Forwards warm up with limited defensive pressure by practicing checking to the ball and creating good passing angles to receive the ball out of the midfield. They progress by facing increasing defensive pressure, which requires them to create combinations and work together. Drills help forwards recognize their movement off of each other, and in relation to the defenders, to create space for better attacking options. Midfielders and defenders learn how to recognize the forwards’ movements to see passing lanes and recognize opportunities for central and flank attacks. A final tactical game encourages the forwards to make well-timed and intelligent runs, and to combine with advancing midfielders to create goal scoring chances.

The most common formation in soccer is the 4-4-2. Playing with two forwards can provide a variety of attacking options. To be successful, these two forwards need to work together in their movements. They need to time and vary their runs to create spaces for each other and for attacking midfielders. Also, when in possession of the ball, they should look to support each other and combine to dissect defenses and create scoring opportunities.