Small-Sided Shooting and Finishing Game
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
This small-sided shooting and finishing game crams a full match's worth of shots into twenty minutes. On a field the size of the penalty area, U9–U16 players fire from deep, crash rebounds, and keep the keepers under constant siege. Nobody stands in line, and every restart is instant.
Browse the full shooting drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U13 players.
Setup
- Mark a small field roughly the size of the penalty area (18×44 yards) with a goal and goalkeeper on each end.
- Mark the center point of the field with cones.
- Taper the sidelines in toward each goal so shots always come from workable angles.
- Set up 4v2 in each half: four defenders and two opposing forwards, with all players locked to their starting half.
- Pile spare balls behind each goal for instant restarts.
How It Works
- Defenders shoot at the far goal from their own half of the field.
- The two forwards in that half follow every shot, attacking rebounds and loose balls to finish.
- If the keeper gathers the ball, they distribute quickly to their own defenders and play flows the other way.
- If a shot flies over, grab a new ball from behind the goal and restart immediately.
- Encourage shots on half-chances - hesitation is the only mistake in this game.
Coaching Points
- Shoot early and often; the game rewards players who pull the trigger.
- Forwards must chase every rebound and get in the keeper's face - no watching.
- Limit touches before shooting to keep the tempo high.
- Keepers should distribute fast and accurately to launch the counter.
Variations
- Restrict defenders to three touches and forwards to one touch to force quicker shots and more chances.
- Award two points for rebound goals to sharpen the forwards' hunger.