Tips for Attacking Players Who Don't Just Rely on Speed

Lots of attacking players take great pride in their speed. They’re used to being one of the fastest players on the team, and this advantage has allowed them to consistently out-run defenders throughout their soccer journey. 

But then they get recruited to an elite club, and they’re facing a new level of competition.

Suddenly, out-running defenders isn’t so easy anymore. This is a very common dilemma for young strikers and wingers; in fact, it happens to every attacking player (sooner or later).  

Fortunately, speed isn’t the only weapon attacking players can rely on to get past defenders. 

What to Do When You Can’t Outrun a Defender 

Picture this: You have the ball at your feet, open field in front of you, but there’s a defender right on your tail. 

In the past, you may have been able to lose the defender by simply running a little faster. But this defender is matching you step for step, so it’s inevitable that you can’t turn the corner on them. 

Does this mean you’re too slow to be an attacking player? Absolutely not! 

It just means you need to supplement your speed with another tool in your tool box – like your physicality (even if you’re small). 

Physicality as a Ball-Handling Technique 

If you’re on a breakaway and a defender is gaining on you, put your body in front of them. Instead of trying to run away from the defender, run in front of them. This might feel counter-intuitive, but just bear with us. When you do this, you’re putting the defender in a very difficult situation.  

How Defenders Typically React to this Tactic

If you get in front of the defender, this person is probably going to do one of two things:

One: Pick up their speed so they run right through you, fouling you and getting themself a Red Card (assuming they’re the last defender).

Two: Try to get in front of you and win the ball. 

The second idea poses the biggest threat to the attacking player. But as you may have noticed, it is very hard to move around and in front of someone when you’re already running at top speed. Putting your body in front of a defender forces them to suddenly pivot from running at full speed to fighting you for the ball in close quarters, which isn’t the easiest transition. 

So, as long as you use your physicality to hold your position and continue forward, you’ll probably be able to keep the defender at bay and take an open shot on goal. 

Getting Physical in 1v1s 

Learning to use your physicality against defenders is highly beneficial for strikers because it improves your ability to dominate situations like these. As an attacking player, 1v1s should be your bread and butter.

You don’t have to be the fastest player on the field to be a great striker. You just need to be able to get past defenders and get good shots off quickly. That means maintaining control of the ball and sometimes taking shots when a defender is right in your face.

Using your body to dominate 1v1s is much easier when you’ve seen it in action. That’s why we created BGTV, a massive library of professional games clipped and organized by position. Each clip features high-level players making decisions you can emulate with analysis from professionals explaining exactly how the player knew what to do in this situation. The more footage you study and internalize into your memory, the easier it will be to navigate the similar situations in your own matches. 

Ready to check out BGTV? Use code FREEMONTH1 to get your first month free!