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intermediateshooting15-20 minutes6-12 players

Finishing in the Box

Structured shooting drill focusing on finishing chances inside the penalty area from various angles and situations. Develops composure, technique, and decision-making under pressure.

U11-U12U13-U14U15+

Setup

Use a full-size goal with a goalkeeper. Set up cones around the penalty area at different angles (central, left, right). Position servers at each cone with a supply of balls. Players queue behind each station. On the coach's call, a server plays a ball into the box (varied service: ground pass, lofted, driven), and the first player in the queue must finish first time or with minimal touches. Rotate through all stations.

Coaching Points

  • 1Get your body shape correct before shooting, stay balanced
  • 2Strike through the centre of the ball for power and accuracy
  • 3Keep your head steady and eyes on the ball at contact
  • 4Side-foot finish for accuracy, laces for power
  • 5Follow up your shot in case of rebounds
  • 6Make your decision early, do not hesitate or snatch at chances

Variations

  • ✓Add a defender who applies passive pressure initially
  • ✓Progress to active defending with full contact
  • ✓Include different types of service (crosses, cut-backs, rebounds)
  • ✓Add conditions like weak foot only or one-touch finishes
  • ✓Create competition with points for goals scored

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I improve my finishing in football?

Improve finishing through repetition, focusing on technique, composure, and decision-making. Practice different types of finishes (side-foot, laces, headers) from various angles. Mental preparation and staying calm under pressure are equally important as technical ability.

Should I shoot for power or accuracy?

Accuracy beats power in most situations. A well-placed shot is harder to save than a powerful but central shot. Develop both, but prioritise hitting the corners with controlled technique over blasting the ball at the goalkeeper.

What makes a clinical finisher?

Clinical finishers combine technical excellence with composure and decision-making. They anticipate where chances will come from, get into good positions, and convert opportunities consistently by making the right choice (side-foot for accuracy or power shot) in each situation.

How do I stay composed when through on goal?

Focus on your technique and the process rather than the outcome. Slow your breathing, assess the goalkeeper's position quickly, and execute with confidence. Regular practice in these situations builds the muscle memory needed to remain calm.

Related Drills

Crossing and Finishing

Combination drill developing crossing technique and finishing from wide positions. Teaches wingers to deliver quality crosses and strikers to attack the ball in the penalty area.

Long Range Shooting

Technical shooting drill developing power, accuracy, and technique from outside the penalty area. Teaches players to strike the ball cleanly and create goal-scoring opportunities from distance.

Expert Advisors

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General Coach

All-round coaching

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The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

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General Player

All-round player development

Related Keywords

finishingshooting drillpenalty areagoal scoringstriker trainingcomposuretechniqueshooting accuracyclinical finishingfootball trainingattacking drillsscoring goals

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Finishing in the Box - Football Coaching Drill | FootballGPT