12 Apr 2016
Coaching to improve strikers predatory instincts
Strikers are primarily judged on the goals they score. There are lots of skills that strikers need to possess, both from a goal scoring perspective and in general play and over the course of this series of blogs we will look at those skills and how coaches can improve and develop them.
In this blog, we look at coaching sessions that are designed to develop and improve a strikers goal scoring instinct and how to create and take close range scoring opportunities.
6 v 3 Finishing and shooting game
A simple overload game designed to encourage players to get into key goal scoring areas and to develop and improve creating and taking finishing opportunities.
The game is simple to organise, has flexible and simple rules and has challenges and progressions which the players will enjoy. It also provides lots of game realistic shooting and finishing opportunities for the players.
COACHING TIPS
Strikers’ movement to find space and receive the ball in the area and in and around the goal.
Positive attitude and decision – can the receiving player shoot quickly and accurately
Ball in front and out of feet, to enable the head to be up and assess the GK’s position and distance / angle to goal
Decision of first time shot or control and shoot.
What are the factors that will influence this decision? Pace of the ball, height of the ball, body position – facing goal or away from goal? How much time there is?
Decision of technique of shot to use – side foot, power shot, volley.
Application of the correct finishing technique – Part of foot? Area of ball to strike? Body position?
Clever play, turning and shooting, dribble and shoot
Hit the target – accuracy over power when close to goal. Be calm and composed
Timing of movement to follow up for rebounds and make the goal big for angled shots
Finishing from crosses – timed movement to leave and attack space.
Finishing from crosses – use the pace of the ball to deflect the ball into the goal
Clever, quick, combination play and communication between strikers to create realistic finishing opportunities
Support player – angle and distance of support to try and face the goal when receiving the pass to make the shot easier
This video has had over 150,000 views on You Tube. Like all the coaching content, both on You Tube and on our coaching website www.grassrootscoaching.com the coaching sessions are designed as guides. It is up to the coaches to decide for themselves, what rules and progressions they change and use, or if they adjust the size of the area or the number of players for example.
It has been interesting to note some of the comments on You Tube to this particular video and how coaches can take the organisation and concept of this shooting and finishing game, adjust it and come up with a session that is more suitable for them and their players. For example, Fred Ansell said “Maybe have a winger on either flank to make it more realistic and add another defender if it gets too easy. The idea is simple. Maybe take away 3 passes to get more shots in too if the emphasis is on shooting”