How to Be a Better Attacker in 6-a-Side Football
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Over the last couple of months, we’ve given you hints and tips on how to become a better goalkeeper and defender for your 6-a-side team. Now it’s time to take a look at the other end of the pitch and see what makes a good attacker or striker.
1
Know Your Role
In our article about defence tactics, we talked about how the defender should always be ready to move ahead with the ball if required. If you’re playing in attack, then the opposite is true, particularly if you’re playing a formation with only one striker. If your team loses control of the ball, it can be tempting to move back towards your own goal to help in defence.
Try to resist that urge at all costs. You need to stay in position, ready to receive a long pass from your teammates, and sneak in a shot on goal whenever it presents itself.
2
Don’t Fear the Keeper
In 6-a-side football, blocking is key, and it’s a tactic employed by defenders and goalies alike. As a striker, it’s important that you’re not intimidated by an opposing player blocking your path.
Whether you choose to dance around them with some fancy footwork or use your own bulk to convince them to stand aside is down to your build and preference as a player, but the other team will try to block you if you’re in an attack position.
3
Play the numbers
The more shots you take at the opposition goal, the better chance you have at scoring; it really is as simple as that. Learn to take advantage of every opportunity. 6-a-side games are shorter than 11-man games, so don’t waste your time dithering with the ball, trying to line up a perfect shot.
Not only does it give the other side’s defenders a chance to steal, but it also winds down the clock, which might cost you another opportunity down the line. Get the ball and hammer it home; if the goalie saves it, bad luck. Get ready for the next one.
4
Power and precision
The quality of your attack is down to two things: the strength of your shot and the accuracy of your aim. In 6-a-side, both skills are important, so make them a part of your training regimen. Remember, you’ll be shooting from a shorter distance than in regular football, with no overhead kicks allowed. With the right mix of precision and power, you can really put off the opposition goalie with thunderous attacks on goal.
5
Solo or duet
Most 6-a-side teams play with one man up front, giving them the versatility they need in midfield to adapt to sudden changes on the pitch. If that’s the case, follow the advice we’ve already given in this article. If your team plays with two up front, you need to add another facet to your skill set: communication. Both you and the other striker need to know where the other is at all times. There’s no point in both of you targeting the ball, as it leaves a gap in your play when the other team sneaks it past you. Make sure the two of you know what the other is doing at all times and be ready to pass rather than shoot if the other striker has a better chance of putting it away.
Register your team
If you’re ready to put together your own 6-a-side football team, whether you want to be in attack or not, get in touch with Soccer Gods today and register your interest in joining a local league.