Shooting Drills Archives - Onside - Training

1v1 Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:01:54 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

8/10

SETUP

Position a cone approximately 10-15 meters outside the box, straight out from goal.
Divide the players into two teams and arrange them in two lines behind the cone, one line on each side.
Place a goalkeeper in goal.
Have a coach positioned behind the two lines with an ample supply of balls to start the game.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The 1v1 Shooting Drill offers an excellent opportunity for players to enhance their attacking and defensive skills in realistic through-ball 1v1 situations commonly encountered in actual games. Players develop a heightened situational understanding when dealing with unpredictable through-balls played behind the defensive line, benefiting both attackers and defenders.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Situational Understanding: Players develop awareness of unpredictable through-ball situations, vital for both attacking and defending.
Balance and Body Use: Players learn to stay balanced in a high-speed run and to use their body to gain an advantage without committing a foul.
Shooting Under Pressure: The drill emphasizes shooting at full speed with an opponent closing in, mirroring real-game scenarios.
Realistic Training: Through-ball 1v1 situations happen in every game, so the practice transfers straight into matchday.
Defensive Skills: Defenders learn to apply pressure during the shot, disrupting the attacker’s balance and forcing a less accurate attempt on goal.

HOW IT WORKS

The first player from each line steps up to the cone, facing goal with their eyes in a straight line towards it. The coach initiates by playing a ball forward past them. As the players see the ball coming from behind, both sprint after it and a 1v1 situation unfolds towards goal, with the goalkeeper live. Once the ball either finds the back of the net or goes out of bounds, the pair return to the back of their lines and a new pair steps up.

Coaching Flexibility: Coaches have the liberty to introduce variety in the initiation of the ball, fostering creativity and adaptability in players. Vary the starting pass with a looped ball, a pass to one side, a direct pass into feet, or an intentionally awkward pass — each challenges the players to adjust to a different scenario. This diversity sharpens reflexes and decision-making and prepares them for how these moments actually arrive in a match.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Watch out for players committing fouls during the 1v1 – reward strong, legal use of the body over shirt-pulling and blocking.
Encourage attackers to shoot early and at full speed rather than taking an extra touch.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 1v1 Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

3v3 On Small Goals

Onside - Training — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:37 +0000

PLAYERS:

+12

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Possession

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

7/10

SETUP

Create a 30×20 meter square using four cones, and mark the middle line with two additional cones.
Place two small goals at each end of the area, spread across the end line.
Position one team at each end of the pitch, with six players on each team divided into two smaller teams of three players each.
Keep the waiting trios behind their own end line with a supply of balls ready, so a new team can enter immediately.
Have the coach positioned on the sideline with balls to start and restart play.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This 3v3 On Small Goals drill is designed to enhance players’ possession skills under pressure, emphasizing both high-pressure defending and executing effective counter-attacks. It facilitates the development of passing combinations in tight spaces, encouraging the use of the third man in play.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Possession Under Pressure: The tight area forces quick decisions and clean technique with an opponent always close by.
Movement Off the Ball: In possession, players are encouraged to constantly move to find space on the pitch, replicating a real match scenario where players actively seek free spaces.
Collective Attacking: To score, all players must be beyond the middle line, promoting quick passing under pressure and strategic positioning.
Counter-Attacking: The defending team gains an opportunity to practice counter-attacks upon winning the ball in their own half.
High Intensity: Rotating teams after each ball keeps the tempo up and lets every trio play at an elevated level.

HOW IT WORKS

Two teams of three start the game within the designated play area. The coach commences play by kicking the ball into the air and into the play area, or by letting one of the teams start with the ball. The objective is for the teams to collaborate and score a goal on either of the two small goals at the opposite end. For a goal to be valid, all players must cross the middle line and enter the opposition half. If any player remains behind the line, the goal is nullified and possession is handed over to the opposing team.

Following a scored goal or when the ball goes out of bounds, the two new teams enter the play area and the game resets. The team that conceded a goal or retained possession restarts the game with the ball from the backline. This rotation system ensures continuous engagement and allows all teams to actively participate in the drill.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist on the rule — call back any goal scored with a player still behind the middle line, so the whole team learns to push up together.
Encourage the defending team to press high as a unit and to break out quickly the moment they win the ball.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Keep the waiting teams switched on so the next trio enters straight away and the tempo never drops.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 3v3 On Small Goals appeared first on Onside - Training.

