Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shooting

Shooting Tennis

Organization:

Within the 30x20yd area, set up 3 fields of 8 x 18-20 yds

Instructions:

- Teams attempt to score by shooting the ball past the two opponents, between the two markers.

- In order for a shot to be considered in play, it must touch the other teams surface once it crosses the "net". If it just flies high over the endline without touch the ground first, it does not count.

- Each player has 1 touch only, for a maximum of 2 touches by the time is sent back over

- Ball must always be rolling, if it stops, its a point for the opponent

- Ball may not go over sidelines, if it does, point for the opponent

- 5 points if successul in getting the ball past the 2 defenders

- Play for 2-4 minute rounds, promotion and relegation, winner moves up, loser moves down.

- If you have an odd number of players, you may have a team of 3 who must only have 2 players touch before the ball gets shot across again

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Good body position to prepare yourself for the shot, allowing you to be behind the ball with room to approach, and able to see the target

- Proper shooting technique to keep the shot low and accurate. Approach step should be last and largest step, allowing for body to lean over the ball with knees bent, and shifting weight towards the ball as if tackling someone with shoulders forward and arms out at side for balance.

- Choice of using inside of foot or laces based on desired outcome of power or placement

- Recognition of best area to aim for

Shooting Tennis - Progression

Progressions:

- Add incentives for using weaker foot: 10pts for successful attemps

- Defenders can use hands as GKs. A save with hands does not count as a touch, but they must try to keep the ball in play quickly

- Call your shot: If player calls out a goal before shooting and then scores, they get double points. If they miss they lose 5

- Players must rotate responsibilities, whoever shot last must not be the receiver/preparer and teammate becomes the shooter

- Players may shoot within 1 touch, without teammate getting a touch, if successful they get 10 points