Excellent Shooting Drill: Crossing & Finishing in Actions

Elevate your team’s shooting prowess with this dynamic Crossing & Finishing Drill! This engaging drill, suitable for players aged 14 and above, refines shooting techniques from central areas and finishing after crosses, replicating crucial attacking moves in a game-like setting.

Drill Set-Up:

• Equipment: Football, cones (4), and mannequins (5).
• Players: Groups of 3 players rotating (can train 12-15 players total).
• Playing Area: Half of a full-size football field.
• Duration: 30 minutes.

Drill Breakdown:

This drill focuses on two key attacking elements: shooting from central areas and finishing after crosses.

Step 1: Central Shooting (Pass-Back-Shoot)

1. Player Positions: Player 1 stands near a cone in the center of the field, Player 2 positions themselves to the left of a forward mannequin in the penalty area (15-20 meters from the goal), and Player 3 stands near a cone on the right side of the field.
2. Passing Sequence: Player 1 initiates the drill by passing the ball to Player 2.
3. Wall Pass & Shooting: Player 2 plays the ball back to Player 1 (one-touch pass) and moves to the left of the mannequin to create space. Player 1 receives the pass and takes a shot on goal.

Step 2: 1-2 Play & Shooting (Using Mannequin)

1. Player Positions: Same as Step 1.
2. 1-2 Combination: Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2, who uses the mannequin for a one-two wall pass.
3. Shooting After 1-2: Player 1 receives the return pass from Player 2 and takes a shot on goal.

Step 3: Crossing & Finishing

1. Player Positions: Same as Step 1.
2. Passing Through Mannequins: Player 1 plays a ball between the left and center-left mannequins for Player 3.
3. Cross and Finish: Player 3 receives the ball and delivers a cross towards the goal area.
4. Attacking the Posts: Players 1 and 2 attack the near and far posts (respectively) to meet the cross and attempt to score.

Watch the accompanying video for a complete visual demonstration of the drill:

Rotation:

After completing each sequence (Steps 1-3), players rotate positions. The next group of 3 players enters the drill, with Players 2 and 3 now starting near the cones, and Player 1 positioned near the forward mannequins (alternating sides for crossing).

Coaching Points:

• Shooting Technique: Focus on proper shooting mechanics for power and accuracy, emphasizing controlled shots on target.
• Crossing Accuracy: Encourage precise crosses with good pace and trajectory to find teammates in scoring positions.
• Attacking Movement: Guide players on attacking the near and far posts during crosses, anticipating the ball’s trajectory.
• Communication: Emphasize clear communication between players, especially during the passing sequences and attacking the cross.

Benefits:

• Improves shooting accuracy and finishing technique from central areas.
• Develops crossing skills for delivering inviting balls into the penalty box.
• Enhances attacking movement and anticipation in the box.
• Sharpens overall attacking coordination and teamwork.

By incorporating the Crossing & Finishing Drill into your training sessions, you’ll equip your players with the attacking skills necessary to create scoring opportunities and dominate the final third and! And this is how we increase the chances that such actions that we work on in training will be repeated in matches.” Do it in the training session and it will happen during game.

Related Drill: Attacking & Finishing Drill: Replicate Real-Match Situations

Happy Coaching & Good Luck!

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