17 Jan 2017

Waves – Finishing and shooting game – Progression 2

Third in the series of the waves – rotating finishing and shooting games. In this game the focus is on forward passes for forward runners to finish and getting the ball wide for a cross and finish.

Organisation

• Organise players into groups of threes
• Organise an area of about 50 x 20 yards. Adjust to suit the age and ability of the players
• Appropriate sized goals at either end of the area, with GK’s
• Position shooting lines – 10 – 15 yards from the goals. Players must shoot before this line.
• The game is a competition to see which team can score the most goals from an agreed number of attempts. Rebounds count

Objective

• Teams still need to pass and move quickly in teams of threes to create and take finishing opportunities.
• Players pass and move in teams of threes in a wave like fashion, looking to move down the pitch quickly, to look to score.

Progressions

• Pass into the shooting zone for a runner to take a first time shot to finish
• Pass to a runner outside of the touch lines for a cross and finish

Key Coaching

Pass and Support

• Early support play for the player on the ball. Good communication and angle and distance of support
• Support where the player on the ball can easily see them
• Stand still and support or movement to support for the ball to be passed into space
• Using body language and verbal communication to connect with the player on the ball
• Readjustment of support position – as the ball moves or is controlled in a different direction support player will need to adjust to support in a different way

Forward runs for forward passes

• Recognition of player making the run of where the space is to run into
• Timing and angle of forward run
• Communication from forward  runner to passer, of when and where they want the pass
• Quality of the ball from the passer – accuracy, timing and weight of pass

Finishing

• Positive attitude and decision – can the player shoot quickly
• Head up to assess goalkeepers position and distance / angle to goal
• Technique of shot – side foot, power, volley, first time or control and shot
• Hit the target – accuracy over power when close to goal. Be calm and composed
• Follow up for rebounds

Finishing from crosses

• Crossers make runs outside of the touch line to receive the pass prior to crossing
• Head up before crossing, identify areas to cross to
• One runner near post, one far post
• Time and communicate runs to meet the cross
• Composed finish – hit the target