Finding the Target Player
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
Finding the Target Player is a soccer passing drill for U11–U16 that trains midfielders and defenders to lift their eyes and play forward with purpose. Each team scores by dropping a flighted ball onto a target player in a marked zone - but only a deliberate, controlled delivery counts. It's the antidote to aimless long balls.
Want more? See all our soccer passing drills or jump to U14 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a large grid around 40×40 yards, sized to your numbers and age group.
- Split into two even teams in different colors.
- Build a 10×10 yard target zone at each team's attacking end.
- Each team places one target player inside the zone they attack.
How It Works
- Teams play against each other, keeping possession in the main grid.
- A point is scored by playing a flighted ball into your target player's zone.
- The target player must control the ball inside the zone for the point to count.
- After a score or a turnover, play continues without stopping.
Coaching Points
- First look forward: heads up immediately on receiving to check the target's position.
- Play the target early when the lane is open - but make it a chosen pass, not a hopeful clearance.
- Draw a hard line between purposeful early service and kickball; only the first one scores.
- Keep possession patiently when the target is covered, then strike when the picture changes.
Variations
- Enlarge the target zone and add a defender against the target player - passive at first, then live.
- Require a set number of passes before the ball can go to the target.
- Let the target player lay the ball off to a runner for a bonus point.