Edge Strikers

Objective

• -Shoot from the edge of the area
• -Take a controlled touch into space
• -Build repetition from different angles

Setup

1. 1Mark a square with a cone line across one side as the shooting edge.
2. 2Set up two mini goals on the far side, one left and one right.
3. 3Split players into two or three lines around the outside of the square.
4. 4Place spare balls with the coach near the central feed point.

How to play

1. 1The coach passes a ball into a player at the top of the square.
2. 2The player takes a touch sideways or forward into a shooting lane.
3. 3They finish at one of the mini goals with a firm strike.
4. 4The player collects the ball and joins the opposite line.
5. 5Vary the feed so players finish with both feet and from both sides.

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

• -Touching the ball under pressure from nowhere
• -Leaning back on the shot
• -Hitting straight at the keeper area