Crossing and finishing for age 15+ (best training session before the match!)

Training session for age groups 15 and older with aim to develop finishing and scoring goals:

All coaches involved in older groups are experiencing different conditions during their preparation for training session. Most of the time they have a large group of players determent to work hard, to be challenged in all aspects of training, enjoy work and stay motivated all the time. Dedicated and organized coaches create environment to fulfill all these aspects. In addition, there are training objectives to be fully reached, working in a system of play best for the team during matches and, also, keeping appropriate training intensity.

When you plan your training sessions it is imperative to work with all players. They must all be involved constantly in every exercise. Activity is created to involve all players in frequent repetitions. There must not be ques or long waiting time between turns.

HOW TO CREATE FINISHING EXERCISE INVOLVING ALL PLAYERS

OBJECTIVES: SHOOTING, CROSSING, FINISHING, INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING, DECISION MAKING IN 2V1 SITUATION

INSTRUCTION

Players are positioned like on the diagram bellow, in four groups, placed as wingers central midfielders and forwards or attackers on the full width pitch 40 meters away from the goal. Action starts from group 1, player F playes wall pass with player B and shoots at goal. Both players go in the penalty area to receive cross. Next action is played with player H who plays the ball to player D who passes back to him and makes curved run to recieve through pass. He crosses the ball to players F and B and they attempt to score a goal. Third action starts in the middle again with same wall pass and shot at goal. Again, both players G and C support the action and go in the penalty area to receive the cross from the other side. Player E and A perform the same action like from the other side, this time aiming to assist to one of the 4 receivers.

The all four actions are one go. After the circle finishes, players from groups 1-4 move forward and other players start new go.

In this initiative action all player are involved no metter what position they are playing.

Players must pass and move in perfect timing and create good angles to receive the ball and shoot at goal. Before crossing the ball, player must look at positions of his teammates. Players receiving the cross must attack the ball in order to get to the ball before the opponent.

 

PROGRESSION 1

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Add two central defenders to defend the cross from the wings. In first action, they defend against two defenders, but when cross is coming from the other side, they defend against four attackers. After two repetitions, defenders are changing.

COACHING POINTS

Accurate pass from the players who deliver crosses. Forward players must attack the ball to reach it before the defenders do.

 

PROGRESSION 2

 

INSTRUCTION

Two defenders are fully active and allowed to mark attacking player who is about to receive the initial pass from the midfielder. The 2v1 situation is created. Players are encouraged to make their own decisions in order to create shooting opportunity. Receiver, in this situation attacking player, can play back pass or, if he is in advanced position to the defender, turns and take a shot at goal. If defenders win the ball, they pass the ball through channels between players waiting for their turn. In that way, they simulate transition in attack. The defenders change after each go, which means after all four attempt to score a goal.

COACHING POINTS

Players make correct decision according to the situation. They have to perform quick pass and movement in open space. Hide your decision from the opponent. Perform dummy runs and changes of direction.

 

PROGRESSION 3

 

INSTRUCTION

In addition to previous exercise, two fullbacks are placed in defensive line. This time 2v1 situation is created on the wings, too. If defenders win the ball, they have to pass to their teammate on the opposite side.

COACHING POINTS

Players create movement away from defender to be able to receive the pass. Offside role applies. Since players are closely marked, they must find space to attack the ball to be able to shoot at goal.

KEY POINTS

This way of preparing exercises allows flow and gradually progression to build on training objective from easy to complex. It also keeps focus from players as many of them are involved at the same time and in the same action. This is analytical method that allows players to practice movements and skills in moderate or high challenging situation. It encourages players to practice technique and skills and also make their own decision in different situations. It also saves the coach time to prepare the pitch as he just needs to change players roles. If he had prepared rotation of players beforehand he will spend few seconds to create variation going.

This type of exercises is good to practice day before the match if it is during the competitive micro cycles, or is good practice to create vision and creativity during training process.

Do you let your players discover and deal with the given situation on their own?