Goalhanging

Goalhanging is a tactical approach in team sports that describes a forward or attacking player who remains stationed near the opponent's goal, often with minimal involvement in general build-up play. The term is used in football (soccer) and ice hockey, and to a lesser extent in other sports. In football, goal-hanging usually refers to a striker who plays high and central, waiting for through balls, crosses, or layoffs to finish chances, rather than actively dropping back to participate in pressing or combination play. In ice hockey, players may linger near the crease to screen the goalie or capitalize on rebounds and quick passes from wingers.

Implementing goalhanging relies on pace, spatial awareness, and clinical finishing. The strategy can exploit disorganized defenses or a defensive line caught out of position, especially against teams that press high or play with a single striker. It can also reduce the attacking team's buildup time when service is rapid and accurate.

The approach carries notable downsides. It risks frequent offsides in football, leaves the rest of the attack with less involvement, and can invite tighter marking or counterattacks if the player is isolated. Against well-drilled defenses, goal-hanging may fail to generate sustained pressure and can hamper team balance.

In practice, goalhanging is often described as the "poacher" or "target man" aspect of a forward's game and is seen as one element within larger tactical systems. It is generally employed selectively, in concert with other players who contribute to ball progression and pressing.

See also: poacher (association football), target man, crease play.