Back Post Burst

Objective

• -Attack the far post for a finish
• -Time the run from deep
• -Finish from service across goal

Setup

1. 1Mark a wide service lane and a box area with a mini goal at the far end.
2. 2Place a cone at the near post and one at the back post.
3. 3Use bibs to mark crossers, runners and finishers.
4. 4Keep balls with the wide player to avoid delays.

How to play

1. 1The crosser takes the ball forward and drives a cross across the face of goal.
2. 2The runner starts from deep and makes a late burst to the back post.
3. 3The finisher meets the ball and shoots first time or with one touch.
4. 4Players rotate after each action so everyone crosses and finishes.
5. 5Use both left and right sides for balanced practice.

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

• -Starting the run too early
• -Crossing too high or slow
• -Arriving flat-footed at the back post