A forward is the attacking player who plays furthest up the pitch and carries the main job of scoring goals. This guide explains what a forward is, what they do, and the different types you will see on the field.
Whether you are a new player, a parent, or a fan, you will learn how forwards create chances, how they differ from strikers, and how to start playing the position well.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Definition: A forward is an attacking player who plays closest to the opponent's goal and is mainly responsible for scoring.
- Core duties: Forwards finish chances, create goals, press defenders, and link play with the midfield.
- Many types: Centre-forward, second striker, false nine, winger, and inside forward each play the role differently.
- Forward vs striker: Every striker is a forward, but not every forward is a striker.
- Skill mix: Finishing, movement, speed, and work rate matter as much as raw goal-scoring.
What Is a Forward in Soccer?
A forward, also called an attacker, is an outfield player who plays further up the pitch than midfielders and defenders. Their advanced position and limited defensive duties mean forwards normally score more goals than any other player on the team.
Forwards line up closest to the opponent's goal, ready to receive passes and attack space behind the defense. Understanding where each role fits is easier when you review our guide to soccer positions explained.
- Position on the pitch: The front line of the team, often in the center but sometimes wide near the touchlines.
- Primary purpose: To create and finish goal-scoring chances for the team.
- Mindset: Always looking to find space and arrive in dangerous areas at the right moment.
What Does a Forward Do in Soccer?
A forward's main job is to score goals and create chances near the opponent's box. Beyond finishing, the modern forward also presses defenders, links play, and helps win the ball back.
Centre-forwards actually perform some of the most high-intensity running of any position, much of it while pressing without the ball[1]. This shows how much off-ball work the role now demands.
- Scoring: Finishing chances inside the penalty area with feet or head.
- Creating: Setting up teammates through crosses, cut-backs, and through balls.
- Pressing: Chasing defenders to force mistakes and act as the first line of pressure.
- Link-up play: Holding the ball up so midfielders can join the attack, a skill helped by good soccer passing.
- Set pieces: Often taking penalties and acting as primary targets on corners.
The Main Types of Forwards
Forwards come in several types, each with a distinct job and ideal player profile. The table below summarizes the most common roles in the modern game.
| Forward type | Where they start | Main job | Strong if you are |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre-forward (No. 9) | Central, highest line | Finish chances, occupy centre-backs | Good at finishing, timing, aerial duels |
| Second striker | Just behind the No. 9 | Link play, arrive late in the box | Aware, quick in combinations |
| False nine | Drops into midfield pockets | Create overloads, pull centre-backs out | Strong at scanning, passing, turning |
| Winger / wide forward | Wide channel near touchline | Win 1v1s, deliver crosses, cut inside | Fast, skillful, a good crosser |
| Inside forward | Starts wide, attacks the box | Diagonal runs, finishing | Good at off-ball runs, angled shots |
Centre-Forward / Striker (No. 9)
The centre-forward leads the line and traditionally wears the number 9 shirt, with the job of scoring the majority of the team's goals.
Second Striker
The second striker plays just behind the main striker, linking midfield to attack and arriving late in scoring positions.
False Nine
A false nine wears the 9 but drops into midfield to link play, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for wingers to attack.
Winger / Wide Forward
A winger plays wide near the touchline to beat full-backs and deliver crosses, while inverted wingers cut inside onto their stronger foot to shoot.
Inside Forward
An inside forward starts wide but makes diagonal runs into the box, sharpening finishing with regular soccer dribbling drills.
Forward vs Striker: What Is the Difference?
The word forward is a broad term for any attacking player, while a striker is a specific kind of forward who plays nearest to the goal. So every striker is a forward, but not every forward is a striker.
The terms striker and centre-forward are often used interchangeably, since both lead the line and focus on scoring.
| Aspect | Forward | Striker |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Any attacking player | One specific position |
| Position | Close to goal, not always closest | Nearest player to the opposition goal |
| Main job | Score and create | Mainly score |
| Example roles | Winger, second striker, centre-forward | The central No. 9 or lone striker |
Key Skills and Attributes of a Great Forward
Great forwards blend finishing, movement, speed, and dribbling with strong tactical awareness. The exact mix depends on the role, but every forward needs to find space and make smart decisions at game speed.
