Shooting Warm-Up

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

This soccer shooting warm-up drill turns long-range striking into a team race. Groups of U10-U16 players compete to hit the crossbar and score no-bounce goals from around the 18-yard box, and because everyone chases their own ball after each strike, it doubles as sneaky fitness work.

Find similar exercises in our shooting drills collection or filter by age with drills for U13 teams.

Setup

• Split the squad into three even teams - with 18 players that's three teams of six.
• Place a cone at the top of the 18-yard box and one at each corner of the box; each team takes a cone.
• Every player has their own ball and is responsible for it all session.
• Have each team number off (1 to 6). Players must always shoot in that order.

How It Works

1. Round one: hit the crossbar. Teams shoot as fast as they like as long as they stay in numerical order.
2. After every strike, the shooter sprints to retrieve their ball and rejoins the line - the group cannot skip anyone, so a slow retrieval stalls the whole team.
3. Play 4 minutes or until a team hits the bar 10 times, whichever comes first.
4. Rotate the teams to a new shooting angle and repeat. After all angles, the losing teams pay a small forfeit (push-ups, sit-ups, or a sprint).
5. Round two: same format, but now the ball must hit the net in the air - no bounce before it crosses the line. First to 10 clean goals or best total in 4 minutes wins.

Coaching Points

• Strike through the ball with a locked ankle and follow through toward the target.
• Chase every ball at full speed - the retrieval sprints are the hidden fitness work.
• Keep teams honest on shooting order; it forces focus even while resting.
• Encourage players to find their range quickly rather than blasting blindly.

Variations

• Change the strike: volley out of the hands, half-volley, or juggle twice then volley.
• For younger players, allow a touch before shooting or move the cones closer to goal.
• Combine the crossbar and no-bounce rounds into one longer contest before settling the winner.