Shooting and Finishing Soccer Drills (Strikers)

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Shooting and finishing drills to help you score. We have a massive collection of shooting drills for you to enjoy.

These drills are for all players in all age groups, whether you’re on the field on in your yard, there’s something here for you.

Soccer player shooting at goal

Shooting – Finishing – Volley Drills

Hungry Hippos: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 4-6
  • Length of Session: 10 mins 
  • Number of Players: up to 20
  • Skills to Learn: dribbling at speed, keeping head up
  • Equipment: a lot of soccer balls, pinnies, and small goals are optional 
  • Description: Two teams compete to see who can bring the most balls back to their area. 

Drill Set-up: 

  • Split the kids into two even teams. 
  • Give each team pinnies to distinguish. 
  • Create a large rectangle with a small zone on each end. 
  • Place all of the balls in the center of the space. 
Hungry Hippos Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

Drill Instructions:

  1. Place each team at either end of the rectangle. 
  2. Each team can send one player at a time to go retrieve a ball and dribble it back. 
  3. Optional: add a mini goal. The player must shoot the ball into the small goal to earn it for their team. 
  4. If a player goes out of bounds, they must put the ball back in the middle and go back to their team for a new player to go.
  5. Perform as a race until all the balls are gone. 

Dribbling & Shooting Technique: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Dribbling & Shooting Technique
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 1 
  • Skills learned: Dribbling, skill moves, shooting
  • Equipment: 2 cones, 1 ball (minimum), 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill.
  • Place 1 cone near the center on the edge of the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards from the first, toward the centerfield. 
  • P1 stands at the furthest cone with the ball at their feet. 
  • If there are multiple balls available, place them between the 2 cones.
Dribbling and Shooting Technique
Dribbling and Shooting Technique

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by dribbling directly at the cone on the edge of the penalty box.
  2. At the cone, P1 shifts to the left or right before taking a shot on goal. 
  3. P1 should focus on shooting with good technique, picking their spot before shooting. 
  4. After shooting, P1 runs back to the starting position, collecting another ball on the way. 
  5. P1 completes the drill 10 times, takes a 1-minute break, then repeats the full routine 2 more times (3 in total).

Drill Variations

  • P1 should focus on shooting with both feet. 
  • P1 practices a skill move at the cone on the edge of the penalty box to simulate beating a defender.
  • To improve finishing accuracy, P1 should place cones on the goal line and aim for them. Alternatively, they can use a small goal.
  • Change the position of the cones to practice shooting from different angles. 

1v1 Shooting: Soccer Drill

  • Age Range: 6-10
  • Length of Session:10 mins
  • Number of Players: 2+
  • Skills to Learn: dribbling, 1v1 attacking and defending, finishing
  • Equipment: balls, cones, a goal

Description: Both players face the goal and engage in a race to the ball and goal. Who can finish first? This fun game is a combination of 1v1 and shooting. 

Drill Set-up:

  • Place a cone about 25 meters away from the goal. 
  • Bring all of the balls to the cone. 
  • If you do not have a goal available, create one with cones or use a mini goal. 
  • Split players into two even teams. 
  • Have each team line up on one side of the cone. 
1v1 Shooting Soccer Drill
1v1 Shooting Soccer Drill

Drill Instructions:

  1. Have the goalkeeper (s) head to the goal. They can switch off every few times.
  2. Stand at the cone with the balls. 
  3. Pass the ball forward toward the goal. 
  4. The first player in each line should react to the pass and race to the ball. 
  5. The players should compete to see who can win the ball and finish first. 
  6. If the players are unable to finish right away and engage in a 1v1, keep the game at under 20 seconds. 
  7. Play the first team to 10 goals and then switch sides. Keep the entire activity around 10 minutes or less. 
  8. Have players start in different positions. At first, they can face forward. Then have them face sideways and backward,  or start kneeling or in a push-up position. Different starting positions help them work on power and reaction time.

