Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): shoot/head/goalkeeping combination

Screen 1 (15 mins)

A basic drill encompassing Heading, Shooting and Goalkeeping.

Organisation: this can use a average sized area of a pitch or artificial surface. a small goal can be used. if the goal is just a cone goal then set up the cones in a straight line behind the goal. A ten yard area for the goalkeeping area. and a 20-30yard area split into 2 equal areas in front for the heading/shooting exercise part of the drill.

split the outfielders into 2 groups. 1. player one throws the ball to player two to head the ball. 2.player 2 heads the ball into play for player1 to run onto to control and take a shot at the goalkeeper.(3).

4. the player who has taken the shot becomes the heading player and the heading player becomes the shooter. a small cone line is there to prevent injury to the goalkeeper from a shot too close to the body and also to prevent the striker walking the ball in.

for the goalkeepers: starting at A. when the ball is thrown for the header the goalkeeper will sidestep/ small feet thru the cones (B), round the goal touching the far post and then attempt to save the shot (C).

there are a lot of coaching points to this. correct heading body position, correct posture to taking the shot. for the goalkeeper, ensuring correct footwork to gain efficiency thru the cones. quick placement of body for the shot with correct hand positioning.

progressions: one touch/two touch. no defender/defender. goalkeeper stays in shaded area/ can come smother ball (one on one practise for both keeper and striker)