U9 Shooting & Finishing Session Plan (60 Minutes, Free)

The full session plan

Six timed phases totalling 60 minutes. Run them in order — each phase feeds the next.

1. 1

   Arrival activity

   5 min

   Strike the target

   Set up: Pairs 12 yards apart with a cone gate between them. Firm side-foot passes through the gate.

   Coaching points

   • -Non-kicking foot beside the ball
   • -Ankle locked
   • -Follow through towards the target

   Progression: Narrow the gate.

2. 2

   Warm up

   8 min

   Two-station strike prep

   Set up: Two lines, one either side of the goal, 10 yards out. Roll the ball across yourself and strike low into the net, alternating feet.

   Coaching points

   • -Head steady, eyes on the ball
   • -Strike through the middle of the ball to keep it low
   • -Start at 60% power and build

   Progression: Move back to 14 yards.

3. 3

   Technical practice

   12 min

   Turn and shoot

   Set up: Server plays into the striker's feet 18 yards out with a cone as a marker behind. Receive, turn out of the feet, shoot within two touches.

   Coaching points

   • -Check away before the ball arrives
   • -First touch out of your feet, into the space you want to shoot from
   • -Placement over power inside the box

   Progression: Add a recovering defender who starts on the cone.

4. 4

   Skill practice

   15 min

   1v1 to finish

   Set up: Attacker starts 25 yards out with a keeper in goal and one defender who recovers from behind. Six seconds to get a shot away.

   Coaching points

   • -Take the first touch towards goal
   • -Shoot early if the lane is open
   • -Follow your shot in for a rebound

   Progression: Two attackers versus one defender for a 2v1.

5. 5

   Small-sided game

   15 min

   5v5 finishing game

   Set up: Two mini goals at one end, the full goal with a keeper at the other. Rotate teams every four minutes so everyone attacks the big goal.

   Coaching points

   • -Two players into the box every attack
   • -Shoot when you see the goal
   • -Celebrate every attempt

   Progression: Award two points for a first-time finish.

6. 6

   Cool down & review

   5 min

   Top corner challenge

   Set up: One shot each from 12 yards into a target zone, then stretch and review.

   Coaching points

   • -Ask what they'd change about their last shot
   • -Set a home target: 20 strikes a day against a wall

   Progression: Keep a weekly leaderboard.

Drills used in this theme

Swap any practice above for another on the same theme.

FAQs

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