Finishing Under Pressure
A game-realistic shooting drill where every shot happens with a defender closing down. Players learn to get shots off quickly and place them under pressure, which is how goals are actually scored on match day.
Ages
U12 to U18
Players
8 to 16
Time
20 minutes
Focus
Shooting technique
Equipment
- 1 goal
- Pinnies
- 10+ balls
- 4 cones
Setup
Place a line of attackers at the top of the box and a line of defenders 5 yards behind them at an angle. Goalkeeper in goal, coach with the balls to the side.
How it works
- Coach plays a ball into the attacker's path.
- The moment the ball is played, the defender releases and chases.
- The attacker must take a touch and shoot before the defender can block.
- Attacker joins the defending line, defender joins the attacking line.
- Track goals. First player to 5 goals wins, then reset.
Coaching points
- First touch out of your feet and toward the goal, never sideways.
- Head steady, eyes on the ball through contact. Placement beats power under pressure.
- Shoot early. The extra touch you want is the touch the defender needs.
Progression
Start the defender level with the attacker, or serve bouncing balls that must be controlled first.
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