FineSoccer Drill 72

Today's activities are to give an alternative to the basic finishing activity that too many teams use where the team lines up 25 yards from goal with the coach on the 18 and the first player in line passes the ball to the coach who plays a square ball and the player finishes first time.  The problem with this drill is that too many players are standing around doing nothing, the person who gets the most touches on the ball is the coach, the pace of the pass is rarely taken into consideration and a square ball in this position rarely works.  In other words, not only is this drill very inefficient, it also develops some bad habits.

The first alternative requires a 60 x 40 area and two goals (and preferably two keepers but that isn't required.  The basic set up has two lines in opposite corners of the field with the first player (Player B) out by midfield (see diagram below)

Player A plays the ball to Player B who has checked away and then checked back to the ball.  Player B plays a soft pass back to Player A on an angle and then spins toward the middle and Player A plays the ball into the middle for Player B to finish first time.  Player B gets the ball and goes to the back of the other line.  Player A then takes the middle position and the rotation continues. (see diagram below)

There are many other options like this such as Player B playing the ball back in the opposite angle, spinning toward the sidelines and Player A playing a ball down the line and Player B chopping the ball back to Player A for a first time finish (see diagram below)

There are many options for this type of finishing exercise and not only are them more efficient in terms of working on more things in a shorter period of time, but they also will allow you to reinforce good work habits. 

Give these a try and let me know what you think on the FineSoccer Forum.

Have a great day!

Lawrence