Gafferbook
Shooting and finishing ยท U10 to adult

Overlap, cross and finish

Wide player and full-back combine with an overlap; the cross is attacked by two forwards making near- and far-post runs. A complete attacking pattern to finish a session.

U10 to adultAges
5 to 10 plus a keeperPlayers
Half pitchArea
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

  • Full-back and wide player on one side, two forwards outside the box.
  • Keeper; add defenders as it progresses.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Wide player receives and dribbles inside; full-back overlaps.
  2. Pass into the overlap; cross first time.
  3. Forwards: one near post, one far post. Alternate sides.

Coaching points

  • Overlap: run when the wide player turns inside.
  • Cross early, between the keeper and the defenders.
  • Forwards: arrive late and at pace.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Cross from a still ball

Make it harder

  • Two defenders in the box

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†’