By Philip Connolly
Objective:
To work on players ability to create chances and finish in the final third of the pitch.
Practice 1:
Objective:
To start the players finishing on goal early in the session while also having to combine with players to move around the area to score so working on scanning ability and awareness.
Description:
2 v 2 in the central area with 8 neutral players positioned on the outside who play with the team in possession of the ball. In order to score in any of the goals a pass must be made to a neutral player first. If a goal is scored the coach plays another ball in to the team who scored who then repeat the game and try to score in another goal.
Coaching Points:
• Speed of ball rotation to create scoring opportunities
• Accuracy of the finish
• Awareness to recognize space and where to play into to score a goal as quickly as possible
• Communication between players
Practice 2:
Objective:
Working in a 1-3-4-1 shape within an 8 v 3 Rondo with the objective to release players into space to shoot and score on goal.
Description:
Black team must complete three passes before a player in possession can dribble or play in a team-mate to the scoring zone where they play against a Goalkeeper to shoot and score on goal. If the Yellow team win possession they look to score by passing into the mini goals at the end of the area.
Progression:
Add a defender in the scoring zone so it becomes a 1 v 1 before a shot is made on goal.
Coaching Points:
• Speed of ball rotation to release players into space
• Recognition of when to dribble or when to pass
• Accuracy of the shot on goal
Practice 3:
Objective:
Working in a 1-3-4-1 shape from the 9 v 9 game to release either of the WM or CF to play 3 v 2 and shoot and finish on goal.
Description:
5 v 2 Rondo in the central area of the pitch with the WM and CF positioned as shown in the diagram. The players in the Rondo must make three passes before playing forward to the WM or CF who then play 3 v 2 looking to combine to score on goal. If the Yellows in the Rondo win the ball they look to score by passing into either of the mini goals, if the Yellows in the 3 v 2 win the ball they look to make 5 passes by using the GK in order to get a point which counts as a goal.
Coaching Points:
• Speed and accuracy of ball rotation
• Movement of the WM and CF to receive the ball in the best attacking position possible
• Accuracy of the shot and finish on goal
• Combination play and dribbling ability of the WM and CF
By Philip Connolly
