Players love finishing drills as they allow them to score goals. There is no better feeling than scoring a goal (even if it is on a regular practice).
Shoot at First Touch
Purpose
Improving your players’ accuracy when finishing at the first touch.
Drill Set Up
Set up two equal lines of players on each side of the goal posts. Place two cones a half yard from the 18 yard line (like on the image above). Each of your players should have one ball at their feet.
Execution of the Drill
The first player in the red line starts the drill by performing a quick run to the cone in front of his line (see image).
Once he has rounded the cone, one player from the grey line should pass the ball slightly to him.
The red player should finish the attack immediately without putting the ball under control.
Now, the grey player should do the same thing, but in this case a red player would pass the ball.
Equipment Required
One ball per player, 2 cones
Variants
You may vary this drill by allowing your players to first receive the ball and then finish at the goal. You may also restrict your players to only use the inside part of their foot.
Summary
One thing that I want to underscore with this drill is that you should instruct your players to hit the goal (even if the shoot is loose), rather than firing a projectile that will end 30 yards behind the goal. With other words, in this case, accuracy is much more important than power.
3 vs. 3 with Wingers
Purpose
Increase your players’ finishing abilities by using the various parts of their feet (volley, inside, instep) and head as well.
Drill Set Up
Create small teams, 3 players per team. Separate these players with different colored west’s. Place 4 cones on the same way like on the image above.
Place 4-5 balls near the two cones (see image). Place two players that will be used as wingers at each side of the 18 yard box.
Execution of the Drill
One of the wing players starts to drive the ball toward the cone that is located in the line with the goal.
Once your player is about half yard from the cone he should slightly cross the ball inside the 18 yard box.
The players inside the box should try to finish the attack with one touch on the ball. The team with most scored points is the winner.
Once the game is over (set the timer to 3 minutes) the drill should start over with two new teams.
Equipment Required
Balls, 4 cones, colored west’s.
Variants
Restrict the players inside the box to only use their head for finishing.
Summary
The great thing with this drill is that you can use it for practicing on your teams defensive and offensive soccer skills as well.
Turn and Finish Quickly
Purpose
Increasing your players’ turning and finishing abilities by allowing them to use a maximum of three touches on the ball.
Drill Set Up
Separate your team into two equal lines (see image). Add one cone in front of each line.
Execution of the Drill
The first standing player in the red line performs a quick backward run to the cone. Once he reaches it the second standing player in the red line should pass the ball to him.
The first player should perform a quick turn, run with the ball 2-3 yards and then finish at the goal. He should try to shoot at the 4 rectangle areas (marked in the image above).
Immediately after the red player has finished the attack, the drill should start over with a player from the grey line.
Equipment Required
Balls, 2 cones, colored west’s.
Variants
You can vary this drill by allowing your players more touches on the ball or have yourself acting as a passive defender inside the 18 yard box.
Summary
I recommend you to use this soccer drill in the middle (or at the end) of your practice. The reason is that your players could injure themselves if they are not warmed up enough.
