Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): SSE - Shooting Session - Template

Warm-Up 1 (5 mins)

Warm-Up – Part 1: Finesse Circuit Rotation
Game Model Moment: Attacking Phase
Principle: Final Third Execution
Sub-Principle: Finesse Finishing (Rounding/Chipping GK, Composed Finishing)

Organisation:

• Set up two goals positioned on opposite ends of a 20-30m wide space.

• Central starting point marked with a cone at halfway between both goals.

• Each player begins at the central cone.

• A feeder (coach or player) stands 5-8m from the central cone, facing one of the goals.

Instructions:

• The feeder plays a ball into the attacker’s feet.

• The attacker receives, turns away from the feeder, and drives toward the opposite goal to finish (1v0).

• After finishing, the attacker immediately recovers back to the middle cone.

• They receive a second ball from the goal they’ve just shot at and repeat the process in the opposite direction.

• Each player completes 4 finishes in a single round – alternating direction and goal.

Key Focus Points:

• Sharp turn and positive first touch into space.

• Head up to assess the GK position – select finish type (low, high, around, chip).

• Timing and body shape to disguise intent.

• Composure – don’t rush the shot, focus on quality over power.

• Recovery speed and mental reset between finishes.

Progression:

• Introduce passive pressure to simulate defensive presence.

• Adjust angle or type of service (e.g., bouncing pass, aerial feed).

Duration:

• 4 sets per player

• 60–90 seconds active rotation per set

Game 1 - Quick Shooting (15 mins)

Game 1 – Quick Fire Diamond Finishing
Game Model Moment: Attacking Phase
Principle: Final Third Execution
Sub-Principle: Finesse Finishing (Speed of Execution, Technical Variation)

Organisation:

• 30x30m diamond-shaped pitch

• 2 goals placed at each end of the diamond

• 6 cones to mark diamond corners and central zones

• 6v6 inside the diamond

• 2–4 neutral players positioned on the outside of the diamond (supporting both teams)

• Supply of balls behind each goal

Instructions:

• Game begins as a 6v6 inside the diamond.

• Neutral players on the outside help maintain possession and create shooting chances.

• Encourage players to shoot early and under pressure.

• Reset play immediately from goal line after each finish to maintain tempo.

Scoring Incentives:

• 1st-time finishes = 2 points

• Finishes with weaker foot = 2 points

• Regular goal = 1 point

Coaching Points:

• Use of body or quick movement to create space to shoot.

• Recognise when to use finesse vs. power based on angle and pressure.

• Keep scanning – where’s the goalkeeper? Where are defenders?

• Movement off the ball to support the shooter or react to rebounds.

• Play at speed – if you can't shoot, shift it quickly to a teammate who can.

• Finish with purpose – aim to beat the GK, not just hit the target.

Conditions & Progressions:

• Neutral players limited to 1 or 2 touches

• Encourage 1-touch finishing when possible

• Introduce defender pressure on ball receiver

• Rotate teams or swap neutrals every 4 minutes

Game 2

Game 2 – Multi-Goal Scrimmage: Finishing with Intelligence
Game Model Moment: Attacking Phase
Principle: Final Third Execution
Sub-Principle: Finesse Finishing (Accuracy, Speed of Execution, Finishing Under Pressure)

Organisation:

• Set up a pitch (approx. 30m x 30m)

• 4 mini goals spread out in each corner of the grid

• Even-numbered teams (e.g. 5v5, 6v6)

• Standard match rules apply (kick-ins, restarts, etc.)

Instructions:

• Players can score in any of the four goals.

• Match continues until one team scores 5 goals.

• Quick rest and rotate into next game or adjust pairings.

• Encourage fast transition after possession is regained.

Coaching Points:

• Finishing IQ: Players must scan constantly and make fast decisions about which goal is most exposed.

• Weight vs. Power: Encourage side-foot finishes, toe-down lofts, or placed finishes over blasting the ball.

• Speed of Thought: Transition to attack quickly – first look forward when ball is won.

• Support Play: Movement off the ball to support the ball carrier and offer shooting angles.

• Shot Selection: When is the finesse finish the right option? Encourage chipping or placing over power in tight spaces.

• Body Shape: Open body to finish across the body or guide the ball into corners.

Progressions:

• Add condition: must score with weaker foot = 2 points

• Limit touches in attacking half to 3 or fewer to increase tempo

• Add bonus for 1-touch finishes or goals within 5 seconds of regaining possession