Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Shooting/Finishing + Finishing SSG (Week 2)

Shooting Sequence

Shooting Principle: Running onto a Moving Ball to Strike

Time: 20 minutes rotate roles every 5 minutes

Players: 5+ (including at least 1 goalkeeper)

Space & Equipment:

• 1 goal 

• Cones to mark positions Red cones - Next player. Blue cones - queuing players. Flat cones for green striped aiming area if required.

• Several footballs 

Organisation

• Set up two red players on the wings near the corners of the pitch.

• Position two blue players about 3–5 metres outside the goal area, in line with the area corners.

• One goalkeeper in goal.

• Split players into four groups rotate after 5 minutes.

Description

• A red winger passes or crosses the ball into the space in front of the blue player furthest from them.

• The blue attacker runs onto the moving ball and attempts a first-time shot at goal.

• After shooting, players rotate if more than one player on section.

• Repeat from both sides so players practise finishing with both feet.

Objective: Encourage attackers to time their run and strike the ball while it is moving.

Coaching Points

• Crisp, accurate passes/crosses into space.

• Good timing of the run from the attacker.

• Head up before striking to see the goal.

• Correct body shape to strike first time.

• Aim for corners of the goal.

Progression

Increase difficulty by adding:

• Floated crosses instead of ground passes.

• A pressing defender who starts near the shooter and applies pressure before the shot.

Regression

To make the drill easier:

• Allow the attacker to take a controlling touch before shooting.

• Reduce the distance between passer and shooter.

• Use no defender and start with slow ground passes.

• Allow the attacker to start closer to the ball instead of running from deeper.

This practice develops:

• Timing runs onto the ball

• First-time finishing

• Crossing accuracy

Finishing Drill (20 mins)

Topic:

Shooting on the Turn

Principle:

Quick finishing under pressure using effective body positioning and awareness.

Time:

20 minutes (depending on number of players)

Space and Equipment:

• 2 rows of white cones (channel/area markers)

• 1 row of red cones (defender starting position)

• 1 goal

• 2 mini goals or the mannequins from the previous routine (for defender transition)

• Cones to mark player starting positions

• Supply of footballs

Players:

6–12 players

Physical Focus:

Agility, balance, coordination, explosive acceleration, lower-body power, and competitive reaction speed.

Description:

Set up a central channel using two rows of white cones leading toward goal. Position a defender centrally, just goal side of the red cones. The defender becomes active as the return pass is played and aims to press quickly, block the direct shooting line, and counter into the side mini goals if possession is won.

The coach starts the practice by passing into the Red player. The Red player plays a one-two pass with the Blue player positioned higher up the pitch (near the centre-circle area). As the Red player receives the return pass, the defender applies immediate pressure.

The Red player must turn under pressure, move the ball quickly into a shooting position, and finish before exiting the coned channel area. If the defender wins the ball, they transition quickly and attempt to score in either mini goal (or by hitting the mannequines from the previous routine) simulating getting the ball out wide when possession is won. If the goal keeper gathers the ball, distribute to the mini goals (pass, throw or roll)

Rotate roles regularly to maintain intensity, realism, and repetition.

Coaching Points:

• Quality, weight, and timing of the one-two pass

• Awareness of defender’s position before receiving

• Open body shape to allow turning both sides

• Positive first touch away from pressure

• Quick decision on direction of turn

• Explosive movement past the defender

• Early shot with minimal touches

• Head over the ball and controlled finishing technique

• Immediate reaction to transition (attack or defend)

Progression:

• Add an additional live defender starting from the red cone line

• Limit the attacker to 1–2 touches after receiving the return pass

• Add a time constraint (must shoot within 3 seconds)

• Vary the angle and distance of the initial pass

• Finish with weaker foot only

Regression:

• Start with passive defensive pressure

• Allow unlimited touches before shooting

• Increase the width of the channel

• Remove the counter-attacking mini goals

• Reduce tempo to focus on technical quality

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Finishing SSG

Animation is for Round 1 & 2