Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shooting

Diagram 1

Setup:

Area dimensions as shown in diagram1 (can be adjusted to suit the ability and age of the group). One team of five players play against three defenders plus a GK.

Rules:

The three players in white in the first row of squares have to combine passes to get the ball into one of their team-mates beyond the blue team (to start with all three players have to touch the ball before it can be passed into the front white team players). Once the ball is played into one of the white team  he/she has to pass to their team-mate who dribbles into the next row of squares and takes a shot at goal. If the blue team intercept the ball they can either shoot themselves or pass to a team-mate who can score in any of the three small goals. You are not allowed to have no more than one player in each square at any given time.

Progressions:

1. One of the front white team players can drop into one of the squares that are vacated by one of the blue team players as shown in diagram 2.

2. When the front players receive the ball they decide whether to dribble into the next square or shot from the row of squares they are in.

3. Put a restriction on touches to speed up play when passing or to encourage a quick shoot.

4. When in front of goal players decide whether to shoot or pass to their team-mate.

5. If the blue team intercept they have to score within a certain time i.e. 6 seconds

Scoring:

White team:

One goal for every goal scored

Two goals if a goal is scored inside the shaded area

Two goals if scored within two touches of finishing

Three goals if one touch finish

Minus one goal if you miss the target

Blue Team:

Two goals for an intercept

Three goals if scored in any of the three goals

One goal if the team in white miss the target

Outcomes:

Weight and accuracy of pass

Angle and distance of support

Clever movement of front players

Accuracy of shot

Finishing - Power vs Placement.

Communication

NOTES:

Ensure that the coach or team manager is the only person that touches the equipment and the equipment is cleaned at the end of the session