Three Goal Choice

Objective

• -Choose the best shooting option quickly
• -Create angles to score into different goals
• -Encourage attacking movement and support

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangular pitch with three mini goals on the end line.
2. 2Place one goal centrally and one near each corner of the attacking end.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs and a ball to start play.
4. 4Keep a spare ball handy for fast restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game and let teams score in any of the three goals.
2. 2Encourage players to pick the best target rather than forcing a shot.
3. 3After each goal, restart straight away from the coach or the non-scoring team.
4. 4Switch teams often if numbers are uneven or one side is dominating.
5. 5Praise quick shots when a goal is open.

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

• -Hitting at the nearest goal every time
• -Ignoring teammates in better positions
• -Shooting from a blocked angle