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Finishing exercises

Finishing drills should look like the situations in which goals are scored: a quick combination, a cross, a rebound or a shot on the turn. Keep queues short so every player shoots often.

Use a goalkeeper whenever possible and count goals — competition raises the quality of the finishing.

8 exercises

  • Circuit

    Finishing After a Wall Pass

    A one-two with a wall player at the edge of the box, around a mannequin, followed by a first-time finish against a goalkeeper.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    6–12
    Duration
    15 min

    IntermediateIntermediateFinishing

  • Waves

    Crossing and Finishing: Near Post, Far Post

    A winger dribbles down the line and crosses while three attackers attack the near post, the far post and the edge of the six-yard box — then the penalty spot.

    Age
    U13–​Senior
    Players
    8–14
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateIntermediateFinishing

  • Circuit

    Turn and Shoot with a Rebound

    A striker receives with their back to goal, turns around a mannequin and shoots. A second server immediately plays a loose ball into the box to finish.

    Age
    U9–​Senior
    Players
    5–10
    Duration
    12 min

    BeginnerIntermediateFinishing

  • Waves

    2v1 Overload to Goal

    Two attackers against one defender and a goalkeeper. The ball carrier must commit the defender, then decide: pass, or keep going and shoot.

    Age
    U9–​Senior
    Players
    6–12
    Duration
    15 min

    BeginnerGlobal2v1

  • Match

    4v4 Shoot on Sight

    4v4 with goalkeepers in a short pitch where players are encouraged to shoot early. Goals from their own half count double; every shot must be followed up.

    Age
    U9–​Senior
    Players
    10
    Duration
    20 min

    BeginnerGlobalSmall-Sided Games

  • Waves

    Corner Kick: Near-Post Flick-On Routine

    An in-swinging corner to the near post, where a runner flicks the ball on to a teammate attacking the far post. Four players, four clear jobs.

    Age
    U13–​Senior
    Players
    10–16
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateIntermediateSet Pieces

  • Match

    Match: Goals Only from Outside the Box

    5v5 with goalkeepers where only shots from outside the marked box count. Only the goalkeeper may stay in the box, except to follow up a saved shot.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    10–14
    Duration
    20 min

    BeginnerGlobalSmall-Sided Games

  • Match

    Match: Goals Only from Crosses

    Match with goalkeepers where a goal only counts if it comes from a cross played from one of the two wide crossing zones. Headers and volleys count double.

    Age
    U13–​Senior
    Players
    12–16
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateGlobalSmall-Sided Games

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