Flighted Balls in the 18

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Flighted Balls in the 18 is a soccer finishing drill that puts three key skills together: the chipped serve, the aerial first touch, and the shot. Teams that rarely train inside the penalty area tend to panic there on game day, so this drill deliberately keeps every rep inside the 18. It suits U11-U16 players who can already strike a lofted pass.

Browse the full crossing drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U14 players.

Setup

• Split the squad into three even lines: Group A, Group B, and Group C.
• Place Group A at one corner of the penalty box, right beside the end line, with a big pile of balls.
• Place Group B at the opposite corner of the box, also on the end line.
• Place Group C at the top of the D (the penalty arc).
• Put a goalkeeper in the goal.

How It Works

1. The first player in Group A chips a lofted ball across the face of the goal toward Group B.
2. The first Group B player brings the ball down out of the air with a clean controlling touch.
3. Group B then passes to the first player in Group C at the top of the box.
4. The Group C player finishes with a shot on goal against the keeper.
5. Players rotate lines after each rep: A moves to B, B moves to C, C moves to A.

Coaching Points

• Demand quality on the chipped serve - height, pace, and accuracy across the goal face.
• The first touch out of the air should kill the ball and set up the next pass, not bounce away.
• Shooters should hit the target low and hard rather than blasting over.
• Keep the tempo high so players get used to acting quickly in front of goal.
• Praise composure - the whole point is feeling calm inside the box.

Variations

• Limit touches - Group B controls and passes in two touches, then progress to one-touch layoffs.
• Ask Group C to finish first-time for a full one-touch sequence.
• Switch the serving side so players chip and control with both feet.