Finishing Target Player Possession

Objective

• -Keep the ball with a forward purpose
• -Play into a target player under pressure
• -Support the target quickly after the pass

Setup

1. 1A pitch with a target player in an end zone at each end in a 38 x 30 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 target players, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep the ball and score by finding their target player.
2. 2The target sets the ball back and the team must keep it.
3. 3Targets rotate with outfield players every three minutes.
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

• -Hitting the target with no support
• -Only passing sideways and backwards
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball