Sunday, May 23, 2010

HowTo: Play the #9 position

Here are the match responsibilities for a Sac United #9

The Central Striker: Individual Tasks During Possession
  • be open! available for a pass at the right moment
  • pick up the ball from defense & midfield & ball from sides
  • cooperation with #10 > create space for mids
  • control over ball / combination
  • individual action
  • compete for balls in the air
  • read the play
    • individual action --> dribble
    • search for the combination/pass
  • capacity to score
    • over the ground
    • through the air
  • must be able to play with your back to the goal / play the way you face. (look to "drop the ball" one line)
  • always sprinting into spaces
  • always thinking goal
With this in mind, here are some examples of good #9 play from the recent Champions League Final.

Here the #9 challenges for the 50/50 in the air. Finds the #10. Then quickly sprints into space to get behind the defense and receive a pass. And then apply the finish. Classic #9!

Inter Milan Vs Bayern Munich 1-0 Milito 22/05/2010

In this next clip, the #9 picks up the ball around the half field line. While the #11 makes a strong run (holding the central defenders attention) the #9 takes on the defender with one thing in his mind.  Score! 

Bayern Munich 0 - 2 Inter Milan [matchhighlight.com]

Sometimes as a goal poacher you have to be greedy in front of goal!

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