Finishing Back-to-Goal Receiving

Objective

• -Hold the ball up with a defender behind
• -Decide between setting, spinning or turning
• -Link the striker to runners from midfield

Setup

1. 1A central receiving zone in front of a goal in a 34 x 26 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 at the midfield start cone, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Midfielder passes into the striker who has a defender behind them.
2. 2Striker either sets the ball back or spins in behind.
3. 3The move finishes with a strike on goal.
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

• -Standing still waiting for the pass
• -Taking a touch straight into the defender
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball