Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Shooting - Technical breakdown (Session 1)

Set & Shoot (15 mins)

Pitch size: 40 x 30 yards

Description: Two lines of players facing either goal with an individual player positioned roughly 10 yards from goal. The player at the front of the line passes to the individual who sets the ball for a shot. Once the player shoots then they become the setter, once a player sets then they rejoin the line.

Switch sides of feeding so players use both feet (do unopposed both sides before doing opposed on both sides).

Technical breakdown:

1. Get your body in a position to strike

2. Angled approach

3. Non-kicking foot beside the ball 

4. Head over the ball

5. Select surface

6. Follow through

7. Accuracy

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progression: Introduce a defender in-place of the setter. Further from the goal. Limit touches to ensure shooting from distance

Regression: Remove the setting part of the drill. Shorten distance from goal.

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

Challenges: Using a different surface area to strike the ball (laces, inside, outside), foot being used (strong or weak), shooting with their first touch.

Conditions: Attacking an 11-a-side goal from a realistic area for shooting (edge of the 18 yard box)

Targets: 1) Hit the target 2) Score past the goalkeeper 3) Hitting the side netting

Free-play SSG (40 mins)

Pitch size: 40 x 30 yards

Description: Free-play game with constraints to introduce depending on amount of shots being executed.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progression: Can only shoot when a player is set-up from a player that is position in front of the shooter. Shoot with first touch. 

Regression: 3 attackers vs. 1 defender + GK stuck in each half of the pitch with 2 players free to move through both halves - this can be done to only one team is scores are heavily weighted to a dominating team. If more is needed; 4 attackers vs. 2 defenders + GK in each half.

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

Challenges: Shooting with their first touch, individual challenges for players to score with a specific part of the foot.

Targets: If shorts are not going in then points scoring system. 1 point for a saved shot, 3 points for a goal.