In one analysis of a men's Serie A team, forwards performed more dribbles and shots than other positions, and their sprint bursts were strongly linked to assists[2]. A study of youth players also noted that forwards need quick judgment and the ability to find gaps in the defense[3].
- Finishing: Composure and accuracy to convert chances inside the box.
- Off-ball movement: Well-timed runs to lose markers and arrive in dangerous areas.
- Speed and dribbling: Pace and 1v1 skill, especially important for wingers, built through soccer drills for beginners.
- Strength: Power for hold-up play and duels, supported by best strength exercises for soccer.
- Stamina: Work rate to press for a full match, which you can develop as you build soccer stamina.
How Forwards Fit Different Formations
The number and type of forwards change with the formation a team uses. The shape decides whether a forward plays alone, in a pair, or as part of a front three.
- 4-4-2: Two forwards share the job, with one running in behind and one dropping to link play.
- 4-3-3: A central striker plays with two wide forwards who stretch the defense and cut inside.
- 4-2-3-1: A lone striker leads the line, supported by an attacking midfielder and wide players.
Knowing your formation helps you read when to make runs, a decision tied closely to what is offsides in soccer.
How to Play Forward Well: Practical Tips
Playing forward well comes down to constant movement, smart positioning, and sharp finishing. The video below breaks down striker positioning and movement to help you create space and score more goals.
- Keep moving: Avoid standing still, and always look for the next run into space.
- Play the way you face: When marked tightly, a simple pass back beats a risky turn.
- Time your runs: Arrive behind defenders as the ball is played, not before.
- Practice finishing: Repetition builds the composure needed in front of goal.
FAQs About Forwards in Soccer
What is a forward in soccer?
A forward is an attacking player who plays furthest up the pitch, closest to the opponent's goal. Their main job is to score goals and create chances for teammates. Because they play so high and have limited defensive duties, forwards usually score more goals than any other position on the team.
What does a forward do in soccer?
A forward scores goals, creates chances with passes and crosses, and makes runs to find space behind defenders. In the modern game they also press opponents to win the ball back, link play with midfielders, and often take penalties. Centre-forwards do some of the most high-intensity running on the team while pressing.
What is the difference between a forward and a striker?
Forward is a broad term for any attacking player, including wingers, second strikers and centre-forwards. A striker is a specific type of forward who plays nearest to the opposition goal and focuses most on scoring. So every striker is a forward, but not every forward is a striker. The terms striker and centre-forward are often used interchangeably.
What are the main types of forwards in soccer?
The main forward types are the centre-forward or striker who leads the line and scores, the second striker who plays just behind and links play, the false nine who drops into midfield to create space, the winger or wide forward who attacks from the flanks, and the inside forward who starts wide but cuts in to shoot.
What skills do you need to play forward in soccer?
Good forwards combine finishing, off-the-ball movement, speed and dribbling. Strikers need composure in front of goal and intelligent runs, while wingers rely on pace and one-on-one skills. Modern forwards also need stamina and work rate to press defenders. Practicing finishing, sprinting and ball control regularly helps you develop the complete forward skill set.
Conclusion
A forward is the attacking player closest to goal, tasked with scoring and creating chances. The role spans many types, from the central No. 9 to wide wingers and the false nine.
If you are starting out, focus on movement, finishing, and fitness, then learn how your role changes with each formation.
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes about soccer positions and play. Consult a qualified coach or trainer for guidance tailored to your level, age, and goals.
References
1. Rhini M, Hickner RC, Naidoo R, Sookan T. The physical demands of the match according to playing positions in a South African Premier Soccer League team. South African Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024;36(1):v36i1a16752. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11294669/
2. Perrotta R, Ungureanu AN, Cherubini D, Brustio PR, Lupo C. Technical, Tactical, and Time-Motion Match Profiles of the Forwards, Midfielders, and Defenders of a Men's Football Serie A Team. Sports (Basel, Switzerland). 2025;13(2). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11860454/
3. Joo CH, Seo DI. Analysis of physical fitness and technical skills of youth soccer players according to playing position. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation. 2016;12(6):548-552. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5227316/
