Set and Hit

Objective

• -Set the ball for a cleaner strike
• -Practise shooting after a lay-off
• -Improve the timing of support play

Setup

1. 1Mark two passing spots and one shooting spot in a shallow triangle.
2. 2Place a mini goal at the front of the triangle facing the feeder.
3. 3Split players into feeder, setter and shooter roles.
4. 4Use cones to keep the shape tidy and the distances short.

How to play

1. 1The feeder passes into the setter’s feet.
2. 2The setter plays a short lay-off into the shooter’s path.
3. 3The shooter steps on and finishes first time or with one touch.
4. 4Rotate the roles after each attempt.
5. 5Repeat from both sides so players learn different body positions.

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

• -Laying the ball too far away
• -Shooter arriving late
• -Poor angle on the return pass