Far-Post Finishers

Objective

• -Attack the far post
• -Deliver into a scoring zone
• -Finish crosses with different methods

Setup

1. 1Set a 35 x 25 yard area with a full-size goal and goalkeeper.
2. 2Mark a wide crossing lane and a far-post finishing zone.
3. 3Use bibs to split players into crossers, finishers and defenders.
4. 4Place spare balls near the coach on the flank.

How to play

1. 1The crosser drives down the wing and shapes to deliver early or from the line.
2. 2Two finishers move across the box, with one attacking the near side and one the far post.
3. 3Defenders try to mark tightly and stop the finish.
4. 4After each attack, the ball is reset with a new crosser.
5. 5Rotate the finishers so everyone attacks different spaces.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Watching the ball instead of moving
• -Only attacking the near post
• -Crosses hanging too long