Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Finishing close to goal

8 v 8 Game (15 mins)

8 v 8 Game: Focus on attacking (20 mins)

Set-Up: Field is 70yds long x 50yds wide with a half-way line and 2 goals at either end. Two equal teams, with 2 GK's. The field is divided into thirds with offsides only in the final thirds. Balls distributed beside goal to keep the game flowing when balls go out of play.

Instructions: Play 8 v 8 with offside in effect. Re-start from the GK when a goal is scored or ball goes out of play.

Coaching Points: Have a positive attitude - look to get half turned and to shoot early. Movement to create shooting opportunities. Look to enter the attacking half under control. Quality of the first touch. Quality and technique of the shot (across the face of goal). Secondary scoring chances.

With a defender (15 mins)

Set Up: In the attacking third (use the attacking half if more space is required) one attacker receives from the server and looks to finish while being defended.

Instructions: The attacker creates the space to receive the ball and receives and can turn looking to finish or set up the server (1) - ideally with a first tiime shot. After the shot, the second server immediately attackes the space on the dribble(2). A recovering defender retreats to make it 3v2. Play quickly and look to finish within the minimum bumber of touches and/or passes.Rotate and repeat with new attackers and new defenders.

Key Factors: Attackers must move to create space before receiving the ball. Qualityand timing of the pass from the servers. Vary the receiving technique. Look to be a smart finisher, don't always use power. Finish any secondary chances. Quality of the first touch. Quality and technique of the shot (across the face of goal). Create space for yourself or a teammate. Combined movement and creative movement (ball and player). Hit the target as a priority.

8v8 game (20 mins)

Set Up: Play 8v8 with the focus on creating finishing opportunities.

Coaching Points: . Play forward as soon as it's on. Attack at SPEED. Movement to create shooting opportunities and/or space. Look to enter the attacking half under control, but with conviction. Timing of the pass to the target. Quality of the first touch. Quality and technique of the shot (across the face of goal). Secondary scoring chances.Creativity of the finish and the movement. Be patient if it is not on to go forward.