Wide Attack: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Wide Attack
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Number of players: 3 to 16
  • Skills learned: Quick passing, dribbling, turning, and finishing
  • Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, and goalposts

Drill Setup

  • Place 1 cone on the end line 5 yards outside the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone 12 yards in front of the first. 
  • Place 1 cone parallel to the second cone on the edge of the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone in line with the third cone, around 5 yards outside the penalty box. 
  • If you have a goalkeeper, set up full-size goalposts. If you don’t have a goalkeeper, mini goalposts are okay.
Wide Attack
Wide Attack

Drill Instructions

  1. The team lines up behind the cone on the end line. 1 player stands at the second and another at the third cone.
  2. P1 starts the drill by playing a quick one-two pass with P2. 
  3. As soon as P2 plays the return pass, they turn and start to run toward the cone outside the penalty box. 
  4. P1 passes to P3. 
  5. P3 plays a first-time pass (if possible) in front of P1. 
  6. P1 receives the ball on the move, dribbles at it, then around the cone toward the goal. 
  7. P1 then dribbles into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper. 
  8. The goalkeeper may rush the attacker, come off their line, or play the scenario however they wish. This is a useful drill for goalkeepers also.
  9. If you have multiple goalkeepers in your team, rotate them each round. 
  10. After the round, P1 rejoins the main line, P3 takes the P1 spot, and P2 takes the P3 spot. 

Drill Variations

  • Create a competition between attackers and between goalkeepers for the most goals and stops. 
  • Switch the drill setup to the opposite side of the training field. 
  • Add a player to the penalty box to passively defend the attacker.

Pass, Layoff, and Shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Pass, layoff, and shoot
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 2 to 18
  • Skills learned: Passing, layoffs, first-time shooting
  • Equipment: 2 cones, 1 ball (minimum), 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal. Even if there is no goalkeeper, it’s important to practice shooting in a regulation goal.
  • Place 1 cone on the edge of the penalty box near the middle. 
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards outside of the penalty box toward center field. 
  • P2 stands next to the cone at the edge of the box. P2 is the passer. 
  • The rest of the team line up behind P1 at the cone outside the penalty box.
  • P1 starts with the ball. 
Pass, Layoff, and Shoot
Pass, Layoff, and Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by passing the ball to P2. 
  2. P1 then sprints toward the box and calls for a return pass. 
  3. P2 plays a first-time layoff pass in front of P1. 
  4. P1 takes a touch to control the ball, before shooting on goal. 
  5. This is also a useful drill for goalkeepers. 
  6. The next player in the attacking line continues the drill after the first shot is taken. 
  7. Rotate the passer occasionally. 

Drill Variations

  • Change the starting position to practice different shooting angles. 
  • Adjust the shooting distance. 
  • Focus on first-time shooting only. 
  • Instruct the passer to chip the ball slightly, forcing the shooter to take a half volley. 

Split the Defense Finishing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Split the defense finishing
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 3 to 18
  • Skills learned: Movement, positioning, first touch, finishing
  • Equipment: 1 mannequin (alternatively 1 cone or agility pole), 3 cone, 1 goal, 1 balls (minimum)

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal, even if there is no goalkeeper.
  • Place a mannequin, cone, or agility pole centrally on the edge of the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards outside the penalty box.
  • Create a 5-yard passing gate to the right of the mannequin using 2 cones.
  • P1 stands next to the mannequin.
  • P2 and the rest of the players line up behind the cone outside the box.
  • P2 starts with the ball.
See also  Soccer Drills & Games For 8-Year-Olds (Fun-Packed Details)
Split The Defense Finishing
Split The Defense Finishing

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by moving around the mannequin as if it were a defender. 
  2. P1 then sprints in front of the mannequin to receive a pass.
  3. P2 plays a quick one-two return pass to P1. 
  4. After playing the return pass, P1 backs away toward the 2 cone grid while still facing P2.
  5. This movement simulates splitting 2 defenders in the back line. 
  6. P2 plays a pass to P1’s feet. 
  7. P1 takes a touch into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.
  8. P1 joins the end of the passing line. 
  9. P2 takes P1’s position. 
  10. Repeat the drill. 

