Soccer Finishing

Finishing Under Pressure

Forwards finish in tight spaces with a defender at their back — simulating real match pressure.

20 minDuration
10 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
Penalty areaSpace needed
Balls, goal, bibsEquipment

Setup

Striker starts back to goal, 12 m out. Defender on their back. Server plays in from wide.

Instructions

  1. Server plays ball in to striker's feet.
  2. Striker must control, turn, and shoot — defender applies live pressure.
  3. Defender cannot tackle from behind until the striker's first touch.
  4. 5 reps then rotate.

Coaching Points

✓ First touch away from the defender — don't take it to the middle.
✓ Be decisive — hesitation loses the chance.
✓ Shoot low and across the keeper.

Progressions

→ Two defenders.
→ Striker must also beat a second player set on the edge of the box.
→ Time it — goal must be scored within 4 seconds of receiving.

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