Finishing

Transition Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Finishing
Attacking
Crossing

Attack the near post with conviction. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

Back to drill library
Finishing
Attacking
Crossing
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Transition

Age

Under 9 to Adults

Duration

16 min

Players

4-16

Area / pitch size

36 x 30 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Full Goals

Coaching focus

Attack the near post with conviction

Objective

  • -Attack the near post with conviction
  • -Redirect fast service into the goal
  • -Coach the movement that loses a marker

Setup

  1. 1A near-post run channel marked with two cones in a 36 x 30 yards area.
  2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
  3. 3Balls with the wide server, keeper in goal.

How to play

  1. 1Server drives the ball low across the six-yard box.
  2. 2Striker times a bent run to meet it at the near post.
  3. 3Second striker holds the back post for anything missed.
  4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
  5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Coaching points

  • -Attack the ball, don't wait for it
  • -Redirect rather than strike
  • -Back post runner stays alive
  • -First reaction after the turnover decides the moment — forward or secure

Progressions

  • +Cut the counter window to four seconds
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Standing on the goal line
  • -Trying to power a fast ball
  • -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover

Related Football Drills & Sessions

Build a full session around this drill

Related drills

Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
4-16
Time
16 min
Area
34 x 28 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Full Goals
Focus
Skill Practice
Finishing
FREE

Overload Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
FinishingAttackingCrossing
Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
4-16
Time
14 min
Area
28 x 22 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Full Goals
Focus
Skill Practice
Finishing
FREE

Underload Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
FinishingAttackingCrossing
Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
4-16
Time
14 min
Area
30 x 24 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Full Goals
Focus
Skill Practice
Finishing
FREE

Two-Touch Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
FinishingAttackingCrossing
Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
4-16
Time
14 min
Area
32 x 26 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Full Goals
Focus
Skill Practice
Finishing
FREE

Tempo Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
FinishingAttackingCrossing
Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
4-16
Time
14 min
Area
28 x 22 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Full Goals
Focus
Skill Practice
Finishing
FREE

Pressure Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
FinishingAttackingCrossing
Age band
Under 9 to Adults
Players
4-16
Time
16 min
Area
32 x 26 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Full Goals
Focus
Skill Practice
Finishing
FREE

Continuous Near Post Glide

Attack the near post with conviction

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
FinishingAttackingCrossing