3v2 “Klopp Inspired” Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:07:58 +0000

PLAYERS:

+10

TIME:

30 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

8/10

SETUP

Arrange 3 cones in a line about 10 metres outside the box, spaced around 10 metres apart. They represent a striker and two wingers.
Place a small goal on each side of the pitch, outside the box and roughly level with the line of cones.
Have at least 2 attackers waiting at each cone.
Have at least 2 defenders behind the goal line on each side of the goal, with a supply of balls ready.
Place a goalkeeper in goal.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The 3v2 “Klopp Inspired” Shooting Drill is built around the principles of Jürgen Klopp’s gegenpressing Liverpool side. It trains the moment right after the ball is won. Defenders have to move the ball away from danger and out to the small goals on each side, which represent full-backs or midfielders. At the same time, the attackers get a 3v2 overload to work on their finishing and combinations. Both halves of the transition are trained in the same repetition.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Playing Out of Pressure: Defenders learn to lift their heads straight after winning the ball and find the safe outlet wide instead of clearing it aimlessly.
Defending as a Pair: Two defenders against three attackers have to stay compact, shift together and delay rather than dive in.
Finishing in an Overload: Attackers get repeated chances to use a numerical advantage before the defence can recover.
Attacking Combinations: The three attackers time their runs off one another to break the defensive line.

HOW IT WORKS

One of the two defenders starts the game by passing the ball into one of the three attackers at the cones. As soon as the pass is played, both defenders on that side push up towards the attackers. They stay compact and ready to win the ball, and a live 3v2 unfolds towards goal.

The attackers aim to score as quickly as possible. They use varied runs to get in behind and around the two defenders, so encourage different running patterns instead of the same attack every time. If the defenders win the ball, they try to score in one of the small goals on either side of the pitch as fast as possible.

Scoring: Attackers earn 1 point for a goal in the main goal. Defenders earn 2 points for a goal in a small goal. The first team to reach 10 points wins. Adjust the scoring if it looks unfair to either side.

Coaching Flexibility: Vary how the ball is played in – to feet, into space or a deliberately awkward pass – so the attackers have to control it under pressure before the 3v2 starts. Alternate which side of the goal the defenders come from, so both pairs get equal repetitions.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Coach the two defenders to stay compact and shift across as a pair. The drill loses its value if they split and dive in.
Encourage the attackers to attack at speed. The slower the attack, the easier the 3v2 is to defend.
Rotate players every 2-5 minutes to ensure everyone gets involved evenly.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 3v2 “Klopp Inspired” Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

The Shooting Competition Drill

Onside - Training — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:32:32 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U12+

INTENSITY:

6/10

SETUP

Place three cones approximately 5 meters outside the box, with a 10-meter gap between each cone.
Assign a minimum of two players to each cone: one player ready to shoot and one ready to lay the ball off for them. – Give each cone a small supply of balls.
Position a goalkeeper in the goal.
Position a crossing player (or the coach) out wide with a supply of balls.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Shooting Competition Drill gives players a great chance to take multiple shots on goal in a dynamic and competitive setting. The competition drives players to actively seek the ball on the cross, striving to score and collect points to outperform their teammates. Adding the cross also sharpens the timing of runs into the box and teaches players to move intelligently to get on the end of a delivery.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Shooting from Distance: Players repeatedly strike at goal from outside the box, building technique and confidence in a game-realistic position.
Combination Play: The one-two before each shot trains a sharp lay-off, a good first touch and shooting on the move.
Timing Runs into the Box: Players learn when to attack the cross and which space to attack to get a clean contact.
Competitive Mentality: The points system pushes players to fight for every ball and finish under pressure.

HOW IT WORKS

Players compete in a 3-player battle, so 6 or 9 outfield players plus 1 crossing player (who can also be the coach) works best. If your numbers don’t match, run it as everyone against everyone. Set the target between 10 and 20 points depending on the level of the players and the points system you choose.