Drill Variations

  • Switch the drill to the opposite side to practice different shooting angles.
  • Create a competition where each attacker has 2 lives. All players can miss 2 shots. On the third miss, they are eliminated. The last player remaining is the winner.

Multiskill Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Multiskill Drill
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 7+
  • Number of players: 1 
  • Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, first touch, shooting
  • Equipment: 1 goal, 8 cones, 1 ball, 2 rebounding surfaces (wall, bench, fence)

Drill Setup

  • You need a grid of approximately 20 square yards for this drill. 
  • Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
  • A mini goal works well for this drill or a small goal made from cones. 
  • The distance between the cone weave drill should be 2 yards, enabling the dribbler to move through it at speed. 
  • If you don’t have a wall or rebounding surface, skip the passing sections of the drill. 
  • P1 begins the drill at the starting cone with the ball at its feet. 
Multiskill
Multiskill

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a one-two wall pass with themselves. 
  2. P1 then dribbles at speed through the cone weave, then around the next cone.
  3. At the next station, P1 rolls the ball through the narrow cone gate. 
  4. After rolling the ball, P1 sprints toward the cone to their left then check the run and recollects the ball. 
  5. P1 plays another one-two wall pass. 
  6. P1 takes 1 or 2 touches to get the ball under control, then takes a shot on goal. 
  7. P1 completes the entire drill 5 times, takes a 1-minute break, then repeats the full routine 2 more times (3 times in total).

Drill Variations

  • TIme each round and record the fastest ones. 
  • Focus on using both strong and weak feet for certain rounds. 
  • Increase the distance between the cones and stations to work on conditioning. 

Penalty shootout: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Penalty shootout
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 3 to 18
  • Skills learned: Penalties, shooting, penalty saves
  • Equipment: 1 goal, multiple balls

Drill Setup

  • Set up a full-size goal in the penalty box
  • If you have multiple goalkeepers, rotate them after each penalty. 
  • All outfield players compete against each other. 
Penalty Shootout
Penalty Shootout

Drill Instructions

  1. Each player takes 1 penalty in the first round. 
  2. If the player scores, they are through to the next round. If they miss, they are out. 
  3. Repeat the same process until there are 2 players left. 
  4. When there are 2 players left, play sudden death to determine the winner. 
  5. Play a round of rock-paper-scissors to determine who goes first. 
  6. In sudden death, each player takes 1 penalty per round. If both players score, sudden death continues for another round. If both players miss, sudden death continues for another round. If 1 player scores and the other misses, the player who scores wins.

Drill Variations

  • If there are enough players, split the team into 2 groups to compete against each other. 
  • Enforce a rule where all players must use their weak foot for a round.
  • Allow the goalkeeper to compete. 

Pass, turn, & shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Pass, turn, & shoot
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 2 to 18
  • Skills learned: Passing, turning, & shooting
  • Equipment: 2 balls, 2 cones, 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal. Even if there is no goalkeeper, it’s important to practice shooting in a regulation goal.
  • Place 1 cone centrally on the edge of the penalty box.
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards from the first, toward the center of the field. 
  • P2 stands at the cone on the edge of the penalty box.
  • P1 and the rest of the players line up at the other cone. 
  • P1 begins with the ball at their feet.
Pass Turn and Shoot
Pass Turn and Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a low, hard pass to P2.
  2. P2 takes a touch to control the ball then turns toward the goal. 
  3. P2 sets the ball in front of them and shoots at goal. 
  4. This drill focuses on technique. Instruct players to work on precision passing, great first touches, and accurate shooting. 
  5. P1 collects their ball, gives it to the next player, and joins the end of the line.
  6. P1 takes P2’s original position and the next player in line continues the drill.

Drill Variations

  • Instruct players to turn to their right and left to focus on shooting from both sides. 
  • Instruct players to focus on power shots for a round. 
  • Set accuracy targets, instructing players to aim for specific targets on goal, such as the bottom and top corners. 

