Create in the pocket and finish
A midfielder dribbles into the space just outside the box, plays a quick combination, shoots, then keeps running to attack a cross. Teaches midfielders to arrive in scoring areas.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Midfielder at 30 m, a partner on the edge of the box, a server wide.
- Pole or mannequin as a defender.
Equipment: Goal, cones, mannequins or poles, balls
How it works
- Midfielder dribbles past the pole into the pocket.
- Plays a one-two with the partner and shoots.
- Keeps running: server crosses for a second finish.
Coaching points
- Dribble with your head up.
- Shoot quickly once you're in the pocket.
- Don't admire the first shot, go again.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Remove the pole
Make it harder
- Live defender
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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 โTwo-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 โCross 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 โStriker 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 โOne-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 โShoot 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