthew’s dribble’, the ‘Double Touch’ the ‘Scissors’ etc.) REMEMBER IF YOU CAN : SHOOT!!!!

8. Attackers should always be trying to get between their marker and the goal. (However - remember offside)

9. All attackers should know the offside laws and make sure they are always on-side.

10. Attackers should never try to turn with the ball. (9 out of 10 times they will lose it). If they are facing away from the other teams goal, they should lay the ball off. - This means play it back or sideways to one of our team.

11. When the ball is being played in from the wing, the attacker should be waiting, behind the line of the ball. Players crossing the ball will be expected to pull it back whenever possible. (We will practice this).

12. Attackers need to know what is meant by the defenders "blind side", and learn how to take advantage of this.

13. In the other teams penalty area the attacker should be looking to shoot as soon as possible (Either first time or after one touch.) If he cannot do this he should pass.

14. Attackers should decide what they are going to do before the ball gets to them.

15. It is easier to mark two players standing near each other. Strikers should keep fifteen yards between them most of the time. (Remember one at least must always be in a position to put the ball in the net).