Weave Passing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Weave Passing 
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 4 to 16
  • Skills learned: Passing, moving, anticipation, finishing
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal, 3 cones

Drill Setup

  • Use approximately half the field for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal if you have a goalkeeper. If not, a small goal or pair of cones will suffice.
  • Place 3 cones approximately 10 yards apart, across the field, just in front of the halfway line.
  • Divide the outfield players into 3 even groups. 
  • Each group lines up at a different cone. 
  • P1 begins with the ball at their feet at the center cone. 
Weave Passing
Weave Passing

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P2 and P3 set off, running toward the goal. 
  2. P1 plays a through ball to P2, anticipating where they are running to. 
  3. P1 wraps around behind P2, following the pass and continuing to run toward the goal. 
  4. P2 then plays a through ball to P3.
  5. P2 wraps around behind P3. 
  6. If P3 is close to the goal, they take a touch and shoot. 
  7. If P3 is still outside the box or too far out to shoot, they pass to P1 for a shot. 
  8. After completing the round, all outfield players join different lines. The next 3 players start the second round. 
  9. If you have multiple goalkeepers, rotate them occasionally.

Drill Variations

  • Time each round and challenge players to beat their best time every turn.
  • Set goal-scoring targets for the team. 
  • Increase the distance of the drill and cover the entire field. 

Pass, Dummy, & Shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Pass, Dummy, & Shoot
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 4 to 16
  • Skills learned: Passing, moving, dummying, finishing
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal, 3 cones

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal if you have a goalkeeper. If not, a small goal or pair of cones will suffice.
  • Place 1 cone central, 5 to 10 yards outside the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards to the right of the first.
  • Place 1 cone next to the left corner of the penalty box. 
  • Divide the outfield players into 3 even groups. 
  • Each group lines up at a different cone. 
  • P1 begins with the ball at their feet at the center cone. 
Pass Dummy Shoot
Pass Dummy Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P1 plays a give-and-go pass to P2. After playing the pass, they run toward the goal, calling for the return. 
  2. At the same time, P3 makes a run toward the right side of the penalty box, aligning their position with P1. 
  3. P2 plays a firm return pass toward P1. 
  4. P1 acts as if they are going to take a touch or shoot. At the last second, they dummy the ball, letting it run past them, into the path of P3. 
  5. P3 takes a touch and finishes or shoots the first time. 
  6. Instruct players to make firm and accurate passes to ensure the drill runs smoothly. 
  7. P1 can let the run pass in front of them, behind them, or through their legs. 
  8. After completing the round, all outfield players join different lines. The next 3 players start the second round. 
See also  Soccer for 3 & 4-year-olds (Fun Games)

Drill Variations

  • Switch the drill to the opposite side.
  • Set goal-scoring targets for the team. 
  • Focus on shooting with the left and right feet. 

Give & go shooting: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Give & go shooting
  • Session Length: 5 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: Full squad, including the starting goalkeeper and subs
  • Skills learned: passing, dribbling, shooting, and saves
  • Equipment: 2 cones, 1 goal, multiple balls

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill.
  • Set up 1 full-size goal in the normal position on the end line. The goalkeeper takes their place in between the posts. 
  • Place 1 cone centrally on the edge of the penalty box. The coach begins at this cone, acting as the passer and defender.
  • Place 1 cone centrally 5 yards outside the box. 
  • P1 and the rest of the outfield players line up behind the cone on the outside of the penalty box. 
  • P1 and the outfield players begin with the balls.
Give and Go Shooting
Give and Go Shooting

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a quick pass to the coach. 
  2. The coach lays the ball off to 1 side, then assumes the role of a defender. 
  3. P1 runs for the return pass, dribbles past the coach, then takes a shot on goal. 
  4. The coach doesn’t actively try to win possession. Instead, they shadow the attacker, allowing them to practice a game-like take-on. 
  5. P1 collects their ball and returns to the end of the line. 
  6. P2 and the rest of the outfield players repeat the drill.
  7. Outfield players should focus on accurate finishes, picking their spot before shooting. 
  8. This drill doubles as a goalkeeper warm-up. 

