Finishing Long Range Zone

Objective

• -Strike cleanly from outside the area
• -Judge when the long shot is on
• -Improve technique on the driven ball

Setup

1. 1A shooting zone marked 22-28 yards from goal in a 39 x 34 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. 3Plenty of balls at the edge of the zone, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Player receives on the edge of the zone and takes one touch out of the feet.
2. 2The strike must be hit before leaving the zone.
3. 3Rebounds are live for a follow-up finish.
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

• -Shooting from impossible angles
• -Ball bouncing before the strike
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball