2v1 to goal in waves
Pairs attack a single defender and finish. Teaches when to pass and when to dribble, the most important decision in attacking football.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Pairs of attackers at halfway, defenders in a line by the goal.
- Keeper in goal.
Equipment: Goal, cones, balls
How it works
- Defender passes to the attackers and steps out.
- 2v1 to goal: finish within 8 seconds.
- Next pair and next defender go straight away.
Coaching points
- Drive at the defender to make them choose.
- If they come to you, pass. If they stay, go.
- Supporting player: wide and level, not behind.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Defender starts from behind the attackers
Make it harder
- Second defender chases from halfway
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