Practice: Better ball striking

WHY USE IT

Provides players with lots of repetition and opportunities to take shots on goal. The pressure from the defender provides a game-realistic scenario and, by adding a second attacker, decision-making is incorporated, alongside shooting under different conditions, such as after receiving a pass to feet and after running onto a through ball.

Set-up

Set up an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Keep the area relatively narrow to encourage shots on goal. 

You need a full-size goal at each end, with a goalkeeper. Divide players into two teams.

HOW it works

Each team starts beside a goal. A player from the Reds runs into the area with a ball and takes a shot at the opponent’s goal. Their turn ends if a goal is scored, the goalkeeper secures possession, or the ball goes out of play.

When this happens, a player from the Blues dribbles into the area to play 1v1 with the original player, who now defends their own goal.

If the goalkeeper secures the ball, they can pass out to the Red defender, who can attack again. This continues until the ball is out of play or a goal is scored. When this happens, a player from the Reds comes out to attack 1v1 against the Blue, who is now a defender.

PROGRESSIONS

When the first player has attacked unopposed, two players from the opposing team can attack, rather than one, to create a 2v1 overload. Once the turn ends, players reset and start again.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage players to take shots when the opportunity arises. Players should work on a range of finishing techniques, including striking the ball cleanly with laces and instep.

Players should place their non-striking foot alongside the ball and try to keep knee, chest and head over the ball to keep the shot down, and should aim to ‘lock’ their ankle when striking the ball.