Set And Strike

Objective

• -Strike after a set pass
• -Improve the link between receiver and shooter
• -Create simple, repeatable finishing reps

Setup

1. 1Set a small passing lane into the top of a shooting area.
2. 2Put one feeder and one setter on the start side.
3. 3Place one shooter facing goal with a keeper if possible.
4. 4Use cones to show where the ball is set and where the shot comes from.

How to play

1. 1The feeder passes to the setter.
2. 2The setter lays the ball into the shooter's path.
3. 3The shooter takes a touch and finishes at goal.
4. 4After the shot, the players rotate positions.
5. 5Repeat from both sides so the angle changes each time.

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

• -Poorly weighted set-up pass
• -Shooter arriving too early
• -Rushing the finish without control