Full Session - Long Range Shooting
- Author: Ian Knapp
- Age Group: U9 to U17+
- Time: 60 minutes
Introduction:
This session is all about shooting from distance. The aim is to introduce the key coaching points, give the players the confidence to try shots from range and a better understanding of when and how they might try a long range shot in a game situation.
A Technique/Skill/Game approach will be used, allowing our players to be introduced to the topic without the pressure of opposition players initially, with us slowly increasing the pressure throughout the session until we end with a full match where players are encouraged to shoot from distance in a realistic, game situation.
Session Content:
Coaching Points (FA's 4 Corners):
| Technical | Psychological |
|---|
- 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.
- Lay off for team mates, playing with back to goal.
- Placement of shot - across the goalkeeper for rebounds, near post if goalkeeper not expecting it etc.
- Movement of the striker and other players to create space and passing options.
- Follow in shots in case the goalkeeper spills the ball.
- Unbalance defenders by using your body movement and “fakes".
- As a team, can we create space for our team mates to shoot by making runs that drag defenders with us?
- Principles of play when attacking (width / depth)
|
- Communication (tell the player on the ball what to do with it)
- Decision making - when to shoot, when to lay the ball to a team mate, when to hold the ball up and wait for support.
- Confidence to try again if a shot is missed or a poor touch is taken.
- Confidence to try things - a quick, early shot through defenders’ legs for example rather than always trying to get perfectly set.
|
| 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 team
- Encouraging others and not being negative
- Communication
- Have fun!
|
Some Example Challenges:
Individuals:
- Can your first touch take the ball into a position for you to shoot?
- Can someone follow in the shot in case the goalkeeper spills it?
- Can your positioning on the pitch allow your team mate a passing option to set you for a first time shot?
- Can you communicate to your team mates what to do with the ball when they have it?
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.