Three Goal Finishing Game

Objective

• -Finish in a game situation
• -Switch the attack to the free goal
• -Create shooting chances quickly

Setup

1. 1Three mini goals on each end line.
2. 2Two teams, balls stored around the pitch.
3. 3No keepers to encourage shooting.

How to play

1. 1Teams may score in any of the three goals in front of them.
2. 2Shots must be from inside the shooting zone.
3. 3Four minute games, rest, repeat.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Overplaying inside the shooting zone
• -Ignoring the far goal
• -No reaction to rebounds