🎯 Target-Striker 5v5

The target striker role — a player who can receive with their back to goal, hold possession, bring teammates into play, and link build-up with attack — is one of the most tactically specific and physically demanding roles in football. Developing target striker skills benefits every forward, regardless of system, because the ability to function as a link player turns a striker into a complete attacker. This drill trains the specific skills: hold-up play, linkage, turning, and combining under pressure.

• 1 ball per game
• Cones for a 40×30 yard area
• One full-size goal with goalkeeper at one end
• 10 players: one designated target striker (attacking team) + 4 supporting attackers vs 5 defenders
• Bibs

• Receiving with back to goal: target striker must shield the ball with their body, using arms to feel the defender and hips to turn. Receiving flat-footed is the biggest mistake.
• Hold-up awareness: target striker scans before the ball arrives — knowing if a supporter is close (quick lay-off) or far (hold the ball and wait for support).
• Turning: if the target striker can sense that the defender is passive or off-balance, turn immediately — don't hold if you can turn. The turn is the most dangerous moment for defenders.
• Combination play: the target striker is the apex of triangles — always available, always involved. Lay back, check behind, play into the runner, and follow up for the rebound.
• Defender's response: the central defender must body-up the target striker without fouling, using position rather than strength. Train the defender as much as the striker.

• Target striker turns and immediately loses the ball — only turn if there is space and time. When in doubt, lay off.
• Supporting players don't arrive in time to support the target — the drill fails if four attackers wait while the striker holds. They must arrive immediately.
• Target striker holds too long — waiting for the perfect pass allows the defender to crowd them. Release when the option is available.
• Poor body shape receiving — square-on to the defender means the striker loses every physical duel. Side-on (hip toward the defender) is the correct stance.
• Striker ignores the lay-off option — sometimes the smartest play is a simple lay-off to feet. Encourage this before attempting to turn.

Use in sessions where the team plays with a target striker system (4-4-2, 4-5-1, 3-5-2) or when working on how to play through pressure in the final third. Great for developing physical forwards who currently only function as pure finishers, teaching them to hold and link as well.