Individual Finishing - Shooting Quickly

By Sean Reed - 

Objective

This is a finishing session for individual players working on quick finishing in around the area.

1st Ball – Receiving ball from Player (1) to finish

Diagram 1

Set Up

• Set up please see diagram 1: one player working, receiving three different types of passes. Player (1) and (2) 5 – 10yds outside the area serving the player working to get a finish within two touches. Player (3) delivers a cross from a wide area.
• Mannequins, poles or cones can be used to challenge the players 1st touch before shooting.
• 1st Ball: Player working starts in the area, makes a movement to receive the 1st ball from Player (1), must be outside the area to receive the ball. When they receive the ball they are looking for their 1st touch to take them in the area to get a shot off.
• 2nd Ball: The next movement is to then receive a pass from Player (2), again must receive outside the area. See diagram 2
• 3rd Ball: Player (2) plays a pass into Player (3), who must go past the mannequin before putting a cross into the area for the player working to finish. See diagram 4
• 3rd Ball: Is import for the player working to hold their movement and time their run off the wide player (avoid getting in there to early and just standing)
• The players then switch positions. Depending on time, when the sessions takes place or the physical out come the coach can decide on the number of times the players go through.

Progressions

• When receiving from Player (1) or (2) the player working can use their 1st touch to play the pass back into Player (1) or (2) for them to then play a pass into space for the player working to get a 1st time shot off. See diagram 3
• Depending of whether you want a physical outcome recovery runs can be introduced after the 3rd finish. See diagram 3 or 4
• You can introduce a passive defender (i.e. a coach if limited players or additional player if available). See diagram 5

Coaching Points

• Movement to receive the ball
• Body Shape to receive the ball
• Awareness of space behind before receiving the ball
• 1st touch to set for the shot (out of feet)
• Chase 2nd touch down to get a finish off
• On target with finish
• Next phase, awareness and movement – switching focus after shot
• Timing of run for the cross, avoid getting in their too early

2^nd Ball – Receiving the ball from Player (2)

Diagram 2

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1^st or 2^nd Ball – Playing a 1-2 for the ball to be played into space

Diagram 3

3^rd Ball – Wide player combines to deliver a cross

Diagram 4

Progression: Introduce a passive defender

Diagram 5

By Sean Reed

Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.

Linkedin - www.developmentofplayers.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed