Gafferbook
Shooting and finishing ยท U8 to adult

2v1 attack and finish

Two attackers take on one defender and try to score. Simple decisions: dribble if the defender doesn't commit, pass if they do, then finish.

U8 to adultAges
6 to 15 plus a keeperPlayers
30 x 25 m to goalArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Two attacker queues 30 metres out; defender queue beside the goal.
  • Keeper in goal.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls, bibs

How it works

  1. Defender passes to an attacker and steps out to defend.
  2. Attackers combine to beat the defender and shoot.
  3. Attackers become defenders next round, or rotate queues.

Coaching points

  • Ball carrier: drive at the defender to commit them.
  • Support player: stay wide and level, not behind.
  • Pass when the defender commits; shoot when they don't.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Defender starts further away
  • Defender only blocks, doesn't tackle

Make it harder

  • Recovering second defender (2v1 into 2v2)
  • Time limit of 8 seconds

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.

More shooting and finishing drills

Receive, turn and shoot

A server plays into a striker with their back to goal; the striker turns and shoots. Quick turnarounds and plenty of shots.

See the drill โ†’

Two-goal finishing game

Two teams, two goals, two keepers, short pitch. The coach plays balls in fast so every player gets shots every minute.

See the drill โ†’

Cross and finish: near post, far post

Wide players dribble down the channel and cross while two strikers attack near and far post. Finishing from crosses, with clear runs that young players can remember.

See the drill โ†’

Striker movement: check away, then go

Strikers practise the movements that create a yard of space: check away and come short, or show short and spin in behind, then finish first time.

See the drill โ†’

One-two and shoot

Players play a one-two with a wall player on the edge of the box and finish first time or after one touch. Combines passing, timing and shooting.

See the drill โ†’

Shoot and follow in for rebounds

Shoot from the edge of the box, then follow in for the rebound the coach or keeper plays loose. Builds the habit every striker needs: never admire your shot.

See the drill โ†’