A cool head in front of goal is an absolute must for all strikers, but all players can benefit from some finishing practice. In this soccer shooting drill, the soccer players can develop the key skills of hitting the target and striking through the ball.

This drill works with all levels of players, mini, junior and youth... although you may want to condition the defenders to favour the strikers.

The reason we condition the defenders is this is a finishing drill. It can become a pointless exercise if defenders constantly win the ball before a shot is taken. So, if this becomes the case, which it might at mini level, condition the defenders that they can only jockey (i.e. no tackles).

ORGANISATION

Using a half pitch practice, set up two goals... you can obviously adjust the playing area to suit the level and ability of your players. Split the group into two teams and provide coloured bibs.

Tell each player that they will be given a number and they need to react when their number is called so that they can contest a loose ball, either on their own in a 1 v 1 against an opponent or as part of a team if multiple numbers are called.

You (Coach) or a server starts the play with a ball played into the central area.

As the ball is played call a number or multiple of numbers for a small sided game, where by the players called contest the loose ball and attempt to shoot.

The key points on this exercise are

MINI (U5 to U8) & JUNIOR (U9 to U11)

• Speed of reaction and determination to get to the ball
• First touch into space and get turned facing the goal
• Close control, fakes & feints to create half a yard to get shot away
• Composure in front of goal
• Always hit the target
• Strike through the ball
• Work the keeper
• Shoot across the keeper

YOUTH (U12+)

• Shoot high into the goal
• Look for rebounds
• Pass the ball into the net
• Shoot early

Watch the video now of this drill and the key points to develop your soccer players

PROGRESSION

You can add many conditions on the strikers in this drill by conditioning players to:

• weaker foot shooting
• giving specific areas on the goal to score, top corners or bottom corners
• put a cone 1 yard from either post on the goal line, goals scored in this area count twice
• have a competition between the two teams
• put a time limit on the maximum amount of time the player is allowed to work with the ball to get their shot away... no longer than 7 seconds!

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