The three players at the cones compete to score the most goals. Each of them plays a one-two with their teammate at the cone and takes a shot on goal from outside the box, earning 1 point for every goal.
Once all three have taken their shot, they move into the box and anticipate the cross from the wide player.
Whoever scores from the cross earns an additional point. The ball is only out of play once it crosses the line or is cleared out of the box.
After the cross, the players swap with their teammates at the cones, who then repeat the same sequence.
Once both players from each cone have shot, rotate the groups so every player gets to shoot from every position.

Coaching Flexibility: To add more excitement to the cross, let a goal from the delivery count as 2 points. Deliver crosses from both sides so players practise attacking the ball from different angles.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to shoot early and with intent rather than taking an extra touch outside the box.
Watch the quality of the lay-off, as a poor return pass ruins the shot before it starts.
Encourage players to attack the cross rather than waiting for it, staying on their toes and ready to react.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post The Shooting Competition Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Finishing With Diagonal Runs

Onside - Training — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 08:34:30 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Arrange 3-4 free-kick mannequins a few meters outside the box.
On each wing of the mannequins, position a cone with 2 or more players behind it.
In the middle of the pitch, about 10 meters from the mannequins, place the starting cone with 2 or more players, and provide a ball for each player.
Adjust distances between cones and mannequins based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Finishing With Diagonal Runs Drill is an excellent method for players to practice making well-timed runs and passes through the opponent’s defensive line. It enhances players’ awareness of the offside line and improves their ability to make runs behind defenders without being offside. The players also practice passing and shooting skills.

HOW IT WORKS

The starting player passes to one of the players on the wings. The starting player then receives the ball back while the winger on the opposite side begins a diagonal run into the pitch, aiming to move behind the mannequins. The starting player then delivers a through-ball to the running winger, who, upon receiving the ball, goes for goal.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Focus on not being offside while making a run behind the mannequins.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Finishing With Diagonal Runs appeared first on Onside - Training.

Overlap Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 10:20:32 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U5+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Position one cone in the middle of the first half of the pitch, and another cone slightly outside the box on one side. Maintain a distance of approximately 5-10 meters between the cones.
Position one player at the cone closest to the box.
Line up the rest of the players behind the other cone.
(In the second variation, add a new cone at the edge of the box in the center of the field.)
Adjust the distance between players based on their age and skill level.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This is a straightforward overlap shooting drill designed to help your players enhance their shooting skills, movement, and game understanding. Consider the starting player as a midfielder/winger, while the receiving front-player plays the role of a striker. The drill aids your team in breaking through the opponent’s defensive back line to create scoring opportunities.

HOW IT WORKS

The starting player plays the ball into the front player, makes an overlap run and gets the ball back to go for goal. After each shot, players rotate positions.

1. Variation

The starting player passes to the front-player. The front-player makes a turn on the cone and plays the ball back to the starting player, who has executed an overlap run. The player now goes for goal. After each shot, players rotate positions.

2. Variation

The starting player again passes to the front player. The front player receives the ball, dribbles to the cone in the middle of the field, and, after getting behind the cone, sends the ball back to the overlapping starting player. The player now goes for goal. After each shot, players rotate positions.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Overlap Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

4 Cone Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 08:50:23 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Create a rectangle using 4 cones located just outside the box, with dimensions approximately 5 x 10 meters.
Assign one player to each cone, and any additional players should form a line behind the two cones farthest from the goal.
Adjust the distance between players based on their age and skill level.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The 4 Cone Shooting Drill is a straightforward yet effective way to practice shooting while integrating various passing combinations. In addition to developing shooting skills, players also enhance their passing, one-two passing combinations, and third-man passing. This drill contributes to a better understanding of the game and aids players in improving their performance during attacking phases.

HOW IT WORKS

Players combine around the 4 cones before the ball is laid off for the shooter, who takes a shot at goal. After each shot, the players rotate positions.

1. Variation

In this variation, the players perform a basic one-two pass with the player ahead of them. The player who first gets the pass then passes the ball to the shooter, who takes a shot. After the shot, the players rotate positions.

2. Variation

In this variation, the first player delivers a diagonal pass through the square. The receiving player then lays the ball off for the shooter. After the shot, the starting and shooting players rotate positions.