Drill Variations

  • If you have sub-goalkeepers, consider rotating them into the drill. 
  • The coach should play bobbled return passes or slightly elevated returns to simulate real game scenarios. 
  • Focus on weak foot shooting for a round. 

One-Touch Passing and Shooting: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: One-touch passing and shooting
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 3 to 18
  • Skills learned: One touch passing, first touch, crossing, first time finishing
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 3 cones, 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the width of the training field for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal. If you have a goalkeeper, this drill can double as saving practice. 
  • Place 1 cone centrally, approximately 5 yards outside of the penalty box. 
  • Place 2 more cones next to either sideline, in line with the first cone.
  • Divide the team into groups of 3. Each group lines up behind a cone. 
  • P1 begins at the central cone with the ball at their feet. 
One Touch Passing and Shooting
One Touch Passing and Shooting

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a long pass to P2. 
  2. As soon as the first pass is played, P3 starts to run toward the box. 
  3. P2 takes a good first touch toward the endline or penalty box. 
  4. P2 times the run of P3 and crosses the ball to them, aiming for their feet or head. 
  5. P3 shoots or heads the ball first time on goal. 
  6. If you have a goalkeeper, instruct them not to compete for the crosses. They should only attempt to save the shots. 
  7. After the round, P1 joins P2’s line, P2 joins P3’s line, and P3 joins P1’s line.

Drill Variations

  • Switch the crossing angle to the opposite side of the field. 
  • Set scoring targets for the team. 
  • Instruct P1 to vary the height of their initial passes so P2 and P3 can practice their first touch and ball control with their feet, knees, and chest. 

Channel Possession: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Channel Possession
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 12+
  • Number of players: 10 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, movement, positioning, counter attacking 
  • Equipment: 10 cones, 1 ball, 2 goals 

Drill Setup

  • Use approximately half the length and the full width of the field for this drill. 
  • Extend the penalty box lines by placing cones all the way from the edge of the penalty box to the halfway line (or end of the playing field). This creates 3 separate sections (1 left, 1 center, and 1 right).
  • Set up 2 goals. If you have goalkeepers, use full-size goals. If not, small goals are fine.
  • Divide the team into groups of 5 outfield players. 
  • 5 attackers and 5 defenders occupy either end of the field. 
  • If you have goalkeepers, assign 1 goalkeeper to each team.
Channel Possession
Channel Possession

Drill Instructions

  1. The objective of this drill is to score against the opposition. However, the attacking team can only score if they have at least 1 player in every section. This encourages players to create space and use the entire width of the field. 
  2. The defending team must stay in the center section. 
  3. Encourage attacking players to switch the play where possible, creating space on the wings. Attackers can rotate positions freely. 
  4. If the defenders win possession, they are now the attacking team. They should counterattack quickly to score while the opposition is out of position. However, they must adopt the same rules, meaning they must have at least 1 player in every section to score. 
  5. The first team to score 3 goals wins. 

Drill Variations

  • Scale this drill up or down depending on the number of available players. 
  • Set time limits to score when teams are in possession. 
  • Set a minimum number of consecutive passes before a team can score. 

1 v 1 Relay: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 1 v 1 Relay
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 2+
  • Skills learned: Movement, quick feet, dribbling, tackling, blocking, finishing
  • Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball, 1 goal, 8 agility poles

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill. 
  • Place a cone, 5 to 10 yards from the corner of the penalty box toward the sideline. This indicates the starting position.
  • Place 4 agility poles 5 yards from the cone toward the end line in a weave formation. 
  • Place another cone 5 yards from the end of the weave. 
  • Position 1 more cone in line with the first cone and the edge of the penalty box. 
  • Set up an identical drill on the opposite side of the field. 
  • Place 1 in the center of the edge of the penalty box. 
  • P1 and P2 stand at the starting cones on either side of the field. 
1 v 1 Relay
1 v 1 Relay

