Angle Attack

Objective

• -Create shots from wide and central angles
• -Encourage forward running before finishing
• -Reward quick decision-making near goal

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 20 yard pitch with a central halfway line.
2. 2Place two mini goals at each end, one central and one slightly wide if space allows.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs.
4. 4Keep extra balls on the side for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal small-sided game with the main aim of scoring.
2. 2Goals only count if the shot is taken from inside the attacking half of the pitch.
3. 3If the ball goes out, the coach restarts quickly from the side.
4. 4Encourage players to shoot early when the angle is clear.
5. 5Rotate teams often to keep intensity up.

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

• -Waiting too long for a perfect chance
• -Hiding behind defenders
• -Lack of support around the shooter