3. Variation

In this variation, we combine elements from the first two variations. The initial player engages in a one-two combination with the player ahead. Then, a diagonal pass is sent through the square and laid off for the shooter. After the shot, the starting and shooting players rotate positions.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 4 Cone Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Warm-Up Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:56:21 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

15 min.

FOCUS:

Warm-Up

AGE:

U5+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Place two cones on the field, with the first cone a few meters outside the box and the second cone about 10 meters from the first one.
Assign one player to the first cone, and have the remaining players form a line behind the second cone.
Adjust the distance between cones based on players’ age and skill level.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This Warm-Up Shooting Drill provides a simple and effective way for players to familiarize themselves with shooting techniques. It’s an excellent method to prepare your players for a match or more advanced shooting exercises. Many teams incorporate this drill just before a kick-off, especially for their strikers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming match.

HOW IT WORKS

The players line up at the second cone and combine with the player at the first cone before going for goal.

1. Variation

In this version, the starting player passes the ball and executes a one-two pass with their teammate. Afterward, they go for the goal, taking a first-time shot or opting for a single touch before finishing.

2. Variation

In this variation, the starting player delivers a pass to the other player. This time, the receiving player sends a chip pass return to the shooter. The challenge now is to nail a skillful volley shot.

(If performing the chip pass seems challenging, the player can opt to hold the ball in their hands and execute a chip throw instead.)

3. Variation

Here, the initiating player engages in a one-two pass with their partner. Subsequently, a 1v1 situation kicks off, with the starting player becoming the attacker and the teammate turning into a defender.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Remember to lean slightly over the ball when shooting.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Warm-Up Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Triangle Passing Drill To Goal

Onside - Training — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:03:35 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Arrange three cones in a triangle with a distance of 5 to 10 meters between them, just outside the penalty box.
Position one player at each cone, and any additional players in line behind one of the cones.
Use at least four players and one goalkeeper.
Adjust the distance between players based on their age and skill level.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This Triangle Passing Drill to Goal is an excellent method to blend a passing drill with shooting practice towards the end. The inclusion of the shooting aspect not only adds an element of fun but also introduces a competitive edge among the players. It’s a dynamic and engaging way to improve passing skills while developing goal-scoring abilities in a playful setting.

HOW IT WORKS

Players pass the ball around the triangle before the ball is played through to the forward player, who takes a shot at goal.

1. Variation

Players pass the ball around the triangle with a directional first touch and a strong pass. Once the ball comes back to the starting point, the player sends a through ball to the forward player, who then takes a shot at the goal.

2. Variation

In this version, the focus is on practicing one-two passes, ending with a quick one-two exchange and a through ball to the forward player.

3. Variation

In this variation, the emphasis is on the player starting the drill. They make a quick and long run, overlapping with the second player. The aim is to sprint fast. The other players still focus on the one-two passing.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Triangle Passing Drill To Goal appeared first on Onside - Training.

Manchester United Passing & Finishing Drill (On Small Goals)

Onside - Training — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:53:50 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

5/10

SETUP

Arrange a single cone in a line with three man-markers. Maintain a distance of approximately 2 meters between the cone and every man-marker.
At the end of the line, position a small goal about 10 meters away from the last man-marker.
Have all players line up behind the starting cone.
Adjust the distance between cones and man-markers based on age and skill level.
Feel free to adjust the length of cones or distances based on your preferences.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This drill, inspired by Manchester United, is an excellent addition to your training routine, focusing on passing, finishing, and fostering healthy competition among players. The competitive element challenges players to make accurate passes under pressure. When multiple teams are involved, it not only sharpens individual abilities but also builds team spirit, fostering a stronger bond among players.

HOW IT WORKS

Both teams kick off simultaneously by passing to players stationed behind the markers. Subsequently, players engage in one-two passing sequences, navigating through the obstacles, and conclude the drill with a shot on goal.

Transform this into a friendly competition, perhaps aiming to be the first team to score 10 goals.

Feel free to experiment with various strategies to navigate through the obstacles.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Manchester United Passing & Finishing Drill (On Small Goals) appeared first on Onside - Training.