Shooting & Finishing - U14 Practice Plan
Shooting & Finishing - U14 Practice Plan
A U14 soccer practice session that focuses on shooting and finishing. The practice outline is:
- 4 vs. 4 Play (15 Minutes)
- 1 vs. 1 to Goal (15 Minutes)
- 2 vs. 2 with Neutrals (15 Minutes)
- 6 vs. 6 Scrimmage (15 Minutes)
End of practice questions:
- What is placement vs. power? (hard shots are generally less accurate. Think about the proper part of the foot to use for each unique shooting opportunity. Are you far out? Are you close to the goal? Is the GK out of position? They all need different techniques to score).
- Why is mobility important in the attacking 3rd of the field? (It helps unbalance the defenders. If you stand still, you are too easy to defend!)
- Why should we look to shoot first when close to goal? (Space to shoot disappears quickly! If you have an opportunity to score, you need to take that chance first!)
- Why is shooting on goal quickly important? (because space is tight in and around the 18 yard box. If you don’t shoot quick when you have space, then a defender will pressure you fast and your opportunity will be gone.)
4v4 Play
Set Up:
- Create two (or more) 30 x 20 yd. fields with a 2 yd. goal on each endline.
- Divide players into four teams and play 4v4.
- Play two-minute games, and rotate teams after every game.
Coaching Points:
None. Let the players play and make mistakes. Only intervene if it is taking too long to get ball back in play.
1v1 to Goal
Set Up:
Two players are 1 v 1 in the center of the field. Five players are stationed around the outside to feed balls into the attacker. The attacker finishes five consecutive attacks before the players switch roles. An attack is over when the balls is put out of play or a goal has been scored. A running score is kept for both players. After the game is over, the players switch out with two of the outside feeders.
The coach keeps track of wins, losses, ties, and the total number of goals scored.
Coaching Points:
1. Feel for the defender behind you and determine his position.
2. If a defender is overly aggressive, shield the ball and turn on him.
3. Once past the defender, take the dribble into his path to seal him off.
Progressions:
1. Each Feeder has two balls, and each player finishes ten balls in a row.
2v2 w/Neutrals
Set Up:
The teams play 4v4 plus four, with two players stationed in each half. The neutrals are limited to one touch, but they are allowed to shoot. When players dribble out of their defensive half and into the red zone, defenders may NOT follow. After passing into the attacking half, that player returns to the back half. The first team to 2 goals wins, and the games have a five minute time limit. When teams tie, the reigning champ remains on the field.
Coaching Points:
1. Chasing the GK will create a 2v1 for the other team.
2. Look for chances to cross and finish, using the neutrals.
3. Forwards should set up deep into the attacking zone, well away from the red zone.
Progressions:
1. When an attacker dribbles into the red zone, they can continue into the attacking half, creating a 3v2.
6v6 Scrimmage
Set Up:
- Play 6v6 with no restrictions. Full goals with GKs.
- 60 x 40 yards.
Coaching Points:
None. Just sit back and let them play. Can expand field for numbers.
