Combination Shooting and Finishing Drill

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

This combination shooting and finishing soccer drill challenges U13 to U16 players with the hardest moment in attacking play: receiving with your back to goal, turning tight, and getting a shot away before the defense recovers. A diamond of cones organizes a flowing three-pass build-up, and a small cone gate near the goal gives players a clear target for the checking run. Both feet get work, because the pattern alternates right-footed and left-footed finishes.

Want more? See all our soccer shooting drills or jump to U15 soccer drills for this age group.

Setup

• Work on half a field with a goalkeeper in the goal.
• About 18 yards from goal, set two cones roughly 5 yards apart, perpendicular to the goal; this gate is where the shooter checks in and where the first shooter starts.
• Place a cone level with each side of the penalty box, about 10 yards out from the top of the box, with one player on each.
• Add a central cone about 10 yards beyond those side cones, farthest from goal.
• The four cones should form a diamond, with the gate closest to goal acting as the passing window.
• Line up all remaining players at the far central cone, each with a ball.

How It Works

1. Player 1 at the far cone passes to Player 2 on a side cone and follows the pass.
2. Player 2 plays the ball through the gate as Player 3 checks into it, then follows and becomes the next checking player in the middle.
3. Player 3 receives with their back to goal, takes one touch across their body to the far side, and finishes with a right-footed shot.
4. While that shot happens, the new Player 1 feeds Player 4 on the opposite side cone and follows.
5. Player 4 passes into the next checking player at the gate, who this time turns to the other side and finishes left-footed.
6. The rotation continues, alternating sides and finishing feet with every rep.

Coaching Points

• Passes must be crisp, and runs into the gate must be timed to meet the ball, not wait for it.
• The turn is the drill: quick and tight, shielding the ball with the body until the moment of the shot.
• Keep the tempo of a match; slow build-ups create lazy habits.
• Every rep ends with a real attempt on goal; hitting the target is not optional.

Variations

• Play the whole pattern one touch for advanced groups.
• Spread the cones and serve flighted balls into each station.
• Add a passive defender on the shooter's back so they learn to hide the ball through the turn.