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P1 and P2 sprint to, then through the agility pole weave, moving laterally outside each pole. 
  2. After completing the weave, they spring too, then around the cone near the end line before sprinting toward the final cone next to the starting point. 
  3. After rounding the final cone, both players race to win possession of the ball. 
  4. The player who gets the ball first is the attacker, making the other player the defender. 
  5. From here, they compete in a 1 v 1, with the attacker trying to score. 
  6. If you have a goalkeeper, use a full-size goal. If not, set up a small goal or create a shooting gate using cones. 
  7. Players are awarded 2 points for a goal and 1 point for dispossessing or blocking their opponent. A foul results in a 1 point deduction. 
  8. No points are awarded to either player for a miss.
  9. Repeat the drill until 1 player reaches 5 points. 

Drill Variations

  • Get creative with the agility course by adding more obstacles or sections. 
  • If you want to focus on player conditioning, consider increasing the winning points tally to 10. 
  • To add a fun twist, award point for nutmegs (kicking the ball through the defender’s legs).
  • If 1 player consistently passes through the grid faster than the other, consider lengthening their route to create a more even contest. 
See also  4 Player Soccer Drills (4 Vs. 4 Games)

Short corner Shot Setup: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Short corner Shot Setup
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 12+
  • Number of players: 6 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, shooting, positioning, tactical play, & movement
  • Equipment: 1 goal, multiple balls

Drill Setup

  • Use the final third of the field for this drill (entire width plus the penalty box).
  • P3 should be one of the best shot-takers on your team. 
  • P1 and any designated set-piece takers should rotate turns taking the corners.  
  • P2 stands at the corner of the penalty box nearest to the corner flag.
  • P3, P4, P5, and P6 stand in a tight line from the edge to the inside of the penalty box. This makes it difficult for the defenders to mark them and track their movement. 
Short Corner Shot Setup
Short Corner Shot Setup

Drill Instructions

  1. For this drill, the taker should raise both hands in the air after placing the ball on the corner flag. This indicates what positions the attackers should take up during a game. 
  2. As P1 makes their run-up to kick the ball, P2 sprints toward P1 and calls for the ball.
  3. P1 lines up like they will cross the ball but plays a short pass to P2’s feet. 
  4. After the first pass, P1 runs past P2 and receives the return. 
  5. At the same time, P3 sprints past P4, P5, and P6, faking a run to the front post. 
  6. After passing P6, P3 loops back around to the edge of the box and calls for the pass from P1.
  7. P1 lays the ball off to P3 for a first-time shot. 
  8. P3 takes a first-time shot on goal.
  9. The rest of the attacking players take up positions inside the box, anticipating a rebound or deflection. 

Drill Variations

  • Practice the corner routine from the opposite side. 
  • Rotate the role of P3 to give your best strikers a chance to practice shooting in this scenario.
  • Add a goalkeeper for realistic shooting practice. 
  • Set scoring targets for each training session. 
  • Add defenders to simulate an in-game scenario.

Individual Penalty Practice: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Individual Penalty Practice
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 1 player (goalkeeper optional)
  • Skills learned: shooting accuracy, shot power
  • Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 1 goal, 2 cone or agility poles, 2 tires

Drill Setup

  • Use the full penalty box for this drill.
  • Set up a full-size goal and mark the penalty spot.
  • This drill is designed to improve penalty accuracy and power. 
Individual Penalty Practice
Individual Penalty Practice

Drill Instructions

  1. The first 5 penalties are a warm-up, where P1 practices their ball placement, run-up, and shooting technique. 
  2. For the next 5 penalties, P1 practices shooting into the bottom left corner of the goal. Place a cone around 1 yard to the inside of the post. P1 should aim to get every shot between the cone and the post. 
  3. For the next 5 penalties, P1 repeats this process in the bottom right corner of the goal. 
  4. For the next 5 penalties, P1 aims slightly higher in the left-hand corner. Place an agility pole 1 yard to the inside of the post to better identify the target. 
  5. For the next 5 penalties, P1 repeats this process in the mid-right of the goal. 
  6. For the next 5 penalties, P1 aims for the top left corner of the goal. If possible, hang a tire from the crossbar as the target. If not, P1 should just focus on accuracy. 
  7. For the next 5 penalties, P1 repeats this process in the top right side of the goal. 

