Through Ball Finish

Objective

• -Time runs onto through balls
• -Finish after a forward pass
• -Improve movement off the shoulder

Setup

1. 1Create two channels leading towards two mini goals.
2. 2Place one feeder in the middle and two runners on the outside.
3. 3Set cones to show the starting line and the run line.
4. 4Keep a ball supply with the feeder.

How to play

1. 1The feeder plays a pass into the path of a runner.
2. 2The runner starts timed movement and collects the ball in stride.
3. 3They finish into the mini goal with one or two touches.
4. 4The second runner goes straight after from the other side.
5. 5Rotate the feeder so everyone practises both passing and finishing.

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

• -Running too early
• -Passing behind the runner
• -Taking the ball too wide before shooting