Finishing #3 – U8

Organization:

Area: 20y x 10y

Players start next to the goal and dribble to the halfway line before shooting. After they shoot, they become the goalkeeper.

Variations:

• Players must make 1v1 move before shooting.

• Players pass ball forward, run after it and must shoot with their second touch. Players must put the perfect weight on the ball, so they shoot from halfway the field. 

• The two players pass the ball to each other over the ground or through the air, receive the ball, dribble and shoot. 

• Players must use both feet, for dribbling and shooting. Shoot at one goal with the right foot, at other goal with the left foot. 

Game: Who scores the most goals, individually? Who score the most goals as a team? Which goalkeeper makes the most saves? 

Focus Points

• Dribbling technique. 

• 1v1 moves.

• Shooting technique.

• Passing technique. 

Organization:

Area: 25y x 12y

Set up two cones six yards apart about 15 yards from the goal. One defender starts between the two cones. The attacker dribbles at the defender, trying to beat him 1v1 and finish. The defender must stay on the imaginary line between the two cones at all times. When the attacker loses the ball, he becomes the defender. The defender switches to attacking.

Game: Each player keeps track of amount of goals scored. Who scored the most goals in a certain amount of minutes?

Coaching Points:

Attacker:

• Make speed, dribble with laces or outside foot.

• Look over the ball when dribbling or use peripheral vision. 

• When you get closer to the defender, keep the ball closer to your foot

• Make your move at the right moment. Not too far away or too close to the defender.  

• Explode after the move and score with a shot or 1v1 with the goalkeeper.

• Controlled finish.

Defender:

• Stand low in the knees, elbows bent.

• Move feet quickly with little steps to left and right.

• Win the ball back at the right moment. 

Goalkeeper:

• Get into the correct position in front of the goal and in the correct stance. 

• Deal with the shot or 1v1 situation properly. Use hands.

• After making a save, quickly distribute the ball to the teammate. Take advantage of the transition moment.  

When working with players in the younger age groups, or when a team has no designated goalkeepers yet, rotate players in as goalkeepers. 

Organization:

Area: 25y x 12y

Set up two cones six yards apart, about 15 yards from the goal. One defender starts between the two cones. The 2v1 starts with a pass from one attacker to the other. That attacker can beat the defender with a 1v1 move or pass it back to the other attacker. The attacker who loses the ball becomes the new defender. The attacker who shoots becomes the new goalkeeper.

Focus Points:

• Dribbling technique

• 1v1 moves

• Shooting technique

• Scoring

• Attackers must keep the field wide and stay in a position to be able to receive the pass. 

• Creative runs and passes; overlaps, wall passes, through balls, give and go's, and so forth. 

• Attack and create a scoring chance quickly; within 10 seconds. 

• Defenders must lower their stance and move quickly from left to right. Defend hard. 

Organization:

Area: 20y x 12y

The teams start on opposite endlines with a line of players at each post. The defending team passes the ball across the field to the attackers to start the 2v2. After each turn, the players switch sides.

Game: Keep track of the goals scored. Which pair scores the most goals?

Focus Points:

• Dribbling technique.

• 1v1 moves.

• Passing technique. 

• Shooting technique.

Attacking

• Keep the field wide. 
• Go for 1v1 move or pass?
• Creative runs, overlaps, give and go.
• Finishing. 
• Value the ball.

Defending

• First defender runs to the attacker with the ball, but not too wild. Don't get beat with a pass or 1v1 move. Pressure the ball.
• The second defender gives cover to the first defender. 
• The first defender can force the ball to the sides or to towards the other second defender. 
• The first defender can turn the 1v1 into a 2v1, when you count the goalkeeper as a defender, by cforcing the attacker with the ball to the sideline and making the angle smaller and smaller to help the goalkeeper.
• Win the ball back at the right moment. 

Transition Attacking to Defending

• Try to win the ball back as quickly as possible.  5-Second Rule. 
• Run to the player with the ball.
• Run after the player with the ball. 
• Make the field small together. 
• Protect the goal. 
• Block shots.

Transition Defending to Attacking

• Explode and quickly dribble forward or pass forward. 
• Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible. 
• Keep ball possession. 

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Two teams play 5v5 (4+GK), starting in 2-1-1 formation. When the ball goes out of bounds, restart with dribble or pass.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

• When the opponent is in possession, make the field small.

• When your own team is in possession, make the field large.