By George Kee
This is a finishing exercise that involves agility and reactions in combination with finishing on goal. In a match there are many aspects to scoring than just shooting the ball. Players must be able to watch play develop, react according to the ball and defender, and be ready to finish in a quick manner. This exercise helps players improve reaction time with finishing.
Area Size: Attacking 3rd
# Of Players: 2-5
Time: 20 minutes
Set up: At the top of the penalty area a 10x10 square is created from 4 different colored training sticks(bibs can be placed on sticks, cones can be used, or each cone labelled with a name or number). The server stands 10 yards away from the center of the square ready to play the pass forward.
Execution: The coach will call out a color and the player in the center will touch that corner and return to the middle. After 2 or 3 corners have been touched the server will play a ball to the attacker who will receive and shoot on goal.
First progression: Here the attacker will open up on either side of the square to receive the pass. It is important to have the correct body shape when receiving the ball. The shooter should have his back to the sideline and receive the ball across the body. The first touch should be a preparation touch for the shot. This preparation touch should settle the ball in front and in the path of the shooting foot.
Second progression: Here the attacker receives the ball inside the square after reacting to the colored sticks. The players’ first touch should be to the side outside of the square in order to turn and hit. Here the shooter should be looking to turn and hit immediately.
Third Progression: This time the player receives the ball with an open body position and pushes the ball forward through the square with the first touch then finishes.
Coaching Points
• Keep head on a swivel to react to colors
• Maintain an open body position
• Receive on back foot with a forward touch to set up shot
Variations/Progressions
• Number corners instead of colors
• Server plays ball in the air
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, George moved to northern California in 2014 to take over as the head soccer coach at Lassen College. In his brief time with the program George has won an undefeated conference title, coached four players of the year, and won three Coach of the Year Awards.
