Full Session - Finishing
- Author: Ian Knapp
- Age Group: U9 to U17+
- Time: 80 minutes
Introduction:
We will look at the role of the striker(s) in a team and how to maximise the goalscoring chances they get to be as effective as possible in terms of finishing.
A Whole/Part/Whole approach will be used, to maximise game time and put the players in as many relevant scenarios as possible whilst also allowing us to get the key technical points across. We’ll focus on our centre forward, whilst also addressing the roles of the other forward players in creating space and chances, with the whole team’s role in goalscoring also touched on.
Session Content:
Final "Whole" / Scenario:
For the final "whole" match in this session, allow 10 minutes free play with normal rules, with the idea being that the players are focusing on the key coaching points with regard to finishing. Has their finishing and their ability to create goalscoring opportunities improved since the start of the session? Some individual and group challenges can be worked in here too.
For the final 10 minutes, use a scenario to increase the intensity, provide a fun end to the session and also help the players improve their "match craft" and show you how they might approach a certain situation in a game.
Depending on what particular aspect(s) of finishing you want to focus on, different scenarios can be used. Here are a couple of ideas...
Example Scenario 1:
The score is 1-1 and both teams need a goal to qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup. A draw will suit neither team and send them both out. This should lead to both teams trying to attack and create shooting chances. Let the players select their own formation based on the scenario and see what they come up with.
Example Scenario 2:
The score is 1-0 to the reds. They need to win to go through to the final of the Champions League, whereas a score draw will send the blues through on away goals. This scenario is a good one to use if you want one team (the blues) to work on breaking down a packed defence and their finishing from range as the chances are the reds will sit back and try to protect their lead.
General Points on Scenarios:
It's always worth letting the players have some ownership in terms of selecting tactics / formations etc. in these scenarios. Review with them afterwards why they approached the game the way they did. What was their thinking? Did it work out the way they hoped? How did they adapt when a goal was scored and the scenario changed?
If the scenario doesn't pan out the way you'd hoped and the team you wanted to coach score early and then sit back so don't need to create goalscoring opportunities, you can always change the scenario to manipulate the situation. You've just heard a goal has been scored in another group game elsewhere that affects qualification in your match for example. Or a dodgy ref (you!) awards a penalty to help manipulate the score... it's all good fun and the kids love this sort of thing.
Coaching Points (FA's 4 Corners):
| Technical | Psychological |
|---|
- Look up and pick your spot for your shot (where is the GK? Shot placement).
- First touch to take the ball into a shooting position or to hold the ball up.
- Shot type - power / placed / lobbed / chipped / curled / outside of boot / inside of boot / laces.
- Early shot before the goalkeeper is set.
- Weight and accuracy of pass by the bounce players.
- Follow in shots in case the goalkeeper spills the ball.
- Unbalance defenders and goalkeeper by using your body movement and "fakes".
- Communication (tell the player on the ball what to do with it)Communication (tell the player on the ball what to do with it)
|
- Communication (tell the player on the ball what to do with it)
- Decision making - type of shot, when to shoot etc.
- Confidence to try again if a shot is missed or a poor touch is taken.
- Confidence to try things - different types of finish.
|
| Physical | Social |
|---|
- Strength to hold off defenders and shield the ball.
- Speed - making runs in behind defenders.
- Agility when receiving the ball and getting into shooting positions.
- Balance when receiving the ball.Working as a teamEncouraging others and not being negative
|
- Working as a team
- Encouraging others and not being negative
- Communication
- Have fun!
|
Challenges:
Focus Player (CF):
- Try to be proactive rather than reactive in terms of your movement off the ball to provide passing options for your teammates.
- Try to have in your mind what you are going to do with the ball (shoot, lay it off, turn with it) before it has arrived with you. Thinking about all that after you’ve received the ball is too late.
- Try and use your strength to hold off any defenders and not be bullied off the ball.
- Shoot early before the opposition are set and pick your spot, having looked up.
- Use feints and your body movement to create the small windows of opportunity you need to get a shot away (reference different types of finish depending on what is in front of you).
Unit (LW, RW, #10):
- Can your movement and runs create space and shooting opportunities for other players?
- Are you in a position to shoot yourself?
- Try to follow in shots from other players in case of rebounds.
- Communicate with your teammates as to what they should do with the ball when they have it - give concise, useful information.
Whole Team:
- Create space by others when in possession by using the full width / depth of the pitch.
- Can we try to pull the opposition out of shape by moving the ball quickly?
- Create overloads to outnumber the opposition and drag defenders out of position.