Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Cross the River

Description

Dribbling is a key element and so is taking on an opponent, but the key concept of this drill is shooting.

Equipment and setup

• 20x30 yard area
• 4 or 6 mini goals total - 2 or 3 at either end.
• A ball for each player
• Defender with a different color bib/pinnie

Directions

Players dribble back and forth within a 2-minute timeframe and score as many goals as they can. They have to cross the river where the crocodile (defender) is trying to tackle them by poking the ball away (no contact). Once out of the river, the players shoot on any of the mini goals.

Once they've scored, they get their ball out of the goal and go to goal on the other side of the field, repeating the process. They are trying to score as many as possible and will try and beat the score

Shooting Coaching Points

• Don't rush the shot and concentrate on hitting the target.
• Stay balanced, quick look at the target, eye on the ball and don't try and kick it too hard.

Make it more difficult

Introduce a shooting area 3 yards away from the goal -  they cannot score beyond the line

Players can try and score in all of the goals, making it more difficult so they don't just dribble back and forth in a straight line and have to position their body to score at an angle

In the context of the game

It's important to practice dynamic shooting, as you would in the game, with the ball moving and slight pressure to help players become accustomed to being in those positions in a game, hitting the target with a moving ball.