Drill Variations

  • Set scoring and accuracy targets for each corner.
  • Reduce the distance between the cones and posts to improve accuracy. 
  • Advanced players can practice striking the ball using different parts of their feet (e.g. instep, outside of the boot, and laces).
  • Introduce a goalkeeper to simulate a real game scenario.

Low Power – High Power Penalties: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Low Power – High Power Penalties
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 1 player (goalkeeper optional)
  • Skills learned: shooting accuracy, shot power
  • Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the full penalty box for this drill.
  • Set up a full-size goal and mark the penalty spot.
  • This drill is designed to improve penalty accuracy and power. 
Low Power High Power
Low Power High Power

Drill Instructions

  1. Before each penalty, P1 identifies the area of the goal that they’re aiming for. 
  2. For the first 5 penalties, the focus is purely on accuracy. 
  3. For the next 5 penalties, P1 identifies the area of the goal that they’re aiming for but increases the power slightly. 
  4. Repeat the process for several rounds, gradually increasing the power each time. 
  5. Once P1 has taken 20 to 25 penalties, introduce a goalkeeper. 

Drill Variations

  • Set scoring and accuracy targets for each corner.
  • Advanced players can practice striking the ball using different parts of their feet (e.g. instep, outside of the boot, and laces).

Roll & Shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Roll & Shoot
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 2 minimum (goalkeeper optional)
  • Skills learned: Shooting accuracy, shot power, technique, tactical play
  • Equipment: Multiple balls, 1 goal, 5 mannequins

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill. 
  • Set up a full-size goal.
  • For the first round, place 3 mannequins 3 yards inside the box on P1’s right-hand side. 
  • For the second round, place 3 mannequins 3 yards inside the box on P1s in the center. 
  • For the third round, place 3 mannequins 3 yards inside the box on P1’s left-hand side. 
  • P1 is designated as the shooter, while P2 is designated as the passer (roller).
Roll and Shoot
Roll and Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. The aim of this drill is to create better shooting angles for the freekick taker by rolling the ball at an angle. 
  2. For the first round, P1 takes 10 shots in total. For the first 5 shots, P2 rolls the ball to the left side of the wall, giving P1 a clearer and more open shot on goal. For the next 5 shots, P2 rolls the ball to the right side of the wall, giving P1 a wider angle to curl the ball around the wall. 
  3. For the second round, P1 takes another 10 shots, 5 from either side of the wall. 
  4. For the third round, P1 takes another 10 shots, essentially mirroring the first round. 
  5. Before each free-kick, P1 and P2 must discuss the pace, weight, and angle of the pass. As soon as the kick is taken, the defenders can close down the shooter so both players must be on the same page. 
  6. Track the number of goals scored and challenge players to improve their record every time they carry out this drill. 

Drill Variations

  • Add more mannequins to the wall to make it more difficult for the shooter. 
  • Introduce a goalkeeper to simulate real game scenarios. 
  • If you have multiple players, create a goal-scoring competition between them.
  • Adjust the distance and shooting angles to practice scoring from different positions.

120 + SOCCER DRILLS

Soccer drills for every aspect of the game, head over to our free Soccer Drills Hub …

8e83cfb63d54c9260fa694b185c6bca8?s=150&d=mp&r=g ○ Soccer Blade
Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

Sharing is caring :)

Related Posts

[wp_show_posts id="13928"]

/// Awesome Adidas Cleats ///

Product: Updated 2024-11-22 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

Product: Updated 2024-11-22 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate

Product: Updated 2024-11-22 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate


Thanks for reading our articles - we hope you've enjoyed them - have fun playing, coaching, and or watching soccer.

Disclosure: Soccer Blade is an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases., at no extra cost to you.