Shooting & Finishing
Shooting with power and accuracy, moving into good positions to receive and finish
⏳ 50 minutes · 5 activities
1
Shooting Lanes
Children take turns shooting at a full-size or large goal from a short distance. High repetitions, low pressure.
Setup
- One large goal (or wide cone goal)
- Balls placed at 5-6 yards from goal across a line
- Children in small groups of 2-3 per shooting position
How to Play
- Each child shoots, collects their ball and joins the back of the queue
- Vary positions — central, left and right of goal
- No goalkeeper first — remove pressure to build confidence
Rules
- After 3 minutes: add a passive goalkeeper who only reacts to shots on target
- Progress: shoot with the weaker foot only
- Progress: take one touch to set the ball before shooting
1
Toes down, ankle locked for a firm contact2
Strike through the middle of the ball for accuracy3
Celebrate every shot that hits the frame as well as goals2
Dribble, Set & Shoot
Children dribble from a cone, take a final touch to set the ball and then shoot. Replicates a realistic scoring scenario.
Setup
- Start cones 12-15 yards from goal
- Children dribble from their cone towards goal
- Queue of 3-4 at each starting cone
How to Play
- Dribble from the cone, slow down as you approach the goal
- Set the ball with one touch to get it onto your stronger foot
- Shoot and follow up in case of a rebound
Progressions
- Progress: add a passive defender who stands in line with the goal to create awareness
- Progress: receive a pass from the coach instead of starting with the ball
- Encourage players to aim at a specific corner — even point at it before shooting
1
Approach slightly from the side for a better shooting angle on the ball2
Keep your head over the ball to keep the shot down3
Follow up after every shot — many goals come from rebounds at this age3
3v1 Shooting Game
Three attackers vs one defender aim to score as many as possible before the defender blocks three shots.
Setup
- Groups of 4: three attackers and one rotating defender
- One goal or large cone goal
- Attackers start 10-12 yards from goal
How to Play
- Three attackers combine to get a shot on goal — they must pass at least once before shooting
- Defender tries to block or intercept
- After 3 minutes or once the defender blocks 3 shots, rotate
Key Focus
- Attackers get 5 attempts per rotation before the defender changes
- Progress: defender becomes more active — can now try to win the ball
- Count total goals across all rotations as a group target
1
Attackers: spread out so the defender cannot cover everyone2
Shoot when the opportunity is there — do not over-pass3
Defender: block with your body, not just your leg4
Small-Sided Shooting Match
A focused match where shooting is encouraged. Goalkeepers optional.
Setup
- Two even teams (4v4 or 5v5)
- One full-size or large goal each end
- Rotate goalkeepers if used
How to Play
- Normal match with the emphasis on shooting when in range
- Award a bonus point for any shot that hits the woodwork or frame
- Restart immediately after each goal — keep the game flowing
Notes
- Rule: any player within 8 yards of goal must shoot — no passing back
- Remove the rule for the final 4 minutes and let them play freely
5
Cool Down
Stretch, rest and review the session.
Stretches
- Children sit in a semicircle facing the goal
Q1. What did you do differently when you scored vs when you missed?
Q2. Did anyone score with their weaker foot today?
Q3. Pick your best goal of the session — can you describe what you did?