ShootingFinishing

First-Time Finishing Drill

Taking the extra touch to control a crossed or cut-back ball often costs a striker their shooting window — this drill builds the confidence to shoot first time.

Age RangeAges 11+
Duration10–12 minutes
Group Size3+ players
SportSoccer

Equipment Needed

  • Several balls
  • Goal with keeper if available

Keep the service coming

A multi-pack of training balls keeps first-time finishing reps flowing without a break to collect balls.

Shop Soccer Balls on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, FreeCoachingDrills.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Setup

  • A server stands wide or at the top of the box with balls; a striker makes runs into the box.
  • A goal (with or without a keeper) is the target.
First-Time Finishing DrillSOservice1st touch shotNo control touch — the first contact must be the shot

Instructions

  1. The server plays a ball into the box — a cross, a cut-back, or a driven pass — varying the service each rep.
  2. The striker times a run to meet the ball and strikes it first time toward goal.
  3. No control touch allowed; the first contact must be the shot.
  4. Rotate servers and strikers after every 6–8 attempts.
Coaching Points
  • Body shape matters more than power here — get side-on and strike through the ball's middle to keep the shot on target.
  • Adjust the run to meet the ball's pace rather than waiting for it to arrive perfectly.
  • Missing is normal and expected early on; the timing takes real repetition to build.
  • Vary the height and pace of service so strikers learn to adjust their technique, not just repeat one shot.

Variation

Add a defender to contest the far post, or use only volleys (no ground balls) for an advanced session.