Gafferbook
Shooting and finishing ยท U11 to adult

Long-range shooting game

A small-sided game where goals only count from outside a shooting line, and rebounds can be tapped in. Encourages players to shoot early and teammates to follow in.

U11 to adultAges
8 to 14 plus 2 keepersPlayers
30 x 40 m, two goalsArea
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 goals with keepers, a shooting line about 16 metres out at each end.
  • Two teams of 4 to 6.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Play a normal game, but you must shoot from behind the shooting line.
  2. Rebounds and deflections can be finished from anywhere.
  3. Long-range goal = 2 points, rebound goal = 1.

Coaching points

  • Take the chance as soon as you see the goal.
  • Set yourself with a good first touch out of your feet.
  • Strikers: follow every shot in.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Shooting line closer
  • Bigger goals

Make it harder

  • Two-touch limit
  • Defenders can block anywhere

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†’