END LINE FINISHING

Set Up:

Players 1 and 2 begin the drill with runs from the left goal post into the center, turning right to run around the flags. Players 6 and 8 set the ball back from the end line for them to finish. After players 1 and 2 shoot, Players 3 and 4 make their runs from the end line to finish passes from Players 5 and 7. After each shot, the shooters take the spot of who passed to them and the passers move over to the shooting line at the other post. The drill begins in a counter-clockwise direction and changes every five minutes.

Coaching Points:

1.  Once you are past the mannequins, slow down your run in order to adjust to the pass.

2.  Just make solid contact as opposed to overpowering the ball.

3.  Approach the ball from a forty-five degree angle rather than coming straight on.

Progressions/Regressions:

Progression 1 – Work on breakaway finishing and go 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.

Set Up:  

There are 14 players set up in the attacking third, playing 3v2 in the penalty with attacking lines starting at the cones. To start the drill, the Feeder plays the ball outside to Player 1 (or Player 2). Player 1 carries towards the end line and the attackers look to finish 4v2 from there. If the defenders win the ball, they can score in the two small goals outside of the penalty area. The Feeder alternates service to both sides, and new strikers rotate into the penalty area every five minutes. The defenders switch out after every ball.  

Coaching Points:

1.  As the two defenders slide over towards the ball, make blind side runs in behind them.

2.  Step out and show yourself. Don’t hide behind a defender.

3.  Fake the cross before trying to turn the corner and take the ball to the end line.

Progressions: 

1.  Include both flank players in the drill.

Set Up:  

There are 17 players set up in the attacking third, playing 4v4 plus one in a large central zone and 1v1 plus one in the two flank zones set up inside of the 18. Play begins in the central zone, and the attackers look to pass into one of the flank zones from there. Once it is passed in, the players in the opposite flank zone may enter the penalty area. The attackers then pass from the flank zone into the penalty area for a finish on goal. When the defending team wins the ball, they must play it back out into the central zone before attacking the goal. After a goal is scored or the ball is played out of touch, the Feeder re-starts play.  

Coaching Points:

1.  Maintain possession until a good opportunity to pass into the next zone presents itself. 

2.  Attackers in the flank zones should use the entire space to create time to pass.

3.  Delay the runs to the far and near post until the chance to cross develops.

Progressions: 

1.  Allow central zone players to enter the penalty area.  

Set Up:  

14 players are set up on a small field, playing 4v4 plus four. During play, the attacking team can use the four neutral players stationed on the end lines, but the neutrals are limited to one touch. When a goal is scored or the ball is put out of play, the game is re-started by the Feeder. After five minutes, the neutral players switch out with one of the teams.

Coaching Points:

1.  Look for long passes to the goal line, forcing the defenders to cover the entire space.

2.  Start your run to goal when the defender turns his head.

3.  Create 2v1 combinations with a quick transition after you win the ball. 

Progressions: 

1.  First time finishes only. 

Set Up:

Two teams play on a field a bit smaller than a full field - penalty area width and one end line moved up to the edge of one penalty area. The length of the game is 30-40 minutes and play is continuous, meaning no stoppages by the coaching staff to instruct. If the coach desires, he can use two minutes at the halfway point to water break and to give very brief instructions, something pertaining to the coaching topic for the practice.

The two teams should not let the other team know what formation that they are playing, and they should try to run a formation that is different from that of the other team. Once the game has started, it is up to the players to sort out the other teams' attacking and defending shapes.

Coaching Points:

NONE!

Progressions:

1.  Extend the width of the field out to the sidelines. Allow teams to make changes in positions and/or formations during that short break. 

2.  The coach can move players or groups of players to create the desired match ups. For example, starting back line versus starting strikers.