3-Minute Shooting Drill

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Put a clock on shooting practice and everything sharpens. In this 3-minute soccer shooting drill, one team attacks the goal at pace while the other earns points for clean first-time clearances behind it. U9–U16 players get shooting reps, keepers get a workout, and both teams chase a score.

Browse the full shooting drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U13 players.

Setup

• Split the group into two teams and put a goalkeeper in the goal.
• One team spreads out behind the goal - they are the clearing (defending) team.
• The other team lines up at midfield, every player with a ball.
• If the penalty area isn't lined, set cones along its edge as the shooting marker.

How It Works

1. Each team gets 3 minutes attacking, then 3 minutes clearing.
2. Attackers go one at a time: dribble at speed toward the box and shoot before crossing into the penalty area. The next player starts as soon as the shot is taken.
3. Attackers score 1 point per goal, and 1 point any time the ball goes dead behind the goal.
4. When a shot misses wide, the team behind the goal plays it back high and wide into the field; they earn 1 point for a clean clearance or for getting two touches on the ball before it hits the ground.
5. After 3 minutes, teams swap roles. Highest total wins.

Coaching Points

• Attack at game speed - the dribble to the edge of the box should be a genuine burst.
• Strike the ball with proper technique and hit the target; wild shots give away clearance points.
• Clearing players should make solid contact and send the ball high and wide, never back through the middle.
• Keep the tempo relentless: next shooter moves the moment the previous shot is away.

Variations

• Have the coach serve balls to the attackers at varied heights instead of dribbling starts.
• Move the shooting-line cones closer or farther from goal to change the challenge for shooter and keeper.
• For younger players, award 1 point for a shot on target and 2 points for a goal.