Finishing: Dribbling past the defender and scoring

What is practiced?
This finishing drill focuses on a player’s first touch and dribbling ability in 1v1 scenarios that lead to goalscoring situations. The exercise focuses on player-level aspects such as receiving the ball on the move and using that momentum to beat an opponent to create an opportunity to score and finish. Players must drive toward defenders and time their run so that they receive the ball as they are approaching the defender. Their first contact with the ball should be with the foot that allows them to get their body between the ball and the defender, allowing them to use their momentum to glide past the opponent.

For whom is this relevant?
This 1v1 finishing drill revolves around the player scale and focuses on their ability to time their run to receive the ball while on the move so that their first touch can take them past an opponent. The exercise is particularly relevant to players arriving from wide positions and making diagonal runs in situations such as counter-attacks or against high defensive lines. The continuous 1v1s have been developed to sharpen the individual’s precision in these specific situations. The exercise is not position-specific. Players must attack with aggression and directness.

How is the practice designed?
This practice is played on a reduced pitch with two full-size goals at close distance to one another to create constant goalscoring scenarios. The nature of the drill has been designed to provide transitions that help to foster urgent actions from all players in 1v1 scenarios. The deliberate positioning of the attackers receiving the ball encourages them to make diagonal runs and be brave with their approach when coming up against a defender. Additionally, it helps to avoid static situations and keeps the ball rolling in attacking scenarios, which can lead to a greater chance of creating shooting opportunities.

Organisation

• Mark out a 35x25m area with a full-size goal and a goalkeeper at either end.

• Split the players into 2 teams of 6.

• Position 3 blue players to the right of one goal and 3 orange players to the right of the other.

• Position another 3 players from each team on either side of the pitch – the opposite side to where their team-mates are positioned by the goal.

 Explanation

• 1 orange player positions themselves in the middle of the pitch.

• The first blue player at the side of the pitch makes a diagonal run toward the orange defender in the middle.

• The first blue player to the right of the goal plays a firm diagonal pass into the path of the blue player making the run.

• The blue player making the run must try to beat the orange defender and score. The orange defender must try to stop them.

• Once a shot has been taken or a goal scored, the orange team initiate the next 1v1 sequence and the blue player who passed the ball becomes the defender.

Key coaching points

Roles of the coaches

• First coach – explains the rules and objective of the exercise whilst encouraging players to be brave on the ball.

• Second coach – observes and offers occasional encouragement to the players.

• Third coach – stays behind one of the goals and helps provide balls.