Training Activities for players U14 and above
By Chris Kouns
These activities are designed to help your players not only get repetitions in terms of some of the technical aspects of finishing, but, to also create an environment for them when they can hone their “Finishing Mentality”
Activity 1: 3v1 / 3v1 + GK’s
Field size is twice the length of the 18 yd. box (36 yards) and utilizes the width of the 18 yard box (44 yards)
On each side of the grid teams will have a 3 v 1 set up with 3 players on the same side as the goal they are defending (Players are not allowed to cross to the other side of the grid in play). The object is for the three players to keep possession of the ball ONLY until they can create an opportunity by a) striking the ball from distance or b) playing their target striker on the other side of the grid.
Two (2) Types of Finishing in the Activity:
- Finishing from distance – primarily with the instep
- Finishing inside the 18 – primarily with the inside of the foot
Coaching Points:
- From distance encourage players to strike the ball towards the far post as it gives them the greatest opportunity to either score or keep the ball in play with a rebound
- Try to receive the ball with a forward moving first touch so that you can take advantage of any finishing opportunity that may appear
- Play with the mentality that you are going to strike the ball as soon as you receive it or you are going to play the ball to a player who can shoot as soon as they receive the ball
- Possession has a purpose… to create finishing chances! So, do not keep the ball just to keep it. Always keep it with an eye on going to goal
- TAKE CHANCES & FAIL AMAZINGLY
Activity 2: 4v2 / 4v2 + GK’s
Field size is half field and utilizes the width of the 18 yard box plus two (2) yds. on each side
On each side of the grid teams will have a 4 v 2 set up with 4 players on the same side as the goal they are defending
The object is for the four players to keep possession of the ball ONLY until they can create a finishing opportunity by a) striking the ball from distance b) carrying the ball across the line (TWO of the FOUR may come across) so they can create an opportunity by unbalancing the defense or c) playing one of the two players on the other side directly so they can finish
Two (2) Types of Finishing in the Activity:
- Finishing from distance – primarily with the instep
- Finishing inside the 18 – primarily with the inside of the foot
Coaching Points:
- From distance encourage players to strike the ball towards the far post as it gives them the greatest opportunity to either score or keep the ball in play with a rebound
- Try to receive the ball with a forward moving first touch so that you can take advantage of any space in front of you that may create a better scoring opportunity via the dribble
- Focus on making runs towards the goal so that you can strike a ball first time if option is available
- Closest player to the goal keeper should try to get into the GK field of vision when they believe a shot might be taken so they can screen their view of the ball and be in better position for rebounds
- You should have support in front and behind the ball so there should always be a finishing opportunity available if everyone is focused on the same purpose
- Play with the mentality that you are going to strike the ball as soon as you receive it or you are going to play the ball to a player who can shoot as soon as they receive the ball
- Possession has a purpose… to create finishing chances! So, do not keep the ball just to keep it. Always keep it with an eye on going to goal
Activity 3: 7 v 7 & extra options+ GK’s
Field size is from the end line of one side to the top of the 18 yard box on the other end and the width of the 18 yard box + 5 yards on each side
Each team will have 7 on the field with extra players on the outside of the wide flags
The object is for the seven players to keep possession of the ball ONLY until they can create a finishing opportunity by a) striking the ball in the flow of play b) getting a rebound or deflection around the box c) playing an outside player on their attacking end who can carry the ball (or serve the ball) into the field creating a numbers up goal scoring opportunity
** Anytime a ball goes wide the team in possession can add that player to their mix giving that team a numbers up opportunity. However, when their team loses possession they must transition a player back outside (not necessarily the same player) so that they will be defending with just 7 players again.
Two (2) Types of Finishing in the Activity:
- Finishing from distance – primarily with the instep
- Finishing inside the 18 – primarily with the inside of the foot
Coaching Points:
- Look forward first to try to find the most dangerous player on the field who can create a scoring opportunity or take on defenders to unbalance their unit
- GO FULL SPEED in the FINAL THIRD and BE FEARLESS …… “FAIL AMAZINGLY”
- From distance encourage players to strike the ball towards the far post as it gives them the greatest opportunity to either score or keep the ball in play with a rebound
- Try to receive the ball with a forward moving first touch so that you can take advantage of any space in front of you that may create a better scoring opportunity via the dribble
- Focus on making runs towards the goal so that you can strike a ball first time if option is available
- Play with the mentality that you are going to strike the ball as soon as you receive it or you are going to play the ball to a player who can shoot as soon as they receive the ball
By Chris Kouns: USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Coach Georgia Gwinnet College Women’s Soccer (GA)
