11 Responsibilities of a Football Forward

Forwards are often the most exciting players on the field, tasked with the crucial job of scoring goals. A true #11 knows their role is to find the back of the net. Here are the 11 essential responsibilities of a forward:

Scoring Goals: The primary role of a forward is to score goals. They are the team’s main offensive threat, always looking to convert opportunities into goals.

Chasing the Ball: When the ball is between the forward and the goal, they must make a run towards it, aiming to reach the ball before the goalkeeper or defenders.

Following Up Shots: Always be ready to follow up on shots taken by yourself or teammates. Many goals are scored from rebounds or deflected shots.

Supporting Teammates: If another forward has the ball, the first forward should move off the ball, staying within passing distance and providing support, positioning for a potential cross or pass.

Defensive Support: While primarily offensive, forwards need to drop back to support midfielders and defenders when the team is defending, but they don’t need to fall back too far.

Positioning for Passes: Position yourself in front of midfielders so they can pass the ball to you. Make runs to stay open for passes and provide clear options for your teammates.

Avoiding Offside: Learn to time your runs and maintain proper positioning to avoid being offside. Staying onside maximizes your chances of receiving the ball and scoring.

Trusting Teammates: Avoid the urge to drop back and collect the ball from midfielders. Trust your teammates to deliver the ball and focus on positioning for effective play.

Taking Set Pieces: Forwards are often responsible for taking set pieces such as corner kicks. Use these opportunities to create scoring chances or assist in goal-scoring efforts.

Assisting in Defense: When the ball is cleared or the team is defending, forwards should help retrieve clearances, get goal kicks, and support defensive efforts.

Maintaining Offensive Pressure: Keep up constant pressure on the opposition’s defense. Your movement and positioning should always aim to create scoring opportunities and disrupt the opponent’s defense.

By mastering these responsibilities, forwards can significantly impact their team's attacking prowess and overall game performance.