Volleys and Half-Volleys From Lofted Serves
A server on the side lofts balls into the box; the finisher arrives and strikes on the volley or half-volley. Technique first, then power.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 4–12
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 25 × 30 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Intermediate
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing, Crossing
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Many chances fall in the air after a cross or a clearance. Finishing them needs timing: keep the head over the ball, strike through the middle, and choose between side-foot (accuracy) and laces (power). Serves are thrown or chipped so the flight is consistent.
Objective
Strike volleys and half-volleys on target with a controlled technique.
Organisation
- Finisher queue 14–16 m from goal; a server on the side of the box with balls; goalkeeper in goal.
How it works
- The server lofts the ball to the penalty spot area; the finisher volleys first time.
- 3 series: side-foot volleys, laces volleys, half-volleys (after one bounce).
- Change server every series; alternate sides.
Coaching points
- Watch the ball onto the foot.
- Knee over the ball for a low volley; lean back only if you want height.
- Short contact: side-foot through the middle, ankle locked.
Progressions
- Serves from further out, at different heights.
- Add a defender who closes the finisher.
Regressions
- Throw the ball from closer and allow a bounce for all strikes.
Variations
- Side volleys (scissor) for advanced players.
Key principles
- Head still, contact through the middle.
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