Bounce and Finish

Objective

• -Use a headed lay-off for a finish
• -Link two actions under control
• -Create simple combination play

Setup

1. 1Place a cone square with a mini goal at one end.
2. 2Work in groups of three with one ball.
3. 3One player starts as server, one as header, one as finisher.

How to play

1. 1The server clips a ball to the header.
2. 2The header redirects it with one contact into the path of the finisher.
3. 3The finisher takes a shot at the mini goal.
4. 4Rotate roles every few attempts.
5. 5Keep the lay-off short and the finish quick.

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

• -Heading the ball too hard to control
• -Finishing before the lay-off arrives
• -Standing still after the header