Finishing Final Third Entry

Objective

• -Break into the final third with purpose
• -Combine between midfield and attack
• -Finish the attack with a shot on goal

Setup

1. 1A pitch split into a build-up zone and a final third in a 48 x 38 yards area.
2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
3. 3Balls with the build-up team, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team builds up in the first zone with limited defenders.
2. 2Entry into the final third releases two supporting runners.
3. 3The attack must finish inside ten seconds of entry.
4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Progressions

• +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Slow, sideways build-up
• -Entering with no support
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball