By Chris Kouns
USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Women’s Soccer Coach – Georgia Gwinnett College
In these activities we are working on players finishing in different situations around the box.
QUICK FINISHING ACTIVITY
Setup
Inside the penalty area you will have two attackers (2) vs one (1) defender. You will also have a GK in goal and then the rest of the team will be spread out around the edge of the box with a supply of balls.
Execution
Players on the outside can either have a supply of balls at their feet ready to serve a new ball in when the previous ball goes out of bounds or in the net... or.... they can have one ball that they are playing to each other two touch around the edge of the box and play the entry ball to the two attackers from that starting position.
Variations
You can increase the number of attackers to three players to try to ensure success, however, if you choose to do this I would suggest putting a touch restriction on them so they do not take too long in the box.
Coaching Points
- Focus on taking a first touch that will allow you to finish on the 2nd touch 2
- If combining in the box with the other attacker make sure the ball allows them to take it while moving and not stop
- When finishing pick an area and pass the ball into that area of the net, do not try to overpower the GK
- When your partner has the ball and is engaging the defender assume a position that allows you to finish 1st time off their pass (do not run past them)
Numbers Up Finishing Activity
Setup
In an area roughly the width of the box (44 yds) and a length of slightly larger than two 18 yard boxes (40 yds) you will have two teams playing against each other with a goal keeper in each big goal. The field will be divided at the halfway point and each team will have three (3) defenders vs two (2) attackers on their side.
Execution
The ball begins from the net and the three defenders work to get the ball to a point where they can finish from their side of the field or where they can play a striker in the attacking half. To begin with the players cannot cross the mid line.
Variations
Allow the defender to dribble across the line making it a 3 v 3
Allow two defenders to come across and attack making it a 4 v 3
Allow a pass into the strikers to free up all three players allowing them to attack but allowing just one attacker to follow them into the scoring area
Coaching Points
1. In possession move the ball quickly to exploit space and the potential for a shot
2. Look to play balls that your teammates can finish first time
3. When joining the attack make runs that allow you to face the goal rather than the sideline
4. If a ball is being finished from the side of the defenders the strikers should crash the net for all available rebounds
5. Balls finished from the backs should be driven with laces while those finished in the attacking half can also be finished with the inside of the foot.
Blitz Press and Finishing
Setup
In the field area between the top of the 18 yd. boxes you will have four full size goals. If you do not have four goal
keepers you can adapt in one of two ways 1) Ask 1 GK to cover the two goals on their end (keeper fitness and team
tactics focused) or 2) You can place cones in corners and only allow teams to score in those areas if a GK is not in the
goal. The field players are playing 9 v 9 with regular soccer rules.
Execution
Each team has two full size goals to attack and their focus should be to attack either one at full speed. The focus will be
to press high up the field so that when your team wins the ball they are closer to the goal and can go at the "Blitz" pace.
Coaching Points
* When pressing make sure that you have a well-established attacking option that is clear for all team members. For
instance when we win the ball we will have a full switch option, a drop option and a through ball option every time. This
consistent message allows for increased speed going to goal and finishing.
* For press to work all players must be compacted around the ball and understand the triggers to allow the high press.
Potential triggers may include: back pass, ball played to sideline, ball played back to GK or poor touch by defenders in
possession.
* If at all possible work to make the intercepting or tackling touch a pass to your outlet teammate. In the moment of
transition from attacking to defending you want your players to move the ball on their first touch to give you the
attacking advantage.
* Once the attack has been initiated it is vital that players be dedicated to finding a way to get to goal and not be
hesitant. Complete dedication to finding a way through to the net will be valued and creativity should be fostered.
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)
