Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Dave Kitson Shooting Drill

Animation 1

Setup:

• Two teams lined up at opposite sides of the goal (outside the 18-yard box).

• Set two cones about 5–7 yards outside the top corners of the 18-yard box (one cone per team).

• A ball is placed at the top of the box (central).

Instructions:

• On the coach’s signal, the first player in each line sprints around their cone (opposite side of where they start).

• The first player to the ball becomes the attacker, the second becomes the defender.

• The attacker has 5 seconds or fewer to try and score.

• The defender must delay, tackle, or block the shot.

• Rotate teams quickly after each rep.

Coaching Points:

• Attacker: Speed into the ball, decision-making, head up, change of pace, finishing under pressure

• Defender: Close space quickly, angle of approach, delay don’t dive in

• Encourage competitive spirit but also control

Progressions:

• Add a second ball for rebound play

• Vary starting positions (side of goal, from midfield, etc.)

• Add a passing combination before the 1v1 begins