Flank Finish Grid

Objective

• -Reward wide play and crossing
• -Encourage box movement
• -Create lots of finishing chances

Setup

1. 1Mark a 40 x 30 yard pitch with a full-size goal and goalkeeper.
2. 2Split the pitch into a central zone and two wide channels.
3. 3Play 4v4, 5v5 or 6v6 depending on numbers.
4. 4Keep spare balls around the pitch for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Normal play starts with both teams trying to score in the main goal.
2. 2A goal counts double if the attack includes a cross from a wide channel.
3. 3Limit players from staying in the same channel for too long by encouraging rotation.
4. 4After goals, restart immediately from the coach or goalkeeper.
5. 5Use free-flowing play and only stop for quick coaching points.

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

• -Crowding the centre all game
• -Crossing with nobody ahead of it
• -Stopping runs after the first pass